Summer Baby/Toddler must haves!

 Summer hits super hard in Perth. One second the grass is green and everything looks lush and gorgeous, and the next you're sitting in a sand pit trying to have a picnic. Summer with a baby can be tough. When they are non-verbal it's difficult to know if they are too hot, if they have an itchy bug bite, if they are getting sunburned...so much to think about! So I wanted to complete a short list of the things that I find most helpful. That I pack in every go-bag in summer and that I have tried and tested! 

First off, sun protection! I love the Hamilton Toddler suncream. I have been using it on Olive since she was three months with no problem. I hate gluggy, streaky suncream, so this is my idea of perfect. It comes in a roll on, so easy application and it rubs in completely without leaving a gross film. And to top it off, it's SPF 50+ (if you have a child with sensitive skin or if you are unsure, maybe do a tiny patch test or consult your doctor before choosing suncream.)

Let's talk bug bites. I hate seeing Olive get mosquito bites, I can tell how uncomfortable she gets and they swell up too big red lumps. After a bit of trial and error with a few different brands I can now safely say that I love MOO-GOO Tail Swat Body Spray. It doesn't have an overpowering odour like a lot of bug sprays, it smells really quite pleasant. Instead of being a repellent, it changes the scent of your body to one that mosquitos don't like. It's made from all natural ingredients, including food grade essential oils. It's good for grown ups too, so that is an added bonus. I have sung it's praises many times, so it defiantly had to be on the list. 

Something Olive hates, but she looks so sweet in are...HATS! A huge must have for summer. And if you have a hat-ditched like me, you need one with a chin strap. We got our favourite linen gingham number from Best and Less. It doesn't have to be fancy, just cool with a brim that shades their face and ears! 

MORE sun protection did you say?? A light cotton blanket, shawl, or pram cover is super important if you are heading out and know that you're kiddo will be in the pram for a while. BUT it is super important that when you clip the cover over the pram that you leave lots of spaces for air to move through. having a cover over the entire pram can turn it into a mini hot house and be very dangerous. That being said, you can make a very pretty sun shade for your bub from cotton fabric of your choice, mine is made from two lengths of floral fabric joined at the centre, which allows me to drape it how ever I please. (because it's so large.)

Lastly, a BIG bottle of water. No matter where you are going you are defiantly going to need water. I have a large bottle with a straw that joins a spout you sip from, this way, Olive can drink from it easily and I can drink with fear of gross back-wash. You can also get ice trays that make long thin ice blocks to go in your water bottles. Handy! And no more buying single use plastic bottles! yay! 

SO that's my very basic list. We always take more when we go out, but these are items that we really can't do without. I am hoping to fine more zero waste options that work, so if you have any suggestions for me to try, please leave the in the comments. <3