PACKING FOR A DAY IN THE SUN: TIPS FOR KEEPING KIDS COOL

pack-for-kids-pool-beach-travel-hacks-tips-mothercould

Have you ever arrived somewhere with your kids, only to realize that you’re way underprepared? Not enough snacks, a forgotten water bottle, the wrong sunscreen, no change of clothes… I’m sure we’ve all been there. A beach day with toddlers can sound like a nightmare. We all know that getting out of the house with little ones is challenging as it is, let alone preparing for a long day in the sun, whether that’s at the pool, the beach, a carnival, the park, an amusement park, or an outdoor event.

Having a system in place to pack a bag for kids that makes it easy to grab what you need and get out the door is the best way to ensure that you don’t forget anything important. (Because the last thing we need is your kid saying “Mom I’m hot!” every 5 minutes.) I’ve compiled my favorite items, tips, and hacks to make a day in the sun fun and memorable for everyone.

Staying Safe in the Sun - Sunscreen Application

Before we get out in the sun, let’s talk sunscreen. (Every kid’s least favorite word!) We all know that sunscreen is important, but we also know that applying it to wiggly toddlers is a nightmare. We designed the perfect product to make applying sunscreen actually enjoyable (yes you read that right!) for kids.

mothercould-sunscreen-brush-kids-application-motherhood

The Sunscreen Brush Set is designed with kids in mind - the super soft brushes make application feel nice and gentle. The handles are easy for little hands to hold, giving kids more independence to apply sunscreen on their own. The sunscreen applicator brushes ensure a nice, even coverage - no streaky sunburn or missed spots! There’s a smaller face brush and a larger body brush, as well as a silicone cleaning mat and mesh carrying bag so it’s easy to throw in the beach bag. Trust me, once you try these they’ll become a staple in your “day in the sun” packing!

Keeping Cool - Products for Staying Cool in the Sun

We live in south Florida so we know a thing or two about staying cool in the hot sun! We’ve tried so many different tools and hacks, and here are some of our tried-and-true favorites:

Neck Fan: I know they look a little silly, but the cooling fans are so worth it. These are great for amusement parks when you’re walking around all day (we always bring them to Disney!) and keep everyone cool with the touch of a button.
Misting Stroller Fan: Nothing feels better than a cool mist when you’re hot. This one is perfect for the stroller!
Handheld Mini Fan: These are a best seller for a reason - so small and compact, great for throwing in your purse.
Cooling Towels: These cooling towels are great to have on hand. Super soothing when it’s hot!
Reusable Water Balloons: So much fun, and stay cool! These have small magnets that hold them together so you can refill with water over and over again.
Sprinkler Splash Pad: Staying at home in the heat? This small splash pad is amazing - hooks up to your hose and has sprinklers attached too.

Stay Cool Strategy - How to Prepare for the Heat

Here’s the three basic essentials to prepare and pack in your bag so you’re ready to keep kids cool on a hot day.

Hydration Hack: Freeze half-full water bottles the night before and fill with water before you leave. You’ll have ice cold water that’ll last! Encourage kids to drink small sips often to stay hydrated.
Sun Safety (Without the Struggle!): Pack your Mothercould Sunscreen Brushes and encourage regular sunscreen application. The brushes eliminate that “sticky hand” feeling and ensure even, full coverage.
Shade Management: Make sure you “bring shade” with you. This means sunhats, strollers with a canopy, beach tents, or even an umbrella. Giving kids a break from the sun is crucial on a hot day.

Snacking On The Go

You know that snacks are an essential part of any outing with kids, especially a long day in the sun. I love to pack a variety of snacks that will keep kids full and nourished. The best way to do this is with a snack box!

We designed the Mothercould Snack Box for this exact reason - packing toddler snacks on the go in one, convenient place. No more ziploc bags or wrappers everywhere! All of the snacks in one place with adjustable dividers. It’s easy to pack healthy beach snacks for toddlers - kids will love the variety! It’s like their own mini grazing board full of all of their favorite things. The boxes fit nicely in a purse or beach bag, making them perfect for on the go.

Creating a Checklist - How to Set Yourself Up for Success

One of the best ways to not forget anything important before going out with kids? A checklist! Everyone loves checking a box, so work together with your kids to write a checklist for leaving the house on a hot day. It could be packing for the pool, the beach, an amusement park, whatever makes sense for your family. When you write the list together, then everyone has ownership over it!

Here’s some questions to get you started:

What do we need to bring to wear?
What snacks do we want in our snack boxes?
How will we stay safe in the sun?
How will we keep cool when we get hot?
Do we need any special toys or activities?

Going out for a day in the sun with your kids can feel chaotic, but it doesn’t have to be. With some good preparation, a helpful system in place, and lots of ways to stay cool in the heat, you and your family will be set up for success.

mothercould-packing-for-beach-pool-disney-day-with-kids

Having a few items on hand that’ll make the day easier is always the way to go. We always bring our Mothercould Sunscreen Brushes and Mothercould Snack Boxes for easy sunscreen application for kids and healthy snacks. Bringing along some items to beat the heat, like fans and misters, always make it easier for little ones to enjoy the day. I know if I don’t make a list, I’ll definitely forget something important. That’s why I love working with my kids to write a checklist that we can all check items off of together as we gather them.

Your next day in the sun with your kids is sure to be a huge parenting win! A little bit of preparation goes a long way, especially when traveling with kids. Grab your beach bag, sunscreen brushes, snack boxes, and misting fan and enjoy a memorable day with your family! (Check out all of our outdoor fun favorites here!)