Summer Guide 2025
- Alex Kelly
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Swim Suits
For swimsuits you want to choose colors that are easily spotted underwater.
The best colors are neon, especially:
Neon Pink, Neon Orange for pool swimming
Neon Yellow, Neon Green, Neon Orange for lake swimming
Swim Diapers
Disposable
Reusable
Healthy Baby (code: NATURALMINDEDMAMA for 15%)
Flotation Devices
Flotation devices give children a false sense of security. They also align the child in a vertical position which is known as the “drowning position.” A child who thinks that staying vertical in the water is the correct posture is receiving the wrong idea about the environment.
Flotation devices are designed for children who cannot swim. However, “children who cannot swim should not be allowed to learn that it is safe to play in the water while relying on a crutch.”
If a flotation device is necessary (i.e if the child is on a boat or around water when there is the potential for submersion as a result of an accident) then a life jacket that floats the child in a face up position is the best option.
Minimizing Chlorine
Chlorinated pools release chloramines due to the combination of chlorine with sweat, sunscreen, urine, and other chemicals. Chloramine is oxidized chlorine gas which can cause symptoms likes coughing and sinus irritation. It can also increase asthma symptoms.
An AAP study of over 800 children (1) showed that chlorine exposure can have increased effects on children with allergies or asthma; and children without allergies or asthma were also effected by prolonged and regular chlorine exposure. Prolonged chlorine exposure can also cause dry hair/skin, dental erosion, bladder cancer, rectal cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Vitamin C Spray: Vitamin C helps neutralize and undo the damage of chlorine exposure. You can take internally, as well as make a topical spray using Vitamin C powder to use after chlorine exposure (or Rowe Casa has a premade one code: ALEX20). 1tsp Vitamin C to 8oz of water in a spray bottle. *Vitamin C degrades quickly in water, so the solution will only last 24 hours.
Apply an Oil Barrier: To further protect the skin, you can apply an oil barrier (like coconut) with a mixture of the above Vitamin C spray before chlorine exposure.
Add Vitamin C Powder to Sunscreen: You can also add Vitamin C powder to your sunscreen of choice before application (2tsp powder for every 1c sunscreen).
1 Alfred Bernard, PhD; Marc Nickmilder, PhD; Catherine Voisin, MSc; Antonia Sardella, MD. Impact of Chlorinated Swimming Pool Attendance on the Respiratory Health of Adolescents. October 1, 2009.
Safer Sunscreen
After Sun Spray
Plant Therapy After Sun Spray (this code gets you a discount) Rowe Casa After Sun (code: ALEX20) Rocky Mountain Oils Relieve the Heat
Beauty By Earth on Amazon (code ALEXKELLY works on their website)
DIY Sunburn Care
Trim aloe leaves and rub on burn
Diluted ACV spray
CBD Spray:
12oz witch hazel
2oz aloe vera gel
20 drops CBD oil
40 drops lav. oil
10 drops pepp. oil
40 drops calendula extract
CDB credit: wellness mama
Safer Self Tanner
Beauty by Earth lotion (have tried and loved!) CODE: ALEXKELLY for a discount
Beauty by Earth drops (have tried and loved!) CODE: ALEXKELLY for a discount
If I had to pick between the lotion and drops personally I would choose drops
Beauty by Earth Mousse CODE: ALEXKELLY for a discount
Rowe Casa Lotion CODE: ALEX20
Safer Bug Spray
Water Bottles
When looking for water bottles for kids there are a few things to look for that will help promote proper oral development.
short straws
A short straw allows the tip of the straw to to just reach the tip of the child’s tongue. This allows the tongue tip to reach UP in order to develop a mature swallow pattern.
valveless (or trimmable) straws
Valved straws promote more of a suckling motion than sipping which is needed to help develop a mature swallow and facial development. Valves create an abnormal motor pattern. You want your child to have a rounded lip and suck with control, no force. You don’t want your child to have to bite and brace in order to drink
thin straws (for early drinkers)
Thin straws bring up a smaller portion of liquid which makes it easier/safer to swallow, thicker straws can be more difficult to drink out of when it comes to tiny baby/toddler mouths, it can also cause a child to drink too much liquid too quickly lowering their capacity for solids.
Barefoot Shoes
Human feet are designed to work on their own, without external support. There can be a short-term time and place for arch support, insoles, etc., for certain people, but not arch support can actually weaken your feet (1). If you rely too heavily on arch support your feet will never be given the chance to use their muscles and nerves.
What to look for in barefoot shoes?
Zero drop (completely flat)
Thin, flexible soles
Wide, round toe boxes
Securely attaches to foot (not backless)
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