5 Beach Tips For Babies & Toddlers

(Ages 8 months - 2.8 years)

We started taking Abby to the beach when she was just barely 8 months old (a very typical PNW mom thing) and every time we go, our beach adventures bring a little more joy than the previous one. 

This last beach vacation was our best one yet! And I believe it’s because of two things: (1) she gets a little more independent with each trip and (2) we have learned a few things as parents that make for a great time at the beach!

So, on our way back in the car last week, I started to think about why and how this trip with Abby was the easiest, even compared to the beach trips we made with her at 8 months and 17 months. Was it her? Us? A little of both?

I believe the answer is C. All of the above!

However, there are certainly a few things we do now that we didn’t do on our first trip. So in addition to showing you how beautiful the Pacific Northwest shorelines are (proud PNW mom here),I thought I would share 5 things that have helped us over the past two years relax at the beach (as best as parents can) while Abby advances from crawling, to walking, to running onto the sand...  : ) 

5 Beach Tips 
For Babies And Toddlers

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Sand Castle Tools

Having something in addition to the ocean itself was so helpful!  Even though Abby is well out of the “putting everything in the mouth stage," we have found that sand buckets and shovels keep her focused and happy for at least an hour! Especially with a set that has animal moldings and or different shapes and sizes for making sand castles. We got ours here at an end of summer sale for $6 and I also really like this one. (The off season is a great time to stock up!)

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Fold Up Mat

I purchased this outdoor blanket right before our very first family trip to the beach because we wanted to try and keep sand out of Abby’s mouth and our belongings equally. 

It was so nice to sit down for a bit and build sandcastles, which allowed me to truly enjoy the sights and sounds of the beach. I really love ours because you can easily wipe or shake the sand off while you’re at the beach and then fold it up, leaving the straps out to cross over your body. 

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Baby Powder

If the beach you’re visiting doesn’t have a wash off station, we have found keeping baby powder in your diaper bag helps immediately get all the sand off your little one’s legs, feet and arms. Especially if they are one and under, we have found this tip to be extremely helpful when transitioning to the beach, car, restaurant or boardwalk. 

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Backpack 

I switched my regular diaper bag out for a backpack when Abby was 8 months old right before we went to visit family. And I knew having my hands free to get through security, visit the beach, the zoo, and walk around down town was going to be extremely helpful! I haven’t used the other diaper bag since.

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Saltwater Sandals

For the past two years, every summer I get Abby saltwater sandals. They are perfect for sandy beaches because they are made to get wet in the ocean, a pool, a sprinkler etc. and then walk right onto the sidewalk without ever taking them off. 

And it may not be “beach weather” where you’re currently at however I know some of you may be going soon, so be sure to pin now and save for later!

Warmly, Steph

Goodbye beach, until next time...

DIY Mini Mama-razzi // Halloween Costume

(Cake Pop Series)

I'm sooo excited to kick off today with our Halloween costume-cake pop series! Each week in the month of October (& today) we will be sharing our usual mother-daughter Friday outing (cake pops & coffee) with Abby dressed up in a Halloween costume. Super fun! Yes?! 

Wooden Toy Camera

Abby's darling wooden toy camera was designed, and hand crafted from Darcie and her husband Jeremy who create non-toxic wooden toys and tons of other beautiful things for little ones, which you can find out more about them here. I talked earlier on the blog about this darling wooden toy camera by giving a full product review, here. 

Mom Life Shirt

I DIY this part of her costume by getting Abby a solid white t-shirt at the craft store and these iron on letters. The total cost of her #MOMLIFE t-shirt was ($6!) I followed the directions for the iron on letters and it was super easy and quick to make! 

And now, for our first weekly Halloween costume, in the Friday cake pop series... I give you my mini mama-razzi!

Mini Mama-razzi // Halloween Costume sources:

// sun glasses (sold out) although these are almost exact)  //  white t-shirt  //  iron on letters  //  wooden camera c/o Flora & Peg  //  Skinny jeans  //  coffee cup (via Starbucks)  //

Cake pop cheers to all of you! And as always, let me know if you have any questions about our mimi mama-razzi halloween costume.  : )

 Happy weekending!

Warmly, Steph

Pumpkin Porch Decor

For the first time ever in September, we have pumpkins on our porch! Call it vacation post blues, although I'm delighted we brought home fall early this year, especially since Abby is in love with pumpkins (as am I!).

I purchased this wreathe to hang on our door and combined two DIY projects for the porch. So let's start with the heart of it all. The pumpkins!

The pumpkins are painted with the ArtsMind brand in Persian blue (dark blue)  Idalia blue (light blue), and simply white (white). I then used the brand Dazzling Metallic in rose gold for the stems. 

Tip: I painted a double coat of paint for the darker colors and a triple coat of paint for the white. 

The "Hi, Pumpkin" door mat was a DIY project I found on Pinterest from one of my favorite home and decor websites, Chris Loves Julia's found here. I used the same 2" stencils they suggested and purchased this blank doormat from Ikea for ($4.99)! 

By sharing our pumpkin porch decor with you today, I hope this post inspires you for making your own! 

And be sure to check back here soon... because we have lots of fun things coming to the blog! I'm so excited to share with all of you!!

Until then...

Warmly, Steph