Whimsical September

A Family + Lifestyle Blog

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Spring & Summer Toddler Staples Worth Every Penny

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As fall approaches I’ve started thinking more frequently about what cool weather necessities I need to keep on my radar for Hadley. I had this exact same mindset six months ago, except I couldn’t get my mind off of all things spring and summer and the fun we were going to have! I can see this becoming a trend every few months as new seasons approach, so I want to jot down the staples that we got our money out of this summer so that these items are in the forefront of my mind when springs starts creeping around the corner next year.


Shoes

We’ve relied on three pairs to get Hadley through these warm weather months.
I purchased a simple pair of white sandals from Marshalls a few months ago, and they’ve gotten a ton of use because they’re easy to get on and are acceptable to wear with a dress for church or shorts at another outing. Because her feet are growing so fast, the open-toed feature has given her a little more time in these shoes. (Note: Hadley’s were a Maggie & Zoe brand which isn’t sold online, but here’s an identical pair with a very similar price tag.)
Her purple pair of Stride Rite tennis shoes have been perfect for playing at the playground or going on family walks that are more than 10 minutes long. Make a Stride Ride account and you’ll get frequent coupons!
I’ve talked about Hadley’s Natives no less than three times already on this blog, but these will be in the rotation every year for as long as they’re made. They slip on in two seconds, are super comfortable for her (just feel them!), and are perfect for water activities such as the splash park. We’ve been stopped all summer with questions about these shoes. Short and sweet – they rock!
Clothing

Play shorts with an adjustable waist: She has several pairs of these shorts from Old Navy, and they worked out beautifully this summer! In May I had the waist adjuster as tight as it could go, but now I can hardly get them over her bottom! She’s grown so much, and I’ve loved that these shorts have adjusted with her growth. They’re also perfect for outside play, so I don’t have to worry if she gets them all dirty like kids are supposed to do. 😉
Play shirts: My favorite shirts this year were from Old Navy, and I think I paid around $5 a piece for them! I picked up a ton of casual cotton shirts back in April, and she’s wears them almost constantly! Super practical for everyday activities with a one year old.
Old Navy Swim Cover-Up: She had this one last year, and if they make it in a bigger size she’ll have it next year too! It’s been perfect for quickly throwing on her after I’ve taken off her wet swimsuit before heading home.
Other

Multiple sunscreens: I usually keep a Neutrogena sunscreen stick in my diaper bag and this Babyganics sunscreen bottle at home. We’ve gone through three full tubes on just Hadley this summer! I’m so darn paranoid about the sun frying her fair skin, but these sunscreen brands have protected her very well.
Camelbak water bottle: The smaller Camelbak has been so perfect this summer. I wish I had 10 of them! I can’t say they’re totally spill proof, but they’re much cleaner than other sippy cups. It holds a bunch of water and fits easily in my diaper bag. 
Rash guard swim shirt: I threw this swim top on top of her one-piece bathing suits all summer long! The matching bottoms didn’t work out because they’re too big (she’s so long but her tiny little waist kills me!), but we sure did use the heck out of that shirt! When the sun was strong I felt a little less paranoid about having her in the pool for a couple of hours. (Hadley’s is out of stock but I’ve linked to a similar one.)
Let’s chat!

-Were any of these items I mentioned also staples in your house this summer?
-What do you have on your radar/wishlist for your littles for this fall and winter? Feel free to share links!

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