Summer adventures with baby

This post was sponsored by WaterWipes as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. I received complimentary products to facilitate my review

 
​With a baby in tow, adventuring isn't quite as easy as it was last summer.  Though it might look a little different I'm determined that our summer will be equally fun or more so now that we have Baby W to keep us smiling.  Let me be clear, I in NO way have this mastered; every day is different and always a bit of a wildcard, but were having fun along the way.  If there's anything two, then three kids taught me, is to roll with the punches.  Here are some things that have helped me adventure with baby:

Pack smart

When adventuring with baby, there's a fine line between being prepared and not over-packing.  We've all had those trips to the beach where we're trying to wrangle kids, carry umbrellas, coolers and wondering if it's worth it.  Bring the essentials, like snacks, diapers, WaterWipes, and find

Keep a car kit

Speaking of being prepared, I find that keeping my car equipped with essentials is really helpful.  I have a car kit stocked with diapers, WaterWipes, hand sanitizer, baby powder, sun hat, baby sling, water and other odds and ends.  WaterWipes are my go-to as they are great for everything from bums to messy hands and faces (even spills), and I don't have to worry about harmful chemicals.  A natural option, WaterWipes contain only two ingredients, 99.9% pure Irish water and 0.1% grapefruit seed extract.
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Wear the baby

I'm a big fan of babywearing both for the closeness to baby and of course for the convenience. I have a few different carriers, and you'll always find at least one in my car.  Weather it's a soft structured carrier on a hike, or a mesh ring sling for wading in the water, babywearing has been a huge help to keep our family adventuring.

Quality stroller is key

I know I just said wear the baby, but there are many situations when you need to be on the run (literally)- I've found that a quality stroller (usually a jogging stoller) is key to keeping us adventuring with baby.  I look for a stroller that is comfortable for baby, has a large canopy for sun protection, offers great ventilation to keep summer air circulating, and can tackle any terrain.  This allows me to take the big boys on a bike ride (I jog), walk to playgrounds, roll on to the beach etc. 

Positive attitude

I am constantly reminding myself of this -but always better to set your expectations low, laugh at the craziness, roll with the punches, and embrace what works today.

Time it right when you can 

We all know timing is everything- when possible we try to work our outings around naps and the kids schedules/happiest times.  With that said, it's not always possible, there are many times when Baby W naps on the go and is such a trooper while his brother enjoy summer fun. Knowing

Ask for help

Some days taking 2 big kids and baby on an outing requires help, and sometimes it's just nice to have an extra pair of hands whether it's asking my oldest to carry the beach toys, tag teaming with a friend, bringing grandma along, or hiring a mother's helper.   On a few occasions, I'll even hire a sitter to watch baby so we can have special big kid adventure.

Sometimes you just have to stay home, so make the best of it

Sometimes baby W is napping and I don't want to wake him, sometimes it's too hot, and sometimes I just don't have it in me to adventure.  There is something to be said for knowing your limits, and truthfully, some of our best summer days have been spent playing at home.

Giveaway!

Your lucky day! We're giving away (5) $100 gift cards to Babies"R"Us (who wouldn't love that)!  Let us help you get stocked up on Water Wipes and other outing essentials!Giveaway ends August 18th - to enter use the widget below:

WaterWipes Babies"R"Us Giveaway

Note I-C will randomly select winners from all program entries and will facilitate fulfillment of the winning prizes (5 winners)

WaterWipes

We LOVE WaterWipes; I try to keep them stocked in the Baby W's room, in my diaper bag, and in my car. I found them at Babies"R"Us, but for a full list of where to buy, click here.