Summer is here and I couldn’t be more excited to explore the city on my days off with Noah. I want to try to soak in as much time enjoying it before the dreaded, tiring, third trimester hits.

There are a few essentials we both use that you could probably find in my diaper bag on a daily basis. I feel like everybody has those few things we all use during the warmer months right? Some of these things you could find at Target, Amazon or even Walgreens. If you have any questions about any of them, send them my way. And I would love to hear some of your go-to-products for the summer!

For Toddler

Target Swim Trunks – I love anything nautical during the summer, so these swim trunks are perfect. I find boys clothes are harder to find, but I love these. There is a matching lobster rash guard that is super cute too.

Huggies Swim Diapers– Last summer was a major trial and error with swim diapers for Noah. Want to know my biggest pet peeve with them? Many of them swell up as soon as they hit the water. They become uncomfortable and not absorbent. At the end of summer, we tried Huggies (after a lot of more expensive brands we tried) and they worked out great! The best we have tried so far.

Babyganics Sunscreen– We have used this since Noah was a baby. A friend recommended it after Noah was breaking out. After some allergy testing with a dermatologist, we found out he has a mild case of eczema. This sunscreen has always been great with his skin and Manny actually uses it too due to his sensitive skin.

OFF Deep Woods Wipes– This is a game changer. These wipes were recommended by our pediatrician when Noah was 3 months old. I find that the wipes get so much more of an even coverage compared to spray. We’ve never had an issue applying them either and you don’t have to worry about them inhaling the spray. Bonus, they are easy to carry around.

Picnic Blanket– If you have been following me for awhile, we got this last summer and use it at least twice a week. It’s lightweight, easy to clean up and folds up to a small size that fits in the bottom of our stroller. It’s great for movies in the park, lunch, beach, etc. Best $10 dollar purchase I’ve made for our summer gear.

Radio Flyer Wagon– You might have seen this in my insastory taking Noah to the park and for walks. I love this for longer trips to the grocery store too. We can throw in our groceries and he loves it, calls it the “bumpy ride”. There’s lot of space, we will be able to fit two little ones in it.

For Mom

Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask– The more makeup I wear in the summer, the worse my skin gets. I discovered this mask around a month ago and love the way it makes my skin feel. I try to do it once a week, just to clear my face out from the week of sweat and makeup.

Gillette Venus Platinum Metal Handle Razor– The Gillette razor is typically the only type of razor I use, but now they have a metal handle. I actually liked it a lot more than the plastic, much better grip. There is a $2 dollar coupon here from Walmart.

Go Glow Sunless Touch Up Spray– I love Go Glow in River North so much! The best spray tan that doesn’t leave you orange or smelling rotten. This touch up spray is perfect to travel with and I use it on my face the night before I have a big event. It doesn’t clog my pores and really easy to apply.

Kiss the Face SPF Spray– I’m an avid sunscreen applier, but kind of picky when it comes to finding a good one for myself. I found Kiss the Sun at Whole Foods (they are always on sale there) and I am hooked. It’s one of the most lightweight sunscreens I’ve ever used, plus no weird smells and the spray makes it less messy to apply.

Old Navy Bandanas– If you check my Instagram feed right now, you will see I’ve been kind of obsessing over banadas. I tend to wear my hair up more in the summer, and the bandanas add a little something. I also have some from the Target $1-$3 dollar bins too.

Hair Mask by Living Proof- My hair gets super, super dry in the summer, plus I color it every few months. From the sun and heat, it takes a beating. I love anything Living Proof (the smell is the best), but this mask works wonders on my ends. I can’t use it all over because it’s super hydrating, but just 5 minutes in the shower every other week or so, it does the trick. A little bit goes a long way. I’ve had mine for at least 4 months now and I’m about halfway done with it. I highly recommend it for dry hair.

Batiste Dry Shampoo– I will say this time and time again, best dry shampoo for the price. It’s one of the originals. I’m an avid dry shampoo-er (I’m a mom ok, I have to) and it’s the best. Doesn’t have much of a scent, but works the best. I love Dry Bar and other fancier brands, but for the price, this just works. I usually buy them at least 2 or 3 at time, it saves so much more money that way.

Wide Brim Hat– Just look at my Instagram feed, it’s a part of my summer uniform. I have a small head and it’s adjustable, I was sold.

Let me know what you guys think! Should I try something else? And as always, thanks for reading. You can subscribe to weekly posts here and follow me on Instagram.

Until next time,

Christine