Cottage Living Must-Haves

Desperate for a break from the day-to-day stresses of life? We hear you! Whether it’s a short weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, a visit to the cottage is always time well spent.

Now that you’re a parent, those carefree parties up north may seem like a thing of the past. After all, you’ve got real, grown-up responsibilities now! But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun.

Cottaging with the whole family can be a rewarding and relaxing experience when you have essential cottage items. So don’t feel guilty about de-stressing with that extra glass of wine — use these products to make life easier on your next family retreat.

 

A Day at the Cottage 

Everyone “cottages” differently. Some love living in a log cabin with no electricity or running water, while others prefer something modern with all the comforts of home.

Whatever your preference, baby-friendly items are a must to get your tiny human through a vacation!

First on the list is Muchkin’s ingenious Digital Bottle Warmer, which heats up milk (or formula) to a safe temperature of 98.6° every single time. Parents everywhere know microwaves tend to heat bottles unevenly, and with plenty of cottages only having stoves, this digital warmer is a safe, convenient, on-the-go option.

Stokke’s Clikk High Chair Bundle makes meal times a snap! Designed for children from 6 months to 3 years of age, this highchair boasts three configurations to optimize seating for your little one as they grow. The bundle comes with a light 8-lbs. chair, removable dishwasher-safe tray, machine-washable harness, a comfy cushion, and handy travel bag. Easy to put together and even easier to transport due to its light weight, the Clikk High Chair is a great option to take with you on holiday or to the cottage — plus it can double as your baby’s home high chair as well. For more compact high chair options, click here.

Of course, no cottage trip is complete without some alone time for you! Go guilt-free by grabbing the Vtech DECT 6.0 Digital Audio Baby Monitor. It’s a two-way intercom that comes with a night light and works at a range of up to 1500 feet so you can wander about the property while keeping tabs on baby when they nap.

If your cottage has strong WIFI, you may prefer getting a video monitor like the Nanit Pro Smart Camera + Flex Stand instead, for extra peace of mind. This duo is particularly great for travel and weekends away at the cottage as the Flex Stand allows you to adjust the camera to the best angle to monitor baby. Want more options, check out our Top Baby Monitors article, here.

Release the Wiggles! 

Cottage life = appreciating nature. Little ones have curious minds and love to explore, unfortunately, nature isn’t exactly baby-friendly. While they would quite happily crawl all over the great outdoors and become a grassy and muddy disaster, that can be unsafe and stress-inducing for mom and dad.

To keep them clean, the Leather Playmat by Gathre is a soft, squishy, and stable dropcloth perfect for picnics and play. Wipeable and water-resistant, it comes in square or circular options and can be folded to a compact size for transit.

If you want to keep babe safe while you are preparing dinner or taking a well-earned break, the BabyBjörn Play Yard Light is a playard with multiple benefits. First, it’s lightweight and portable, which means you can easily carry it anywhere you need it. Second, there’s no upper weight limit so you can use it right until your child can climb out. Lastly, it’s designed with mesh walls to protect them from the elements while still allowing them to see out and get plenty of fresh air.

On the Go

For quick trips into town, the Nuna TRVL Stroller is a great choice. It’s ultra-lightweight and compacts down to the size of carry-on luggage, easily fitting your already packed car. It’s also one of the best small strollers for parents and babies alike, as it’s designed for smooth movement and comfort. Another bonus is that Nuna’s PIPA Infant Car Seat can lock onto the stroller frame without an adapter.

On Lake Time

Break out your bikini, girl — it’s time to hit the lake! These days are all about catching some rays (with sunscreen and a hat, of course) going for scenic strolls, and getting out on the water to make some unforgettable memories with your kids.

Outfitting them with the Bijou Infant Vest could quite literally save their life if they fall overboard. It’s also one of the best-fitting life jackets for babies as it is designed with a buoyant headrest to keep their head above water at all times. For older kids, the larger Nimbus Vest is a great option with a sporty look.

All that time in the sun requires you to keep your bundle of joy protected from UV rays. Baby Boo Bamboo Natural Baby Sunscreen SPF 40 is a gentle, non-whitening, fast-absorbing, and unscented sunscreen. It also is enriched with organic bamboo extract and minerals!

You can pair the sunblock with a pair of Chill Sunglasses from Real Shades. They come in a wide range of colours and are unbreakable (go ahead, try to snap them in half!), so your baby will not only be safe in the sun but look as cool as a cucumber at the same time.

Get Out & Explore

A family trip to the cottage can be a fun and exciting experience with the right gear. Pick up a few of these items to make your time as stress-free as possible.

For more summer must-haves, be sure to check out this article. For those staying a bit closer to home, our pool and beach essentials will ensure your days go swimmingly. 

Wherever your summer adventures take you, stay safe and have fun!