Like I said in my winter essentials post, we spend a LOT of time outside. We recently built an epic swing set in our yard, so we spend even MORE time outside now! I aim for one hour of fresh air play every day, and I rarely say no when Jack asks for more! Outdoor play is so important for development, and it helps that it really wears them out for nap time! How do I keep up with my kids while outside? Check out this list of essential springtime outdoor gear.
Thank you to The Natural Patch for sponsoring this post. Links included in this post may generate affiliate commission. All opinions are my own.
Sun Protection Essentials
As fair-skinned blondies, my entire family is susceptible to sunburn when playing outside. To help protect everyone from the sun’s rays, we rely on both sunscreen and wearable protection. I love zinc sunscreens but they are oftentimes hard to rub in and leave a white cast. We use ThinkBaby’s Clear Zinc sunscreen because it doesn’t leave our already pale babies even more ghostly LOL! We also use Blue Lizard’s spray sunscreen for full-body coverage and their face stick as well– and I’m not going to lie, it’s mostly because of Cookie Monster.
Both kids also have sun hats. Grace has this hat in white to match all of her outfits. I like that it has the big flap in back to cover her sweet neck, and the ties help hold in on despite all her best efforts! Jack had the same one last year, but he’s getting older and wiser and needs another layer of defense to keep it on. So we have this one and so far so good!
Bug Protection Essentials
When I first looked into family-friendly bug spray options it was slow going. Everything had DEET or other unsavory ingredients, or just plain didn’t work. Then I heard about Mosquito Patches from The Natural Patch.
Mosquito Patches are medical grade, non woven patches that stick to clothing and not skin. They use an all natural essential oil blend relied on for hundreds of years by indigenous communities to repel mosquitos. For Grace, I use one sticker on her back. Since Jack is a bit bigger, he gets two on the back of his shirt; one near his neck between his shoulder blades, and one near the bottom hemline. When I use them, I put one sticker near each exposed limb.
For times when I’ve forgotten to use a Mosquito Patch and someone gets bitten (usually me LOL!) I use an Itch Relief Patch. Itch Relief Patches use scientifically engineered Grid-Relief Technology that creates a mechanical action for a micro lift in the skin, helping drain the lymphatic system to release biochemicals that cause the itch sensation. In layman’s terms: they function like kinesiology tape on an injury!
Using my link for The Natural Patch will discount your entire order!
Accessories for Outdoor Play:
Gear for Mom:
I always have my huge 40-ounce water cup. I like this one because it fits in my car’s cup holder and keeps my water cold.
To keep my hands free for kid-wrangling, I love this belt bag. I can wear it on my hips like a traditional belt bag or cross-body.
If I don’t have my belt bag on, I have my TushBaby! It’s a multi-function belt bag with a hip seat for your baby! It saves my arms and is great for quick carries as well as longer distances, and has lots of pockets. I have the sand vegan leather and it’s so chic! Use code CAROLINE15 to save 15%
Our kid-carrying backpack is probably one of our most-used baby gear items. We use it at least every weekend, and sometimes a couple times a week. It does a great job of distributing the weight and making it comfortable even on long hikes. Also, it’s adjustable to fit both me and my husband easily.
I also always have my favorite sunglasses on hand.
Gear for Kids:
Similarly, my kids always have a stainless steel water cup on-hand as well! We love these Yeti bottles and have each personalized with their names.
If we’re going to be outside long enough to have snack time, I pack a snack in the kids’ Bentgo boxes. Jack takes one to preschool every day, and we have been super happy with them! They fit perfectly in these Cold Pack lunchboxes (on sale!)
If we’ll be away for lunchtime, I prefer the size of the Planetbox Rover for a full meal! This set comes with the coordinating lunch box and magnet set.
To keep hands clean and ready for mealtime, we love our Suds2Go handwashing systems! We have both the original bottle and the refillable caps. I keep with bottle and towel set in my car, and Josh keeps a cap in his. It’s an ingenious idea that incorporates foaming hand soap and pump system into a water bottle with a sprinkler cap for easy handwashing on the go! Use code CAROLINE for 15% off
How do you incorporate outdoor play in your family? What are some of your outdoor play must-haves?
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