Annica’s Favorites for a Simple Sunny Summer | Amazon Finds
It’s been a warm Michigan spring (for the most part…though I’m still half expecting to wake up to snow one of these mornings), and I’m loving the green, the warmth, the chubby toddler thighs, the water play. Not loving the allergies, but I digress.
Once in a while, I like to share (well, evangelize about) some of my favorite Amazon finds that make my life feel a little simpler and let’s be real, more aesthetically pleasing. So, here is my list of essentials for a simple sunny summer with tiny humans. (I do get a little commission at no cost to you if you buy something using these links. I appreciate your support - and only recommend things I actually love and use myself.)
Annica’s Favorites for a
simple sunny summer
1. for the kids
Think Baby Sunscreen
Whether in the backyard, out for a walk, at the beach or pool, safe sunscreen for tiny people is essential in my opinion. Think Baby Sunscreen was recommended to me a few years ago by my neighbor, and we really like it. If you have concerns about toxicity like I do, Think Baby is a 1 (for SPF 30) and a 2 (for SPF 50) on the EWG Skin Deep scale. I’ve personally found it really hard to find a sunscreen that is any lower (lower is better on the EWG scale), goes on easily-ish, works well, and isn’t extremely expensive.
An Adorable Sun Hat
Floppy hats that tie under the chin are the ones that bother my kids least and stay on best. I cannot with how cute this one is, and how it will go with all outfits and swimsuits. It’s got a synching thing on the back of the hat so it doesn’t shift backwards, and obviously the ties as well. Musts for me: the sun hat needs to be gender inclusive, breathable, and have SPF protection. This hat checks all the boxes!
Water Water Water
I’ve discovered a stainless steel water bottle/tumbler line that I like a lot, but doesn’t break the bank. Wahoo! My kids need a water bottle at home and one for daycare/school. Enter: Iron Flask. Their bottles come in lots of sizes and patterns and keep water cold forever. I like the many non-gendered options for kids.
2. for you
A Breezy Coverup
Onto sun protection for me! I’m obsessed with these sheer coverups. I wear mine all the time - over jeans and a tee on date night or on the beach over my suit. It is not hot or sticky at all - super breezy actually - but it keeps the sun off my shoulders so I can skip the sunscreen if I’m running around after my kids. I also can drape it over my babe while he nurses to keep him out of the sun. It takes up no space at all in a hand bag or diaper bag. Yep, that’s what I’m looking for.
Space Saving (really cute) Towels
Speaking of space savers, hauling bulky (even when dry) towels to the beach or pool is a thing of the past in my family. It’s ridiculously annoying, and we have switched it up and LOVE using thin, 100% cotton Turkish towels instead. This four pack is affordable, absorbent, quick drying, and v cute. I often tie one up around my waist over my suit like a sarong. Also doubles as a breezy nursing cover if you’re into that. You won’t go back to fluffy towels, I promise.
Water Water Water
Iron Flask bottles are my favorite too. Their bottles come in lots of sizes and patterns and keep water cold forever - again, without breaking the bank. I’ve found that I need a 40oz straw bottle to get me through errands without breaking my purse straps. I love the multiple top options for the wide mouth bottles.
saving the best find for last
The Disc that Changed my Life
Last but not least, I AM ACTUALLY REALLY MAD I DIDN’T DISCOVER THIS PRODUCT SOONER.
A few months ago, I had my period over our Spring Break beach trip, and the menstrual cup I’d been using for a while was leaky and awful, making water play with my kids very annoying.
I tossed that menstrual cup when we got home to force myself into finding an alternative solution that wouldn’t leak, irritate my labia, or dangle out when I pee (ughhh yes I’ve birthed a couple babies). I’ve been using the same (types) of menstrual cups - you know, the tornado shaped ones with the stupid tail thing that helps you remove it - since my first Diva Cup in 2006. Holy SHIT, that’s 16 years. Wow. Ok, moving on…
Anyway, I did a little research on the best products out there these days for uterus-owners who menstruate. I came across some comparisons of menstrual cups vs. menstrual discs and decided to try out a disc for the first time. MY LIFE HAS FOREVER CHANGED.
People, this re-usable silicone disc by Cora is ridiculously amazing. It goes in easily, it automatically slides into just the right spot, and when it is in, I literally cannot feel anything. Even when I try real hard. I have been using it for three cycles now, and I have yet to leak a single drop. I have still worn my cloth pantyliners because I am in disbelief that it could be this good. It “self-empties” when you bear down on the toilet, and when it’s time to take it out to empty/clean it, it’s a breeze! No skin irritation, no dangles, no leaks. And no, the company is not paying me for this review.
If I was Oprah, EVERYONE would be getting a Cora Disc.
With these simple sunny recommendations, I hope you find something useful.
happy summer, friends
- Annica
Annica Quakenbush is the owner and founder of Sprout and Blossom Birth. She is a DONA-certified doula, a BBY-certified birth photographer, creator of our line of boutique organic self-care products, Annica has walked alongside many families in the West Michigan area and has built an incredible team here at Sprout and Blossom. She and her hubby/partner Peter live in Grand Rapids, MI and have two tiny humans - Linden (4.5yrs) and Rubin (18mos).