One of the best ways to beat the summer heat is to cool off with some water fun! My little ones (ages 2.5 and 4.5) are all about embracing water play –they love all things water in the summer: swimming in the pool, playing in the water table, squirting each other with super soakers, throwing water balloons, and even “washing” the car with Daddy. I love how much they enjoy cooling off, in fact, I will never complain if I get splashed during our hot and humid Pittsburgh summers; but as a Mom, I am continuously worrying that they will accidentally get hurt while running and playing in these conditions. You cannot prevent every injury that comes their way, but when it comes to good ol’ backyard water fun there are some necessities to keep in mind my kids stay happy and safe.

1.  Sun protection- I remember seeing our pediatrician when our son was just a baby, she informed us that the majority of sun damage occurs during childhood. She went on to warn us that sun exposure in early childhood increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. From that point on I realized it was my responsibility as a parent to do everything I could to provide our children with the best sun protection I could find, and thankfully there are several affordable ways to do so. First and foremost, utilizing a mineral-based sunscreen has been incredibly important to our family. I would encourage you to do some research on this topic and find the best sunscreen for your family and budget. Personally, our family has been using Young Living’s mineral sunscreen and ThinkBaby’s mineral sunscreen. Utilizing these phone apps have been wonderful in finding the right sunscreen for our family: Think Dirty and EWG.

 Another way to provide sun protection with your little ones is through layers. Hats, UV-protection clothing, and sunglasses. I have found with my son, if he refuses to wear sunglasses, I can usually get him to wear a hat – and vice-versa for my daughter. The earlier you start a good habit, the more likely that habit will stick. Some of our favorite brands for these layers include Beau & Belle Littles, Swim Zipper, and Babiators (I have even used plenty of Target Dollar Zone sunglasses when I am in a pinch). Again, do some research and find what is best for your family and budget. Remember, that UV-protection clothing should NOT be used in a dryer, as it will deteriorate the UV-protection over time.

2. Bug protection- I hesitate to mention this safety step, but living in Pennsylvania, we have some serious tick offenders in our backyard. Therefore, I always make sure to apply bug protection after sun protection on our littles. I personally swear by our Young Living Insect Repellent, but I would encourage you to find an all-natural deet-free insect repellent if you are worried about bugs when you are outside with your family.

3. Proper footwear- I believe whole-heartedly that running barefoot in the grass is one of the best parts of childhood (and adulthood). However, when my kids are running in wet grass, from water balloons or a sprinkler I quickly pull out some water shoes. If I foresee them running onto the hot sidewalk or steamy pool deck, I strap on their water shoes and breathe a sigh of relief. There are plenty of brands and types of swim footwear out there. Make sure you have something that protects your little one’s toes and stays on snuggly for all the running and water play they will be enjoying.

4. Hydration- Even as an adult, I am constantly trying to remind myself that I need to hydrate daily, but even more so during physical activity. I realized my son was dehydrated earlier this year when he described a runner’s cramp to me that he had formed throughout the day while being outside. Sometimes little ones are having so much fun running and playing outside that they do not stop to rehydrate. Ever since that day with my son, I have made sure I always have a full cup of water for both of my kids outside and in a visible spot for them to see as they are playing. If I notice they have not hydrated recently, I make them take a drink break or even a snack break – because who doesn’t love snacks?!

5. First-aid ready- Accidents happen and that’s okay (isn’t that what our friend Daniel Tiger always says)? Of course, there will be boo-boos along the way when your little ones are playing outside. The best advice I can offer is to be prepared for accidents. Always have a first-aid kit nearby, make sure you are familiar (if not already certified) in CPR, and pay attention to your little one’s behavior, because mom intuition is huge. If you suspect your little one is hurt, do not hesitate to get them into the pediatrician or call 911 for those worst-case scenarios. Stay calm in the moment. Children have an innate capability to pick-up on our emotions, so the calmer and more collected we can appear to them, the more likely they will mimic us and stay brave.

I hope these tips for safe backyard water play are helpful to you! Remember, do your research, be brave and most of all – do not be afraid to jump in the pool and have some fun with your kiddos along the way. Go make some fun memories!

~xo~

BBLittles

With summer and the fourth of July right around the corner, nothing beats a cool snack on a hot day! It’s even better when you can involve the kids and make a festive treat at home. 

To celebrate national Bomb Pop Day we decided to bring you a recipe for making this tasty classic! If you make it share with us a photo of what you came up with and tag us; bonus points if you are enjoying the sun in your Nageuret swim diaper. 

INGREDIENTS

First things first you will need SUGAR WATER... 

• 3 cups water 
• 1 cup white sugar 

Now time for the layers...

RED LAYER

• 1 Cup Sugar Water
• 1/4 Cup Cherry Syrup or Maraschino Cherry Juice (If you want to add fruit to your popsicle cut the Maraschino cherries up and add them to the liquid.)

WHITE LAYER

• 3/4 Cup Sugar Water
• 3/4 Cup Coconut Milk
• 1/4 tsp Lime Extract

BLUE LAYER

• 1 1/4 Cups Sugar Water
• 1 tsp Raspberry Extract
• 3–4 Drops of Blue Food Coloring

INSTRUCTIONS

SUGAR WATER

1. Place water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar has completely dissolved. Set aside and let cool.

RED LAYER

1. Combine sugar water and cherry syrup in a bowl. Fill up each popsicle mold 1/3 of the way. Freeze for at least 2 hours. Check out these rocket popsicle molds for the ultimate level of festivity. 

WHITE LAYER

1. Mix together sugar water, coconut milk, and lime extract. Fill up each popsicle mold the second 1/3 of the way. Freeze for at least 2 hours.

BLUE LAYER

1. Mix together the sugar water, raspberry extract, and blue food coloring. Fill up each popsicle mold the last 1/3 of the way; make sure you don’t overfill!. Slide in the popsicle stick and freeze for at least 2 hours. 
2. To remove the popsicles from the mold, run the mold under warm water for about 10 seconds.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! 

~xo~

BBLittles

What better way to kick off warm weather than with a family photo. Call it the back to summer photo for your Instagram haha - before the sunburns, before summer camp starts. Before the summer chaos.

 However, a summer photo, a winter photo, any photos at all can be a chore with kiddos and we know the struggle right along with you. That is why we have gathered some of our tried and true photo tips to get those Instagram worthy images all year long of your littles.

Giving kiddos fun things in photos is a good way to keep them entertained and believe it or not, these are all things you probably have around your house! Buckets, Bubbles, snacks (fruit, popsicles), and cute accessories like sunglasses and hats all are great for pulling a photo together. Props can spruce up those photos and allow your kids to have fun during the photoshoot.  

Keep the fun and avoid the challenge; taking photos that are more in the moment than staged will be more successful. Here are some recommendations on capturing the best photos this summer. Let's make all the moms jealous of your summer photos.

• First things first, low-key BRIBERY is your friend. Everything from ice cream to tiny toys we have found do the trick. But sometimes you need more than an ice cream sandwich to get kiddos to participate...
• Another trick is to get on their level. Have your littles go in for a hug, kiss or cuddle; kiddos love interacting with one another and getting those candid photos really make for an amazing shot.
• When all else fails and kiddos aren't cooperating fart jokes are sure to work. Making kiddos laugh give you those authentic and amazing smiles that can't be beaten.
• You can also use kiddos boundless energy to your advantage. Giving them an objective such as run as fast as you can towards me or jump as high as you can; this can result in amazing images of anticipation and then those authentic moments of joy.

In celebration of Pink Flamingo Day and great photos, we want to give you a discount code to complete your flamingo look or spruce up your summer swim attire. 

Use code FLAMINGO15 for 15% off until June 28.

Signing up our kids for swim lessons is a bit of a rite of passage in parenthood. Even in landlocked states like Colorado, water safety is no laughing matter. Every day in the US two children under the age of 14 dies from unintentional drowning. Swim lessons are an easy and affordable way to help keep your children safe while having fun.

So, what do you need to know before you sign up your kids or grandkids for swim lessons? Look no further! This blog will outline exactly what you need to know to have a successful swim lesson experience. If any of our readers have tips you’d like to share, and that we haven’t already covered, please comment below!

First - where to go? The search for quality swim instructors can be daunting and there are many different options on where you can find swim instructors. Some of the best places to find quality swim instructors are at your local swim school or city recreation center. In the Denver area, we have several reputable swim schools that are easy to find with a simple Google search. The main thing when you are searching for a swim school, rec center or any other swim instructors, is to make sure they are a Red-Cross certified instructor. This certification is recognized nationally and requires recertification and ongoing instruction. Red-Cross also has varying levels of certification.

Next - what gear do my kids need? Generally, the only thing your children really need is a swimsuit & towel. Obviously, if these are outdoor lessons, you will also want to ensure their skin is protected with a swim shirt and sunblock. If your child is not yet potty trained, you will need to make sure they have a Nagueret Swim Diaper on, just in case they have an accident. Many pools will not permit children under 2 to swim without a swim diaper, so make sure to have a backup Nagueret Swim Diaper in case of an accident, or if a friend needs to borrow one. For older kids, they may want a swim cap, goggles, and nose plugs. Some swim instructors don’t like kids to use nose plugs because it can hinder them learning how to blow out through their nose, so definitely check with your pool before you buy some.

Also - do I have to get in the water? Most recreation centers offer a “Parent & Tot” swim lesson for babies and young toddlers. They do this for several reasons. If the instructor doesn’t have to hold the baby or toddler, they can have more children in the lesson than just one or two. Generally, babies and young toddlers are more comfortable with a parent in the water with them. This shows them there is nothing to be afraid of, and it’s also great to hear the instructors verbiage so you can use the same when you take them swimming later. Your child can gain confidence with you close by, and by the third or fourth lesson, they might be comfortable enough to swim without holding on to you. Generally, for older children, they attend the lesson and swim without a parent needing to be in the water. If your child has special needs or extreme anxiety, the instructor may recommend that you accompany them in the water for the first few lessons, with the goal that you won’t have to participate in all of them as your child gains confidence and is more comfortable, and has built trust with the instructor.

On those same lines - how long is a lesson and do I have to stay the whole time? Generally, the lessons will increase in time with your child’s age. For instance, a one-on-one lesson for a baby or toddler, or even a parent and tot class, may only last 30-45 minutes long. The older your child gets, and the better their swimming ability, the lessons can last anywhere from 45-90 minutes. It is recommended, and most instructors will tell you, for young children you should attend the lesson, and remain there throughout the entire lesson. This way if your child is too anxious has to use the restroom, scrapes a knee or needs a hug, you are nearby to help out. It will also help boost confidence if your child can see you watching, and cheering them on. Elementary aged children, and older can be left to finish their lessons, while you run errands, workout, go for a walk, or read a book. If there are behavior issues, anxiety, or anything similar, the instructor may ask you to stay. Most parents find it easiest to bring a book, a water bottle and settle in for some “me time” while their child finishes their lesson. Either way, your kid is learning to swim!

Last - how expensive are swim lessons? The rate for swim lessons really differs between location, number of students per group, the experience of the instructor, etc. For instance, my local rec center charges $40 per student, for two lessons a week, for four weeks. (time per lesson varies based on age/experience) However, a local swim school charges $175 for a daily lesson, for two weeks (10 lessons). If you want a once a week lesson at this swim school it is just over $20 per lesson (on a continuing enrollment). Private lessons at this swim school will run you $84 per half-hour. As you can see, the price varies greatly depending on the type of lessons you want for your child, and where you want to take them.

Here at Beau & Belle Littles, we just want you and your beautiful babies to be safe and happy. We believe in the power of knowledge, and encourage all our family and friends to make sure water safety is a priority!

Please comment below on swim lesson hacks you’ve found! We love to hear from you!

~xo~

BBLittles

While every season has its charms, the warm months are certainly my favorite. It feels like there is so much more to do and experience when the weather is nicer and the days are longer. Make up a summer bucket list as a family and see how many you can get marked off before summer is over.

My kids are pretty little (5, 4, 2 and 1), so we are a bit limited on some of the things we can do. However, there are still tons of summer activities I try to pack in each year. Here are 25 great ones.

1. Splash Pad – A great way to cool down in the summer is at a splash pad. Many cities and areas have at least one park with a water attraction. Splash pads are fun, but I love that I don’t have to get wet if I don’t want to (unlike the pool). Don’t forget a BB Littles swim diaper under the shorts to make sure you don’t have any messy accidents or soggy diapers!

2. Zoo – Make sure you get at least one summer trip in to see the wild animals. Our local zoo is really good, but there are also petting zoos and animal sanctuaries that can be fun. Do you live near a safari adventure? As a kid, my family drove through one and it was quite a family memory.

3. Playground – What summer is complete without a trip (or 20) to the playground? Plan out a playdate for an even better playground summer experience.

4. Picnic – My kids absolutely love eating their food outside. A simple meal and blanket in the backyard totally count. We’ve even done “picnics” on the family room floor.

5. Nature Exploration – Take a chance to explore a natural habitat. Look at the textures, animals, bugs, plants, and materials you find. Don’t have a goal other than experiencing nature in that area. You can go to a local park, pond, lake, beach, forest, meadow or creek to find a habitat worth exploring.

6. Live Music – Check out the local restaurants, parks, festivals and more to find somewhere where live music is being played. Experiencing live music can be a lot of fun with little kids. The food trucks here regularly get together with local musicians at the park, which makes for a very fun meal in the sun.

7. Farmer’s Market – Look locally to see if growers around you are bringing their fresh wares out and selling them to the public. A farmer’s market can be a fun local experience that doesn’t cost a thing. Of course, I usually end up buying some local herbs, coffee, and other wares, but that’s totally a choice.

8. Working Farm – Look for a farm that allows tours or visitors. Some farms are set up to allow people to visit. Experiencing a local farm is one way to learn about the food we eat and where it comes from. Some farms open up for special events or seasons (like pumpkins in the fall or berries in the summer).

9. Local Ice Cream Stand – Find a local ice cream stand or shop and pick a way to celebrate the summer. Is it even summer without ice cream?

10. Pony Ride – One of the most fun things we’ve done is riding a pony. They aren’t always easy to find or suited for little kids, but it’s worth looking for one. Our zoo has them (expensive, though) and so do some of our local farms.

11. Hike – Unlike nature exploration, a hike is about experiencing nature by getting from point A to point B. You can stop along the way, but the majority of your time should be about walking the path you’ve chosen. For little legs, a mile or two is a long way, so don’t overcommit.

12. Sidewalk Chalk – A classic summer event. All you need is some chalk and an empty driveway or sidewalk. If you want to take it a step further, see if there are any chalk walks planned near you. A chalk walk is a bunch of artists and/or families using chalk to draw on squares in a public space and it’s a lot of fun!

13. Sprinkler – A simple sprinkler can cost just a couple of dollars. Connect it to a hose and your kids will be distracted for at least ten minutes! This is a great option for hot days you can’t make it to a splash pad or want to get some gardening done.

14. Vegetable Garden – Get connected to the earth with growing some of your own food. You don’t have to start with a full out garden. Try a potted herb, like oregano, you can add to sauces or soups. You can grow some vegetables, like tomatoes or strawberries, in larger pots. Personally, I have two raised beds and cram a bunch of plants into them each summer with square foot gardening. It’s efficient and we grow a lot of tomatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, squash, beets, carrots, Swiss Chard and more.

15. Fair – Every childhood should have at least a few memories of the fair. In our area, there are a few different fairs—the biggest one is centered around 4-H clubs and agriculture.

16. Reading Program – Pizza Hut has a BookIt! program where kids read books and earn personal pan pizzas. Barnes and Noble usually have a reading program where you can earn a book. Our local libraries also have a reading program where your kids can earn small prizes and books for doing things like attending library events or being read to.

17. Stargazing – Take a blanket out into a big space with no nearby lights and take a look at the stars. The less the nearby light pollution, the more stars you will be able to see.

18. Fire Pit – On a cool spring or fall evening, you can enjoy a campfire, bonfire, fire on the beach or just a simple fire pit in the backyard. Cooking hotdogs and marshmallows over an open fire can be a bit tricky with toddlers, but totally worth it.

19. Berry Picking – There are many berry patches that allow you to pick strawberries, blueberries or other items on your own. Most patches that allow you to pick on your own, don’t mind you snacking along the way. This makes berry picking a fun experience where your kids can eat their fill while learning a bit about nature. Just make sure you pick clothing that can be stained because toddlers and berries are a mess.

20. Watermelon Seed Spitting – Get a seeded watermelon and have a contest to see who can spit the seeds the furthest outdoors.

21. Bubbles – A simple can of bubbles and a wand can make for a fun bubble chasing session. Refill the jar with dish soap and water for refills.

22. Sheet Tent – Use old bed sheets over a tree and anchored down with a rock to create a tent in your yard or the local park. My kids spent a couple of hours enamored with their tent last year and they were even more thrilled when I brought them lunch to eat in it.

23. Bug Hunt – Go on a hunt for bugs, beetles, worms, butterflies, grasshoppers, ants, ladybugs and more. If you live in a place with fireflies, it can be a lot of fun to hunt them at night and watch them glow in a jar. Looking at bugs up close can teach kids a lot about the tiny things in their environment.

24. Puddle Jumping – On a rainy day, grab some boots, old gym shoes or even just go barefoot to jump in the puddles. Kids have a lot of fun letting loose and getting dirty.

25. Fairy Houses – Using little pieces of nature, you can build the cutest houses. Think of it like building a sandcastle—except not on the beach and not with sand or shells. Use dirt, bark, stones, moss, grass, feathers, leaves, flowers and other items to create little houses that spark the imagination.

That’s it! How many can you mark off this summer? And what else would you add to the list?