Warm weather is here!!! Well, it’s finally arriving in the Pacific Northwest, anyway (I know that anyone living in the Southern states is just rolling their eyes 😜). I personally love the cooler weather days, but when it comes to playing with your kiddos outside I think we can all agree that bundling them up to go out just isn’t anyone’s favorite activity. It’s infinitely easier to pop on a onesie and shorts (or heck, even just a diaper / pull-up) and let them run around the back yard.
Fresh air, sunshine, and romping around outdoors just can’t be beat.
OUTDOOR GEAR
Activity Totes
I love my designer totes, but it’s not ideal to bring them into dirty or wet environments so I love having this little plastic tote bag to carry Sophie’s essentials.
Turkish Towels
So thin and packable, yet absorbent! Perfect for any beach or pool bag, but we keep them on hand at home too.
Rechargeable Fan
Some days you just have to make your own breeze. I absolutely adore these little battery-powered fans that can be used just about anywhere. The tripod legs allow it to be used just propped up on a surface, but it can also grip rails (like the canopy rod on a stroller) so it’s universally helpful. We don’t use it much in the PNW but I’m always so grateful that we have it during the summer months and whenever we travel somewhere warm.
Life Preserver
A non-negotiable for any open water situations, even if your little one can swim. We have a life preserver for Sophie to wear on the occasional days that our friends kindly invite us out on their boat or for when we go whale watching!
*Be sure that you buy one that is USCG-approved and the proper size / design for your little one (infant vs toddler / little kid).
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PLAY EQUIPMENT
Outdoor Playard
These outdoor playards would be absolutely perfect for lazy, warm days spent outside with an infant / baby. To prevent bugs and sunburns the canopy and mesh screen make it an ideal spot for babies to have tummy time and play safely. Great for use in your own yard, but also great for parks and maybe even for beaches!
Baby / Toddler Swing
Adding a swing to your house is such a great play item for babies and toddlers. Depending on your situation, there is an option for you: freestanding, tree limb straps, and door frame!
Kiddie Pool
We’re hoping to join a pool club nearby and enroll Sophie in swim classes, but there’s just something so quintessentially “childhood summer” about a backyard pool and water play. We have had both inflatable and foldable options and I think they’re both great — the choice just depends on your preferences / storage space (inflatable folds up a bit smaller).
Splash Pad
Such a fun alternative (or accompaniment!) to a kiddie pool. Just make sure you have a hose that’s long enough to stretch from your faucet to the space you want to set up the splash pad!
Water Table
Excellent for sensory development and the fully plastic ones are perfectly waterproof for your splashy baby / toddler!
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TOYS
Sand Toys
These options are great because they’re soft to the touch and perfect for sandboxes, sensory play tables or the beach. It’s great that there are sets available that include a little shovel and pail and some that include a little hand rake and watering can! I also love these little silicone watering cans because while they can obviously be used for water play, they’re also the perfect size for tiny hands to help you with gardening. We mixed and matched sets for maximum sensory play options!
I also highly recommend grabbing some funnels, sieve cups, and maybe even a little net for scooping floating toys!
Floating Toys
I also highly recommend any type of toy that (1) can float (although this isn’t necessary, but it sure makes things more fun!), and (2) doesn’t have a squirting ability / have any holes where it could allow water to get trapped inside and eventually mold. I grabbed some natural rubber toys (safe for baby nibbling!) before our trip to Hawaii and Sophie has loved playing with them since!
Sophie likes to play with these little boats in the bathtub so it was a no brainer to bring them to our little pool!
Bubbles
Who doesn’t love bubbles?! Bring on all the options!!! Bubble machines, wands, etc. (and don’t forget the soap refills for inevitable spills!).
Reusable Water Balloons
Sophie is still a bit too young for the concept of water balloons, but I had to include them on this roundup because I think the fact that they’re reusable is truly brilliant. There’s less mess because there aren’t a zillion tiny pieces of rubber balloon to clean up (which automatically makes them environmentally friendly too).
IMPORTANT PSA: as much fun as pools are water play are, never leave your little one unattended. It also can’t hurt to brush up on your water safety knowledge.
You can find my swimsuit and accessory recommendations here. And if the weather isn’t cooperating with your plans for fun-in-the-sun, I also have suggestions for indoor play here!
Happy shopping, friends!
Sending hugs —
xx, Natalie
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