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summer with a toddler
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items you've been through summer with a baby (cruise control?) and you've made to summer with a walking, somewhat talking dora or diego who might also possibly be the energizer bunny…it takes a lot more planning for sure. as i figure this out as a first ti...
Sections
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places to go, things to do, people to see
what mommy has packed
let's stay home today
what do we have to eat
places to go, things to do, people to see
columbia has the animals, the plants, the sports, the weather, the food, the events…all summer long! explore something different this year or revisit your favorites!
Wide variety of animals! New bird exhibit and upcoming zipline experience. Enough parking and stroller friendly :) A membership is worth it!
Riverbanks Zoo
Separate from the zoo and absolutely stunning! Have an entirely new experience apart from the animals. Lovely shaded walkways and jungle themed playground areas.
Riverbanks Botanical Garden
Fun for young children with so many things to observe, but also an educational experience for older kids who can read and understand!
EdVenture
columbia loves some baseball! we are home to a minor league team and have a new, beautiful ballpark located near an ever-increasing amount of bars, breweries, restaurants, etc. many theme nights take place throughout the year! very kid-friendly!
Columbia Fireflies Schedule - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball
Finally got one in Columbia! I love a good Marble Slab concoction but the quality of this ice cream is unmatched. Rich, thick, and add in whatever you would like right in front of you!
Cold Stone Creamery
I do love some sweet cream and coffee mixed together or the birthday cake ice cream from Marble Slab. They have cookies, ice cream cakes that I've purchased multiple times, and it'll always have a special place in my heart. Great memories made here a...
Marble Slab Creamery
Make memories and add a new little stuffed loved one to your family! Join their club and get a birthday gift when it's that time - a bear that is the cost of your child's age! Great first birthday trip :)
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Part of the botanical garden at Riverbank is the “waterpark.” More like waterfalls and a splash pad environment but is refreshing in our SC heat! No matter if your child is crawling, walking, or fully running around, there is a place at the waterpark...
Waterfall Junction
what mommy has packed
what i have in my bag and my child's that i consistently bring along. these are items i count necessary since i'm going up and down flights of stairs alone with a kid.
Safe and effective bug spray! We have so much humidity here and so many bodies of water that is not something we can leave the house without. Obviously, I want to be careful with what I choose to put on our skin, and this product is DEET free.
Avon Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard + Picaridin With Vitamin-E & Aloe Spray 4oz
Allergies have gotten worse and worse since I've been here and it has to do with our agriculture and what species plants we have, but this product has saved my nose and voice (post-nasal drip anyone?) more than once!
FLONASE Allergy Relief Nasal Spray
I don't think I've bought a different gum than this for years…? I literally always buy this brand of gum. Anyways! The larger plastic container is a must because the last thing I need happening is my gum melting or mushing into all of my other belong...
5 Gum® Official Website | All Things 5 Gum®
I will literally make my way through all of their shades. This fat oil is a cute size - won't take up too much space in your bag, but will fill a space in your soul that you didn't know was there. My go to right now is the Chill Fat Oil - perfection!
Fat Oil Lip Drip Lip Gloss| NYX Professional Makeup
Cute selection of colors, price is affordable, water resistant, and comes with a cord! This is so easy to carry along in a purse and has a little clip on the side so it doesn't get lost when dumped in with everything else!
GEMS Portable Outdoor 6000mAh Power Bank - Mint Green
The metal temple detail just really got me. The narrower frame helps keep these a streamlined accessory that's easy to nestle into a pocket of your purse. More durable than I expected them to be as well - my little guy has snatched these up more than...
Women's Plastic Rectangle Cateye Sunglasses with Metal Temple Detail - Wild Fable™ Tort
Now listen. I have my qualms about natural deodorant and this that and the other. BUT, if I need a freshen up that kinda smells like I might've put on a coconut vanilla perfume? I'll take this. Doesn't foam up, stain as far as I can tell, and doesn't...
Coconut & Vanilla Deodorant Spray
My ride or dies. I can't stand smelling like a Hall's cherry or lemon cough drop. No shade at all because I do need them when my throat feels like someone took it to hell with them. These lozenges have a different pain reliever that's not menthol tha...
InstaSoothe™ Sore Throat + Pain Relief Drops
Huggies are great, but they rip so easily. Store brand are cool, but I don't have the same trust that they won't irritate our skin that I have in Pampers sensitive wipes. The plastic lid on top stays shut well and they are sealed in and stay more moi...
Pampers Baby Wipes - Sens - 1344ct
I have tried just about every brand of diaper for my son. The most cost effective, best leak protection, and non-irritating material has been right here with Luvs.
Luvs Pro Level Leak Protection Diapers Giant Pack - Size 5 - 124ct
I could not live without this and I quite literally mean that. I live alone with a child on the third story with no elevator, and I get no help with carrying groceries, diaper/work bags, etc. My child also happens to be 99th percentile and doesn't ne...
Baby Carrier with Hip Seat – MOMTORY 6-in-1 Adjustable Carrier for Newborn to Toddler, Safety-Certified, for 7–50lbs, All Seasons
The best quality, non-runny, long lasting, non-greasy product. White cast where? A higher end product, but well worth it for the longevity of your skin!
La Roche Posay Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen - SPF 50 - 6.7 fl oz
Comparable to the La Roche-Posay sunscreen, this one is also a favorite, with a shinier finish than the matte-like finish of the La Roche-Posay kid's sunscreen 50SPF!
BLUE LIZARD AUSTRALIAN SUNSCREEN - 6 Products
Something cute, lightweight, easy to throw on, and so many other benefits. Not trying to flash everyone while running around with the kids? Need to pocket the phone while carrying the world on your shoulders? Need to use the bathroom but don't want t...
Softlyzero™ Plush Backless Active Dress-Easy Peezy Edition
Large stroller fan with misting, great battery, a lifesaver in this heat! Also comes with a small light that makes the fan glow if you are strolling around in the dark.
Misting Stroller Fan 6000mAh Portable 360°
let's stay home today
A bit early to use for a one year old but something to model using and encourage exploring! Kids are so smart and end up figuring things out if you give them the opportunity. This is fun and safe enough to play with indoors or take outside!
Baby Balance Bike for 1 Year Old Boys Girls 12-24 Month Toddler Balance Bike, 4 Wheels Toddler First Bike, First Birthday Gifts
So you're not trying to head to the pool and smell like chlorine, it's a thousand degrees out, but your kid absolutely loves playing in the water? This toy simulates every day life activities that are age appropriate, has a realistic faucet with a wa...
Kids Kitchen Play Set, Kitchen Play Sink Toy with Running Water Cycle System, Pretend Play Kitchen Set with Dishes & Food & Accessories, Play Kitchen for Toddler 1 2 3 Year Girls Boys Toys
Have a pool at the house or apartment? This vest has a safety whistle, arm floaties, and comes in different styles/prints for girls and boys! Has two straps that clip in the back and the clips take an extra push to open so you don't have to worry tha...
HEY! SPLASH Swim Vest , Toddler Floaties Fit, Puddle Kids Vest with Adjustable Strap, Pool Float Arm Floaties Water Wing, Pool Sea Swimming Aid - Walmart.com
Bubble fun comes in so many different options. This fan is easy to set up on a porch or balcony, and is less of a mess with a baby versus tube bubbles.
Play Day Mega Bubble Blower, Battery Operated, Bubble Blowing Toy Machine
Don't need those curious little hands opening up every. single. cabinet? Strap em closed with these bad boys. They're easy open for adults so you're not spending a good minute unlocking them!
Booboo® 10 Pack Premium Child Cabinet Locks
Keep those little fingers out of all the outlets with these easy on, but secure covers!
Power Gear Baby Proof Outlet Covers 30 Ct
what do we have to eat
see my other list for specific foods! this is more so for items used for storing foods, making foods, etc.
Multiple sizes, lids that clip and stay closed, and collapsible containers! Perfect for on the go!
Bocaoying 4 Pack Silicone Collapsible Bowls with Airtight Lids, Collapsible Food Storage Containers, Foldable Lunch Bowls for Kitchen Travel Camping Microwave and Freezer Safe
Making food fun is one of our many jobs, so taking fruit/vegetable juice, yogurt (healthy fats!), and frozen fruit and making popsicles ends up being a way to get those nutrients in!
Silicone Popsicle Molds with Sticks, 10 Pieces DIY Reusable Silicone Ice Pop Molds Easy Release Ice Pop Maker with Reusable Popsicle Sticks Silicone Funnel and Cleaning Brush - Walmart.com