Harry's Summer Essentials (12-18 Months)
I feel like just over 1 year in, and I’m finally getting into the groove of what we need vs what we want, and what we think we need vs what we actually need. Raising a little human is hard, exhausting, so wonderful and the weirdest love I’ve ever known, and of course we want our children to have the best things. But, I’ve really started to pare back as Harry is growing out of being a baby baby (when? how?). As we’re gearing up for summer in New England (it’s currently raining.. again..) I’ve put together some of Harry’s favorite essentials for the season. I’ve included toys, clothes, activities, everything really that his little 15 month old self seems to be loving these warmer days.
As a family, we have taken a slow approach to summer. Planning lots of days home, playing on our new deck & soaking up every single crooked tooth smile and laugh as Harry enjoys this time.
Swimsuits + rash guards + reusable swim diapers
Before having a little boy, I was under the strict impression that only little girls clothes were completely adorable, but now I have spent many months digging deeper and among other adorable finds I have found SWIM BRIEFS and my world is not okay. I love Harry’s Minnow Hazelnut Stripe Brief with the Seafoam rashguard — and we’re also big fans of the Ollie & Squish Navy Bird set. While I LOVE these pieces, they are pricier, so I keep for my parents salt water pool, fresh water, and deck time. For Harry’s swim lessons (aka chlorine central), I love his seersucker swim trunks from Target and Hanna Andersson’s rash guard suit. We’re also the newest proponent of the reusable swim diaper. So much easier, and more comfortable for the babies.
Water table
We went with this Fisher Price water table, and it’s safe to say Harry absolutely loves it. It seems to have everything they want/need, and isn’t a complete eye sore which I appreciate. We actually take this (and all his toys + bin) in every night to keep them from getting gross, but also because I think it looks messy and it’s a pet peeve of mine, which leads me to…
Outdoor toy bin - bubbles, plastic boats, plastic cleaning kit
I picked up a metal basket at Target, and it keeps all his outdoor toys confined. Plus, part of the fun is taking everything out and putting them back in.. In his bin for the summer is a huge bouncey ball, plastic dump truck, boat and water plane, cleaning set, and bubbles (of course..!) I wanted to make sure everything outside can get wet without any damage, and can also be easily wiped down. So far they have created hourssss of entertainment.
Overalls
Overalls are a god send in the summer - super easy, can handle a ton of wear and tear during play time whether it’s been out on the deck or at the playground - and also they’re literally just the absolute cutest. I love Osh Kosh B’Gosh’s vintage overalls, the quality is much better than the ones out now, and plus it’s more sustainable. I have found some great pieces on Etsy, Ebay and my new favorite store Storied Goods
Pool
While we’re still waiting on our faucet to be relocated to the deck, our beautiful Mylle pool is blown up and ready to go. It’s beyond perfect.
Gathre mat + bibs
I swear by Gathre and everything they make. I am sure to always have a bib and mat in Harry’s diaper bag for impromptu meals on the go. They make messes easy to clean, and are also such beautiful products - so really a win win! I put the mats down also on the deck as home base for Harry and also plan to use them eac week for our town’s concerts in the park.
Crocs & Natives
A guess a theme of summer is everything needs to be wipeable…? This is why I love Crocs and Natives for summer. They 1. can be washed right in the sink and look brand new 2. are cool so harry’s feet don’t get hot 3. slip right on and off but somehow don’t fall off. Done and done.
Sippy cups
My good friend, and even better mom, Jess - suggested these Re-Play sippy cups when harry switched from bottles to sippy and they are beyond perfect. They don’t leak, are easy to wash, easy for them to hold, and use apparently because Harry SUCKS down his milk and water. Also, they come in cute colors.
PlanetBox lunchbox
This Shuttle lunchbox has been used and abused for lunches on the go at childrens museums, parks and playgrounds. Much easier than picking something up while we’re out and about - and has the option for the lunch box and ice pack which is definitely ideal.
Summer pajamas
The softest, and nice and cool for summer nights - Harry now has these Vaenait baby pajamas in 3 different colors.
Tee shirts
Soft, cute, simple tee shirts are apparently hard to find. We love Fin & Vince’s vintage tee, and have also have great luck with Zara Join Life collection and H&M Conscious for simple tees.
Snack tray
A must have for summers on the go — a snack tray for your stroller.
Activity tote
I’ve started using an old LL Bean tote as our summer activity tote, since I noticed our diaper bag was getting overwhelmed.. In the activity tote I keep the extra pair of clothing, sunscreen, snacks, bathing suit/diaper, towel, and extra pouch of diapers/wipes etc. Whatever we need for that days activity. That way, the diaper bag is separate and if we need to run in somewhere I’m not also lugging around all those things, yet I can also just go to his swim class, or playground, or whatever need be with just the activity tote. It’s a work in progress, but we’re a few weeks in and so far so good!