Friday Focus- Pool Gear

Happy Friday!  Both kids absolutely love being in the water.  I've had bad luck with getting a pool float for Benton.  I ordered one from Amazon but they stopped the shipment and refunded me because it got damaged. I reordered it and the one I received is defective so I'll have to return that one too.  I'm now searching for a different one for him.  I'll just have to hold him in the pool until then.  I've rounded up some pool (or beach) gear that I've already purchased for us that we love and a few others that I'd love get!  We have a beach trip coming up next month that I need to get a few other items for too but I'll save that for a later post.

Flamingo Float

I purchased this Sunnylife flamingo float for Mary-Grace from here and she loves it.  Benton loves it too... he wouldn't get out of it!

Suncreen

You may already have a sunscreen that you love but I like this Babyganics sunscreen that I've used a couple of times now.  I used Aveeno Baby last year and liked that brand too.  

Tote Bag

I first saw this tote on Instagram that another blogger was raving about.  I haven't purchased it yet because it's currently sold out but I plan to once it's back in stock.  The tote is waterproof, stands up on its own, has zipped bags that you can insert into the holes on the bag to hold your keys, phone, sunscreen, etc.  Now I just have to decide which color to get!

Cooler

I have this cooler.  It's large enough to hold a couple of drinks and food storage containers which is enough just me for and kids.  For the whole family a larger one may be necessary.  I also love the under $15 price! 

Drinkware

Of course a large bottle of cold water (or drink of your choice) is necessary!  We have a couple of Camelbak bottles which I like but they sweat.  These are the luxury of bottles.  It might be worth the price tag if it gets used frequently!

Beach Towels
I love the print on this Vera Bradley beach towel. I've seen that the Dock and Bay towels are becoming popular and have great reviews.

Also, these towel clips are so cute!

Some other things I always carry with me when going to the pool are snacks, a hairbrush and tangle spray to brush knots out after swimming, of course baby wipes and dry diapers, sunglasses and/or a hat, goggles for Mary-Grace, and a change of clothes.  What are your pool day essentials?

Mary-Grace (and my) favorite things for her

Mary-Grace and I have found a few favorite things that we know work for us and that we can rely on.  It can sometimes be hard to find what works best for a baby.  Before your baby is born, you'll more than likely hear from other mama's what worked best for them. It's great to get ideas and add to your list of something else to try.  Ultimately though, of course it's up to you to decide what to use and what's best for your baby.  For example, Mary-Grace was breastfed but I had to supplement with formula.  She spit-up a lot and had trapped gas that made her miserable so we had to figure out what formula worked best for us by taking advice and trying something new.  She has my sensitive skin so certain lotions and washes work better for her too.  Below I've shown what I've found works best for us and what she (and I) like best at this time.  Maybe one of these will be helpful to you as well!

Vera bradley home decor / The Honest Company Diapers Size 3 Bumble Bees (One Package) Fits... / Summer Infant Tiny Diner, Pink (Discontinued by Manufacturer) / Baby Bee Shampoo Wash / Amazon.com: Disney Mickey Mouse Plush Doll Toy 25": Toys & Games /  Cloud b Sound Machine Soother, Gentle Giraffe / Saltwater by Hoy Sea Wees



1.  Burt's Bees Baby Bee Shampoo Wash- love that this comes with a pump!  This works great on Mary-Grace's sensitive skin.  It can be used on both body and hair.

2. Wellement's Body Lotion- this lotion worked miracles on her skin this past winter.  I even use it on my skin too!

3.  Pat the Bunny book- Mary-Grace is now sitting through short books.  She loves to flip the pages and look at the pictures.  This is one of her favorite books because she can use some of her senses to see, touch, and smell.

4. Saltwater by Hoy Sea Wees- I think these sandals are the cutest and they actually stay on her feet!  They come in an assortment of colors too.

5 and 6.  Honest diapers and wipes- Again, great for sensitive skin.  I love that they are free of so many harsh chemicals and the cute diaper patterns don't hurt either!

7. Mickey Mouse-  Mary-Grace loves the Disney store.  She has the Mickey, Minnie, and Pluto stuffed animals right now and will be getting the rest of the gang for her birthday.

8.  Tiny Diner placemat-  I just recently got this since Mary-Grace has been wanting to mainly eat with her fingers.  It rolls up so that it can be easily carried in her diaper bag and has suctions so that it will stay on the table and not get thrown off!

9.  Vera Bradley pacifier pouch- I got tired of trying to find her paci's that had fallen to the bottom of the diaper bag so I got this.  It can be clipped to the diaper bag strap or to the inside if there is a key hook.  It also can be cleaned by just rinsing it off or with a wipe.

10.  Sound giraffe-  Since Mary-Grace goes to bed before us and sometimes isn't a sound sleeper, this giraffe has been awesome to have.  It plays 4 different soothing sounds for 45 minutes and blocks out the background noise.