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Get Outside! – 8 Tips for Taking the Kids to Splash Pads and Swimming Pools this Summer

May 9, 2014 by danawyyc 8 Comments

My family spends a lot of time outside. I try to do it all year round, but the Summer is my favourite time for outdoor play. There’s an ease about going outside in the summer. It seems like there is less you have to deal with – no coats or boots, mittens or scarves. Although I really like the ability to just hang out in the warm weather, what I look forward to the most is taking the kids to the spray parks and wading pools. We’ve been to every public splash pad in Calgary and love them all. They do take a little more planning than a trip to the park though.

The single biggest tip that I can share (after making this mistake more times than I can count) is if you are going anywhere near a water feature – even if you have no intention of playing in the water – make sure you bring along swim clothes and Huggies Little Swimmers just in case. Once you get there the water always seems irresistible. Below I have eight tips to make your family’s trip to the local splash pad or swimming pool safe and fun.

1. Sun protection – Being near the cool water will make it less likely for you to notice the heat of the sun. Make sure to protect your family from sunburns by applying waterproof sunscreen and wearing hats and sunglasses. Swim shirts can be helpful for protecting against frequently sunburned areas like the chest and back. Many splash pads lack good shade so you may even want to consider bringing a portable sunshade especially if you have a small baby.

2. Towels – Bring big beach towels, which can double as blankets.

3. Swim Diapers – Most pools and splash pads require little ones to wear swim diapers. I used Huggies Little Swimmers for my son and still use them for my daughter. They are great because they hold in what they should, but don’t take on water like regular diapers. The easy open sides make clean up a breeze. Don’t forget to bring a couple more than you think you’ll need just in case.

4. Wear swim clothes on the way there and bring clothes to change into. This makes everything a little more streamlined once you are there. I usually wait to put the Little Swimmers on until we get there to make everything as fresh as possible. Don’t forget to pack underpants and diapers!

5. Snacks and drinks – Running around in the water will make your kids hungry and thirsty so these are a must. Also, make sure your kids know not to drink the water in the pool or from spray features. It’s safe for playing, but it’s not tap water.

6. Toys – This seems like something you could easily skip, but I always regret it when I do. If you’re going to a pool or wading pool that allows them, floaty toys are tons of fun, but a couple small buckets will add fun to your water play no matter where you are going.

7. Sandals or water shoes – One of the most annoying things in the world is trying to put socks on wet feet. Make sure everyone is wearing sandals that are easy to get on and off. My kids usually prefer to go barefoot in the water, but you may want to consider bringing water shoes particularly if the ground is rough or slippery.

8. Pack everything in a big bag or a wagon – Make travelling to and from the water easier by using a big bag to hold everything. If you have longer to walk and the place you are going has room, a wagon can make your life a lot easier. You’ll want to bring a smaller plastic or water-resistant bag along, too, so you can throw all the wet clothes and towels in it at the end of the day.

Squeeze every drop of fun out of summer with HUGGIES® LITTLE SWIMMERS® Swimpants. HUGGIES® LITTLE SWIMMERS® provide worry-free water play, feature Easy Open Sides to make changing a breeze and provide a comfortable fit for your child, in and out of water. Learn more at http://www.huggies.com/en-CA/products/diapers/littleswimmers

* Disclosure: This post was brought to you by the HUGGIES® LITTLE SWIMMERS® brand via Glam Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the HUGGIES® LITTLE SWIMMERS® brand.

Girls Night in With Mattel #GameOnParty

December 6, 2013 by danawyyc Leave a Comment

My family loves board games. Many evenings, particularly over the holidays, you can find us around a table playing our new favorite. My brother even co-hosts a local annual gaming event. Yeah, we have a lot of family game nights.

When Mattel offered to help me host a Game Night, I thought I’d try something a little different and invite some of my girlfriends over.

They sent me a box of games that was personalized based on my Gameology sign. Mattel’s Gameology Facebook App determines your game sign by asking you some questions and tells you what time of games fit you best. You can find out if you are an Activus, Strategicorn, or a Socialie like me by trying out their app at: Follow this link to determine your game sign: Apps.facebook.com/gameology. (You can also win some prizes!)

I have to say, the app was right on the money. Most of the times when my friends get together we talk and talk and talk and eat. So social games are a perfect fit. Inside the box was Mad Gab, Apples to Apples, Uno, Phase 10 and Skip Bo Dice Game. We spent most of the night playing Apples to Apples (well, that and talking). It’s a great game for a group, is quick and easy to play and doesn’t put you on the spot. It can also be pretty funny.

I had a great time trying out these games with my friends, but I’m really looking forward to hosting another family games night so we can play our new games.

DISCLAIMER: Mattel sent me the Game On box to review, but all opinions and comments are my own.

Taking Two – Finding Happiness at the Playground with Nemo

July 30, 2013 by danawyyc 4 Comments

When I am trying to solve of a parenting problem I’m having with Nicky, I often find myself thinking back to how I dealt with the problem with Gordie. But sometimes I realize that I never had to deal with that parenting problem with Gordie. With your first child, they set the pace. With your second, well your first still seems to be setting the pace.

I’ve found this to be particularly true while we are out exploring playgrounds. Weather is one consideration – too hot, too cold, too windy, too rainy, not enough shade. I don’t even think Gordie had rain boots until he was 2.

One of the things I’ve found helpful is bringing along a toy or two for Nicky to play with. Disney Baby’s Nemo Rollin’ Round Ramp is the perfect take along park toy. (Although it would be fun anywhere). The carry handle makes it easy to take from place to place and it’s nice an light too. The other thing I love about it as a mom is that there aren’t a lot of pieces – you may have to spend a couple minutes finding nemo but other than that you are good to go.

Nicky’s loved this toy since it arrived in the mail and comes back to it again and again whether it’s at home, at the park or at someone else’s house. She’s always been fond of fish (fish was one of her first words!) and she loves putting opening and closing the cavern door to put Nemo in and out and sliding him down the slide. She also loves dancing to the little tune the starfish makes which I have become very familiar with.

Hey? Where’s Nemo?

There he is!

With a little planning and a little Disney Magic, it was easy to find happiness at the playground for both my kids.

Here’s a short video of Nicky playing with Nemo:

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Disney. I received this toy and financial compensation in exchange for sharing it with you.

About the Nemo Rollin’ Round Ramp: The Nemo Rollin’ Round Ramp is a fun play set for baby that features characters from Disney’s Finding Nemo, plus adorable tunes and SFX. The play set includes a brightly coloured Nemo character, complete with a fun roller-ball on his belly. The lively tunes & SFX are activated as Nemo slides down the ramp or as baby pushes the starfish button. The tote features an open/close door for put-and-take play, a roller-ball Bloat to bat at, and a seahorse slider. The richly detailed handle makes this play set perfect for play at home or on the go!

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