I am very passionate about mom must-haves. I fully believe in the saying: if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Especially in the summer.
Now, do I want summer to feel super scheduled and rigid? Absolutely not. We try to keep a really good mix of structure and fun over here – mostly fun.
And there are certain products I always keep in my pool bag, throw in the car, or find myself grabbing constantly that help me feel a little more sane, a little more put together, and honestly… a little cuter too when all the kids are home full-time.
These are the things that truly earn their spot every summer. So if you’re looking for the best summer must-haves for moms, these are mine.
TRIED AND TRUE SWIMSUIT COVER UP
This is hands down my favorite swimsuit cover up I’ve ever owned.
I wanted something that actually covered everything well, but didn’t feel overly baggy or frumpy. This one somehow manages to do both. It’s flattering, lightweight, easy to move in. I can do all the mom things in it – carry snacks, chase kids, sit on the edge of the pool.
THE “UNICORN” SWIMSUIT
I talked about this swimsuit in my roundup of favorite swimsuits for moms and will continue to talk about it because it deserves the hype.
I originally saw it shared by Brooke Romney and immediately ordered it. It is SO flattering. Like genuinely one of those rare swimsuits that makes you feel good the second you put it on.
It has adjustable straps, great coverage, comes in multiple colors, and is under $40 – which feels impossible for how good it is.
I have the bright pinky-coral color and love it for summer.
JELLY FLIP FLOPS
These jelly flip flops are having a major moment this year, and I completely understand why.
Last summer I bought the expensive version that everyone was wearing and then proceeded to lose one of them in a river after spending way too much money on them. Very humbling experience.
So this year I grabbed the Amazon version instead and I’ve been wearing them nonstop.
They’re comfortable, easy to throw on for the pool, but still cute enough to wear with an actual outfit. The neutral color goes with everything, which makes them one of those effortless summer staples I keep reaching for.
PACKABLE SUN HAT
I have had this hat for YEARS. Truly.
At minimum six years, and it still looks good despite being packed, rolled up, thrown in beach bags, and dragged on every vacation we take.
I am extremely serious about sun protection for my face. Like… I do not want a single ounce of sun touching it if I can help it. This hat makes that easy and is under $20.
SUPERGOOP EVERYDAY SPF LOTION
Last summer a friend convinced me to start keeping a giant bottle of sunscreen lotion at home instead of constantly buying spray sunscreen, and she was absolutely right.
Do my kids prefer spray sunscreen? Yes.
Do they waste half the bottle every single time? Also yes.
The lotion is just so much more practical and cost effective, especially with multiple kids. I love the Supergoop! Everyday Lotion because it doesn’t feel super sticky and my kids don’t complain about wearing it.
We still use clear sunscreen for quick outings and on-the-go moments, but this giant bottle lasts forever and saves me from buying sunscreen every five seconds all summer long.
LONG LOUNGE SHORTS
These are probably my most worn non-denim shorts I own.
I’ve had them for three years now, and they are still one of my favorite summer basics for moms. I especially love the gray and pink versions.
They’re a little longer, which I know so many moms appreciate, and they’re just incredibly easy to wear. Perfect for coming home from the pool, camping trips, lake days, lounging around the house, and kids’ sporting events.
BUT they’re also cute enough that if you throw on a white tee, jewelry, and sandals, you actually feel put together instead of just “in comfy clothes.”
RALPH LAUREN HATS
I am absolutely the queen of hats in the summer.
Again – no sun on my face. That is the goal.
I especially love Ralph Lauren hats because they’re practical and classic. They go with everything, they don’t feel overly trendy, and I know I won’t get sick of them after one season.
HANNI SPLASH SALVE
This product is magic. Truly.
I first heard about it from Jen Reed after she talked about loving it, and I finally decided to try it because I naturally have really dry skin and get bumps after shaving super easily.
This stuff makes your skin unbelievably soft. Like softer than a baby’s bottom.
And the smell? Incredible.
TURQUOISE NECKLACE I WEAR WITH EVERYTHING
This turquoise necklace has become one of my favorite affordable accessories for summer. I’ve now convinced multiple friends to buy it, bought it for my mom for Mother’s Day, and talked my sister into ordering one too.
I genuinely feel like turquoise acts as a neutral in the summer. It goes with basically everything.
Sometimes I even wear it with swimsuits because it just makes me feel a little more elevated and intentional.
And the best part is it gives the look of those super expensive designer-inspired necklaces without the ridiculous price tag.
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At the end of the day, my favorite summer must haves for moms are the things that make life easier. If you found these nine summer must have suggestions for moms helpful, but would like even more, I have my whole Amazon summer must have list here!
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