When you’re raising babies and toddlers in the Arizona heat, you quickly learn that preparation is everything — but that it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! As a born-and-raised Arizona mama of three (with a fourth on the way!), I’ve picked up all the best tips and tricks to make summer fun, smooth, and low-stress for the whole family.
From packing your bag just right to knowing where to go (and when!) to beat the heat, here’s my tried-and-true guide for surviving — and thriving — during those long, hot summer days with little ones in tow.
Why Summer with Littles Doesn’t Have to Be Overwhelming
I know firsthand how summer can feel daunting when you have little ones — messy days, wet clothes, cranky babies, and all the stuff that comes with getting out of the house. But with the right prep and a few mama hacks, you can actually enjoy these sweet memory-making days.
This post is here to help you feel confident and ready, not stressed. You’ve got this, mama.
Arizona Mama Pro-Tips for Beating the Heat
If you’re an Arizona local like me, you know the mornings are gold during the summer. Starting your day early is one of the best ways to enjoy outings without the intense midday heat.
A few of my favorite summer spots with little ones:
- Phoenix Zoo — We especially love the splash pad area here! The zoo membership is 100% worth it because it allows early entry one hour before opening. That extra hour makes such a difference when the weather heats up fast and the zoo gets more crowded.
- Splash Pads Around Phoenix — There’s no shortage of splash pads here! Look for shaded ones with smaller features perfect for babies and toddlers.
- Home Fun: On days we want to stay close to home, we love using a hard plastic kiddie pool — ours has lasted over 13 years! It’s easy to clean, holds up well, and provides the perfect amount of splash fun for littles.
Packing Your Summer Bag Like a Pro: Essentials I Never Leave Home Without
Years of summer adventures (and a few lessons learned the hard way!) have helped me fine-tune what really needs to be in the bag. Here’s my go-to summer packing list for babies and toddlers:
My Must-Have Summer Bag Essentials:
- Bogg Bag — Lightweight, super easy to clean, and it dries out quickly thanks to all the little holes. There are so many handy accessories for these bags too — phone holders, water bottle holders, key clips, organizing inserts, dividers (so each child can have their own section!), snack trays, and more.
- Thin, Highly Absorbent Towels — They dry fast, don’t take up much space, and are perfect for on-the-go.
- Multiple Wet Bags — Absolute game changers! I use these for everything: wet swimsuits, dirty clothes, messy towels, cloth diapers & wipes, and even washable baby books.
- Reusable Swim Diapers — No need to guess diaper sizes (one of my favorite perks of cloth diapering year-round!). Reusable swim diapers work so well and save money in the long run.
- Washable Changing Pad — I always pack one because if it gets dirty or wet, it can just go into the wet bag and straight into the wash when we get home. (We do keep a wipeable changing pad in each vehicle too, but I reach for my washable one more often because it takes up less space.)
- Snacks that Won’t Melt Easily — Avoid snacks that will turn into a sticky mess in the heat. Think freeze-dried fruits, granola bars, puffs, or shelf-stable organic fruit snacks.
- Water Bottles for Everyone — And bonus tip: Starbucks has always been wonderful about topping off our water bottles with ice water if you’re grabbing your morning coffee before your outing.
Why Cloth Diapering Makes Summer Outings Easier
One of the many reasons I love cloth diapering is that I never have to stress about remembering which size disposables to pack for which baby. My favorite cloth diapers fit from newborn all the way up, so I simply grab what I need and go — no extra brain space needed for switching out sizes when babies grow.
With wet bags always packed and ready, cloth diapering on the go becomes just as easy (if not easier!) than disposables — and it saves space in your bag.
Make Laundry Work For You, Not Against You
Summer days are messy — and that’s part of the fun! Between swimsuits, towels, diapers, and dirty clothes, you’re going to have laundry anyway. For me, it’s just easier to embrace it. I toss all the used items into wet bags throughout the day and then throw them all into the wash together at the end of the day.
Bonus tip: I’ve found that washing all of these together (towels, wipes, diapers, swimsuits) actually helps add agitation, which seems to make the diapers come out even cleaner!
Plus — can we take a moment to be thankful for modern washing machines? No scrubbing on washboards like our poor ancestors had to do. Thank you, Lord, for smart machines!
Final Encouragement: Soak Up the Memories, Mama — You’ve Got This!
Summer with babies and toddlers may feel like a lot of work sometimes — but these are the sweet, simple days we’ll look back on and miss. Don’t let the prep stress steal your joy. A little bit of planning makes a big difference, and your kiddos won’t remember the chaos — they’ll remember the fun.
Cheering you on, mama! Stay cool, stay prepared, and make those summer memories.
Want more low-tox, budget-friendly mama tips like this? Make sure to check out my favorite natural cloth diapering essentials and my cloth wipe solution recipe!
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