summertime hacks

Now that we’re in the throes of Summer, the tan lines are set and the popsicle sticks are scattered across our lawns, we’ve been coming up with our own “Summertime Hacks”, which are basically any shortcut or trick designed to make life easier when school and the sun is out. Whether it’s tips for getting the green chlorine color out of toe-heads-of-hair (ketchup or baking soda?) Or how about applying sunscreen to kids’ faces with a foundation make-up brush? We know that one has saved us a few tears! Here are two more we’ve found work well, and we can’t wait to hear your additions!

We’ve found that Summertime brings lots of spontaneity. Last minute plans to go to the park, pool, museum, dinner, seem to happen daily. Having a box of Summertime essentials ready and organized in your car helps make these off-the-cuff decisions happen without making your car look like an episode of Hoarders. Whether it’s chalk, bubbles, and a ball for the park, a swim diaper and a travel size sunscreen for an impromptu splash pad trip, a flash light and bug spray for a bonfire… you’ll be ready.

summer box | leave in your car for instant fun!
Our second hack might seem obvious to most, but after breaking the news to a few friends, we thought it might be news to some of you, too! Swim diapers can be thrown in the washing machine! (We just wash the wet diapers and have yet to brave the soiled ones.) Let them air dry and you’ll be using the same package all Summer. Swim diapers can really add up if you’re in swim lessons, or if you live with a bunch of water bugs like we do, so we’re happy to reuse them as long as they allow!
swim diapers | wash and wear!Okay, now it’s your turn! What Summertime hacks and short cuts have you found?

10 Comments

  • erin
    July 15, 2013 at 2:00 pm

    I keep a picnic blanket in my car at all times. When we stop at the park, I can just lay out my blanket on the grass and chill in our park “home base”.

    Reply
  • Jessica
    July 15, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Seriously with the swim diapers!? Did not know! Thanks for this tip, ladies.

    Reply
  • Max
    July 15, 2013 at 7:19 pm

    You can wash swim nappies? OH. MY. GOSH.

    I knew you could wash huggies wipes and reuse them a few times, but oh my gosh!

    Reply
  • erin
    July 15, 2013 at 8:47 pm

    even better get 1-2 cloth (reusable) swim diapers. they’ll hold up through countless washings (soiled or not) and are much cuter than disposable.

    Reply
  • Gigi
    July 16, 2013 at 9:47 am

    We are very lucky to live near the beach but I used to resist going because of all the gear to cart. This year I really streamlined. I invested in a backpack chair that has a large regular pocket and an insulated pocket. I have a designated sunscreen spray and stick (for face) as well as wipes, tissue, bandaids and a small bit of cash that are always in the pocket. A frozen water bottle doubles as the cooler for the insulated pocket for our lunch and snacks. Our towels go on the seat of the chair and folded inside. If we are meeting friends I don’t bring sand toys because so many other people do. If we are on our own I have a ‘small’ selection that I keep in a mesh bag, easy to shake off as we walk back to the car. That’s it. Easy to get ready and even easier to get to the beach. Now we go much more often and my daughter and I are both happier.

    Reply
  • Jennifer
    July 17, 2013 at 4:06 pm

    We’ve been taking our daughter swimming since last October and never knew you could wash the swim diapers!! Thanks so much for the tip!

    Reply
  • Manju
    July 19, 2013 at 2:33 pm

    Very nice article. Will try advice.

    Reply
  • Chanie
    July 24, 2013 at 11:45 am

    Like mentioned above, I would recommend getting some reusable swim diapers instead! Way way cuter.

    Reply
  • Harold Parker
    July 4, 2017 at 3:39 pm

    Can you buy adult swim diapers that they can wear under their bathing suits,

    Reply
  • LaMamaSims
    September 20, 2017 at 10:27 am

    We just got a reusable swim cover to put on the baby (on time cost and can hand wash it multiple times…even if poop happens). It’s breathable and is pretty much the same thing that is used to make regular bathing shorts for men. It covers my son really good (without exposing the baby bits..hehe) and the company says that if the baby poops in it…the reusable swim cover keeps it from escaping. Luckily he hasn’t pooped in it yet. But, he’s never pooped in the bathtub either. *knock on wood*

    Reply

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