I adore summertime adventures with my girls, but they do require me to up my diaper bag game in a pretty serious way. In the winter, you can kind of get by with a back-up onesie, the diaper changing basics, and some snacks. But once Memorial Day hits, you suddenly have to consider including things like bathing suits, swim diapers, sun screen, sun hats, bug spray, and more. It's easy to run out of room... and patience! So what are the must-have things to pack in your diaper bag this summer?
First of all, if you're not already rocking a backpack diaper bag, let me try to convert you. My first two diaper bags were the regular messenger style, and I found them impossibly clunky. Trying to push a stroller with an over-stuffed diaper bag clanging against your hip is not fun. Then my sister-in-law turned me on to the backpack idea and it's kind of life-changing. She uses the HapTim Multi-functional Baby Diaper Bag Backpack ($43, Amazon), but I went with my favorite backpack brand, Hershel, which doesn't technically even make diaper bags but does have plenty of options with interior pockets to get the job done. I've also heard good things about the HaloVa Diaper Bag Travel Backpack ($36, Amazon).
So, what do you absolutely need in your diaper bag this summer — whether it's a backpack or not? Here the 5 items I don't leave the house without.
Children's Sunscreen
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby, $19, Blue Lizard
If your baby is older than 6 months of age, you should be vigilantly applying a sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF, every two hours, according to Mayo Clinic. You'll also want to look for ones that contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which provide sun protection while still being gentle enough for a baby's skin, explained the same Mayo Clinic article.
You can find a list of EWG-recommended children's sunscreens here, which includes my go-to brand, Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen. To make this comprehensive list, the EWG looked at 650 beach and sport sunscreens and rated them based on hazards and efficacy.
Bug Spray
Off Family Care Insect Repellent (5% DEET), $8, Walmart
When I read the statement put out by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warning that the spread of contagious diseases by insects is on the rise, I knew that I needed to get serious about bug spray. The statistics are alarming — incidents of diseases from tick, mosquito or flea bites have tripled from 2004 to 2016, according to the CDC statement in May.
If you're wondering if bug spray with DEET is safe for kids, the answer is yes, but with caution. "The [American Academy of Pediatrics] recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than 2 months," explained Healthychildren.org.
Monkey Mat
Monkey Mat Water/Sand Repellant Blanket, $20, Amazon
Whether you're headed to the beach or to the park, having a water-resistant blanket for you and your little one to comfortably sit on is key. But when you already have a stuffed diaper bag, cramming in a big blanket doesn't always work. That's why I love the Monkey Mat, a Shark Tank product, that folds up into a ultra-compact pouch. Plus, when those inevitable spills happen, the nylon mat is easy to clean.
Travel Thermos
Thermos Vacuum Insulated Straw Bottle, $15, Target
Hydration, hydration, hydration! It's so important to pump fluids in the summer, especially since children are more prone to dehydration than adults because of their smaller bodies, according to Healthline.
I'm a huge fan of the Fogo thermos for my girls. It really does keep liquids cold and it's pretty good at not spilling all over thanks to the straw top. If your bambino isn't doing straws yet, Pure Kiki stainless steel bottles ($18, Amazon), with the optional sipper cup spout, are a good bet.