Notes from the Nelsens: Summer Essentials for Baby, Toddler & Mama + $150 CASH GIVEAWAY!!!

Today, I'm teaming up with Samantha Elizabeth and Emily Dawn to share a list of our favorite summer essentials for baby, toddler, and mama. And if that's not exciting enough, we're giving away $150 to one reader to spend on anything you want to start your summer off right!

Details for the giveaway are at the bottom of the post, but I can tell you that all of the entries come from following us on Instagram and tagging your friends, so swing over to our IG feeds, follow, and tag!

Heather's IG feed here

Samantha's IG feed here

Emily's IG feed here

SUMMER ESSENTIALS FOR BABY, TODDLER, & MAMA

Heather's List:

Kidco Peapod (buy here): This little bed is great for travel. You can use it on the beach, for camping, and even for a more compact sleeping option in hotels. There is the original version (which I linked above) and the "plus" version, which is a little larger and costs a little more. You can read a comparison of the two here and decide which one is best for your family. I like the original because of the blowup mattress, which is a little thicker than the "plus" model's mattress, and the original is also smaller, so it takes up less space when you travel.

Here is Miss Natalie zonked out on the beach last week during one of her 2.5 hour beach naps. Bless this sweet baby girl!

Stearns Puddle Jumper Life Jacket (buy here): These life jackets are GREAT! Ryan at 22 months can float on his own, and the design pulls him forward slightly which naturally gets him ready for swimming.

Here he is with Matt at the pool last week:

iBert Bicycle Seat (buy here): We love, love, love these seats! Riding on the front of the bike lets the kids feel like they're helping with steering and allows them to see out clearly. I also like being able to talk to Ryan more easily and see what he's looking at as we ride. The install is very easy and the seat sits securely under the handle bars. A great product for summer bike rides!

Solly Baby Wrap (buy here): I talk about these wraps all.the.time. I used them quite a bit with Ryan and use them even more with Natalie. The material is light-weight (great for the hot summer days), easy to wrap, and keeps baby very secure- secure enough for a bike ride in fact. ;) Also, the owners are some of my favorite people to follow on Instagram. Love their little family and heart for mamas! You can check out their feed here.

Samantha's List:

While I am a mama to-be (baby boy coming in October!) I have to share a handful of items that I've been adding to my registry per some great recommendations from friends and family.

Rock n' Play Sleeper (buy here): I've heard nothing but amazing things about this piece of baby equipment. You can guarantee it will be one of the top most wanted items on my registry this summer.

Ergo 360 Carrier (buy here): We plan to use the Solly Baby Wrap (as Heather mentioned above) until baby gets a little bigger and then we will use the Ergo 360. My husband tends to like the structure of the Ergo a little more than the Solly Wrap, I think purely for comfort and confidence with carrying baby. So when our little one gets a bit more wiggly, the Ergo will definitely come in handy!

Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter (buy here): As my ever expanding pregnancy body continues to grow...and grow...I've been slathering on this lovely lotion by Burt's Bees and I love it. It makes my skin feel so supple and soft. So far, no major stretch marks, although I know much of that is hereditary - but never the less...this lotion is like the spa in a tub. It is the first thing I put on when I get out of the bath.

Emily's List:

Ann Bully Handheld USB Misting Cooling Fan (buy here): We had something very similar to this when our kids were just babies to keep them cool when we were outside on hot summer days. After moving down south last year, we've quickly learned that summers are much hotter & last much longer here. So when we found out we were pregnant with baby number 3, we knew we had to get another one of these to keep our little girl cool. And after much browsing around, I found this one to be the best option! It has amazing reviews, it's not as expensive as others, but seems that the power in the fan is better than other brands. It has 3 options with fan only, mist only, and fan & mist. It does take batteries, but can also be plugged in using a USB. Looking forward to receiving this in the mail!

Stripe Print Canvas Tote Handbag (buy here): Buying a new, practical, but cute beach tote is on top of my summer to-get list. I have been eyeing this Canvas Tote Handbag to use for packing up our towels, swimmers, sunscreen, & snacks in now that the pool opened up just down the road from us. I love the design of it and that the top opening zips!

Babyganics Mineral-Based Sunscreen (buy here): This has always been my go-to sunscreen for the kids! I love that it is made up of 100% Natural NeoNourish Seed Oil Blend, with no PABA, phthalates, parabens, fragrances, or nano-particles. Has great protection with SPF 50. Perfect for little ones sensitive skin.