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Hey mamas!

I’m coming to you this month from Spain! We’ve packed up the family and headed to the Spanish coast for a month-long stay for the second time. With that, and the approach of Memorial Day weekend, I have all things Summer on my mind. I’ve previously shared my tips for traveling with a baby (Part 1, Part 2) so this newsletter is dedicated to pool time. I’m diving into (pun intended) my favorite products and as always, sharing the tips I’ve picked up along the way.

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SWIM SAFETY

Otteroo Neck Floatie

We have a pool and we live in Austin where the summers regularly hit triple degree temps. For that reason, Grant and I were keen on helping Libby to love the water from her earliest days. Before we ever ventured into the pool with her, we started off by giving her the chance to “swim” in the bathtub. Admittedly, TikTok made me buy it, but we used the Otteroo float during that time and recommend it wholeheartedly. Not only were the videos we got from it absolutely adorable, but Libby found so much joy in using it. Here’s the link to check it out and snag one for yourselves. (If you do, please share pics & vids!)

Mambobaby Swim Float

When it came time to transition from swimming in the tub to the pool, my number one priority was finding a float I felt confident would keep Libby safe. My second priority was finding one we could travel with. I discovered the Mambobaby portable float and was so excited it fit all of the criteria. It has a 5 point safety harness and detachable sunshade to protect baby. Plus, it easily deflates and folds up so you can squish it into your suitcase and bring it on vacation. Huge win! Here’s the link to nab one.

​And, here’s a reel showing off how it works!​

Life jacket

If you plan to take your baby on a boat or want them to have protection when near a body of water, an infant life jacket can be a good idea. You want to select one that is a Type II US Coast Guard approved for the highest safety. Here’s the one that we purchased and have been using.

Sunscreen

If you’re down for using sunscreen, there are a ton of options on the market for formulas created especially with babies and kids in mind. We love the Sunbum brand and they just so happen to have a Babybum sunscreen and sunscreen stick. Both versions are SPF 50, plant based, and safe for sensitive skin. The other huge bonus is that the products are FSA approved!

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SWIMSUITS & ACCESSORIES

Swimsuits

When it comes to swimsuits there is no end to the amazing options available to you. One brand I have come to especially love is Rufflebutts. The suits feature built in SPF 50 and, very importantly, have snaps to make diaper changes a breeze. They have short sleeve, long sleeve, one piece, and two piece options along with a lot of great patterns and prints. Here’s the link so you can start shopping!​

Swim hats

While we’re on the topic of cute baby swim fashion, you may want to accessorize with a coordinating swim hat. Rufflebutts just so happen to have these, and like their swimsuits, they offer SPF 50 protection. You can browse the lineup here.​

Swim diapers

When it comes to protecting leaks from getting into the pool, you have the option of disposable or reusable swim diapers. We’ve been going with the reusable type primarily because they seemed more comfortable than a soggy diaper. This is the brand we have and we’ve never experienced any blowouts or leaks!

Swim shoes

If you plan on going to the beach and you have a toddler on your hands, swim shoes aren’t a bad idea. They can protect little toes from sharp seashells and hard to walk on pebbles. I really like this brand, mostly because they have neutral white & black options - can’t say I’m a fan of crazy baby prints, but you probably already knew that ; )

Sunglasses

In all honesty, your baby probably won't wear these for more than the few seconds you strap them to their head. That said, do we buy things for our kids 100% of the time because we need them or do we sometimes buy things because they’re just too cute not to? Point made. These are adorable, and if you want to convince yourself they’re also practical, they have a strap to keep them secure.

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SWIM TOYS & GEAR

Stacking Cups

We are subscribed to Lovevery and their toys are our favorites across the board. For pool & bath time, Libby loves to play with their stacking cups that have holes in the bottom. They’re fun for her and great for us because they prevent her from guzzling the water that’s inside of them. If you aren’t a subscriber to Lovevery, these are another version that I would recommend.

Splash pad

Besides spending time in our pool, Libby also loves to splash in her splash pad. I found this one from Minnidip that passed my cute and stylish test while also being fun and functional. It simply hooks up to your hose and spouts out water so it’s a great option for those with or without a pool.

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SWIM LESSONS

We haven’t yet started lessons with Libby but will be as soon as we return. I’m excited to share our experience and would love to hear about yours!

Beyond that, the American Red Cross offers a free online water safety course for parents and caregivers. We’ll also be enrolling in that to ensure we know how to keep Libby safe around water.

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Missed previous newsletters? You can find the archive here.​

• November (nanny job descriptions, checklists, photography, books)
• December (travel tips part 1)
• January (travel tips part 2)
• February (3rd trimester & postpartum)
• March (all things naps)
• April (babysitters)

Looking for all the resources in one place?

• ​Newsletter resources folder​
• ​My Amazon shop

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Do you know mamas who would love this newsletter? Send me their email and I’ll add them to the list!
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Got a tip / tool / document you want to share? Email me and I’ll loop it into a future newsletter.

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Thanks mamas!
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Jen

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