Spring Essentials + Hacks to Beat the Heat
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Springtime in Florida is fleeting. We have a few weeks this time of year when the highs are in the 70s, then after that it is the 80s and up until October.
While I would love to be able to “add a trench” to my look to elevate it or buy my kids a light jacket to complete their wardrobe, that is unrealistic for Florida moms. We are already in full prep for sunshine, sunscreen tantrums, and lots of water.
Spring and into summer with kids involves a lot of things that mom will likely carry from one outdoor destination to another.
Here are some hacks for how to manage the bulk
Use a large tote with a zipper
If you’re heading to the park for the day, skip the baby bag, lunchboxes, and purse for one bag. Ideally this bag will be insulated or weather proofed and have a zipper so that things don’t fall out when the kids inevitably knock it down. . Use packing cubes inside the tote to categorize your items. And don’t forget a wet bag for swimsuits!
Put it on wheels
Even if we are just playing in the front yard, there are a lot of moving pieces. Literally with scooters, bikes, and cars, but also figuratively with scheming how to keep the kids entertained, safe, and happy. So that I don’t have to keep a mental checklist of all the toys that come out of the garage and a general parameter of their final resting place in the yard, I roll out a wagon with us. Instead of having the kids run up and put the toys back, they have to put it in the wagon. As they start to get hot, they don’t have to worry about helping clean up and I don’t have to worry about them running into the street to get a ball. I just pull the wagon up and we clean up in the shade of the garage.
I love how much time the kids get to play outdoors this time of year. It’s pleasantly warm and sunshiney. I am a big fan of letting the kids play in nature like mud, dirt, grass, etc. but that will only get me so far. When I am looking for an extended playtime outside so that I can have a moment of silence, I gravitate to certain toys.
Best Toys to Keep the Kids Entertained Outdoors
Water play, shade, and packable toys
Water toys are the best way to keep my kids entertained outside. There are so many ways to play with it from measuring cups and buckets to sprinklers and water tables. And if you’re lucky enough to have a pool, grab floats that have attached water guns. My boys have loved these since they were toy years old, with supervision of course.
I also try to buy toys that come with a container for easy clean up. For example, sidewalk chalk that comes with its own bucket that we can carry easily outside and clean up quickly.
Remember Sun Protection
I try to keep my kids outside in the spring as much as I can. I can attest that the sunshine and fresh air is great for their moods and also helps them get a great night’s sleep. However, I am of Irish decent and I know the risks of sun damage to the skin. I apply sunscreen religiously. In order to get the best coverage, I recommend applying sunscreen while your kids are naked watching a show. That way you won’t miss a spot and get a good base of full coverage while they are distracted.
In addition to that, I gravitate towards toys that have built in sun protection. Look for toys that have removable shade for easy storage.
Dress for success
With the prevalence of spring showers, I highly recommend that all parents get raincoats for their kiddos for two reasons. First, if you’re trying to get your kids from point A to point B while maneuvering an umbrella, you’re going to end up soaked and poking someone in the eye. If all the kids have their own raincoat (and boots if needed), they will be dry and you will be able to hold hands as you cross the street.
Also, playing in the rain is one of my kids’ favorite springtime activities. They will run outside in a small shower as long as I let them. I love it because there isn’t a big mess of toys to clean up and their giggles give my soul a nice boost. Just make sure to get everyone in and warm before someone catches a cold!
I’m hopeful that we might be on the go a bit more this spring and summer, so packing up strategically is key. The days of throwing a few things in my purse and hitting the road are FAR FAR gone. Here are some of the many things I always have in my bag when I head out this time of year.
What to Pack in Your Bag in Spring
Sun protection
Did I mention I am a big fan of sunscreen? Sun protection can mean a lot of different things. For us, I make sure to apply sunscreen before we head out so that it has a little time to sit on their skin before sun or water exposure. Then I pack that same sunscreen in my bag. In addition, I have a towel in case we need a little DIY shade. And can’t forget sunglasses!
Keep Cool
I always have multiple USB charged fans that attach to strollers with me this time of year. There are some options that mist you with water too!
I also recommend a well insulated water bottle for the kids and yourself. There is nothing worse than needing a cool sip of water and being met with a warm gulp. And don’t forget to have your portable hand washing station! In a pinch that can be used as drinking water.
