While it’s easy to write your baby’s name on the bottles, you might find that the name labels keep falling off, making it difficult to keep track of which bottle or pacifier belongs to your baby at daycare. We’ve heard from many parents who have faced this issue and have tried various hacks like painter’s tape, electrical tape, and Sharpies, but nothing works. Painter’s and electrical tape often peel off, while Sharpies tend to rub off and leave your little one’s hands stained.

If you’re struggling with this problem, you’re not alone! Fortunately, there are some solutions that you can try that will work and help you keep track of which bottle belongs to your little one and prevent germy mix-ups.

What is silicone, and why does nothing stick to it!? 

Silicone is a synthetic rubber created with silicone and oxygen. Silicone does not allow for microbiological growth, (which means it’s FDA compliant) and that’s why it is so is often used for products that require good hygiene, like many baby, children’s and personal care products. 

Due to the low surface energy of silicone it cannot create a bond and nothing will stick to it. So don’t be fooled by label companies claiming their markers, stamps or labels will stick. They will stick as well as jelly being nailed to a wall.

We have solutions! While we understand that nothing will stick, we have workarounds that will allow you to label all your kid’s silicone items. 

How to label silicone baby bottles

You can label silicone baby bottles in a few ways. Firstly, you can use a small rectangle label to adhere to the edge of the plastic lid.  You can find the small rectangle labels on their own, or as part of the top-selling Baby Label Pack or the Daycare Label Pack 

You can use a Baby Bottle Band to adhere around the bottle. These bottle bands are laser engraved with your child’s name, and they silicone band fits snugly around the bottle. If you need want to tightest fit it over the silicone bottle you can first freeze your baby bottle (just using water) once solid you can fit your bottle band snugly around the silicone baby bottle and it will flex and compress with the bottle. You can put it in the bottle warmer and dishwasher without needing to remove it!

Mabel’s Labels Baby Bottle Bands are reusable and easy to clean, making them a cost-effective, convenient safe solution for labeling your baby’s bottles and a top choice among parents! 

How to label a silicone pacifier  

Pacifier Labels! The most clever labels ever! This pack of labels combines perfectly sized tear-resistant and sterilizer-safe labels. If you have a silicone pacifier, the wraparound label can be looped through the hole or handle, and voila, it sticks to itself and won’t fall off.  

They’re waterproof (and drool-proof!), so they can be washed, wiped, and put through the sterilizer without falling off!   

How to Label Silicone Swim Goggles

Kids off to camp or swim lessons? Swim goggles can be tricky to label because they’re made of silicone (and obviously, you don’t want to label the lens). The pacifier labels will work similarly. However, if you’re not looking to purchase them separately, you can use either a small rectangle label or a large rectangle label and simply fold the label over the strap at the back of the head. The label will stick to itself and remain stuck!

The labels are waterproof, so they won’t fall off in the pool, lake, or bathtub (because inevitably, your child will wear goggles in the tub one day, just because).

If you’re heading to camp, the Day Camp Label Pack includes the small rectangle labels, and the Sleepaway Label Pack includes of the large rectangle labels, so your camp label pack will already have what you need to label your swim goggles.

How to label silicone reusable snack bags 

Look for silicone snack bags with this little plastic loop in the corner. A personalized mini bag tag will easily fit through the loop, and your kids won’t lose or mix-up their snack bag again.

If you’re looking for tips on how to wash your silicone bottles, straws and toys, read this post for all the best tips!

The post How to Label Silicone: Solutions for Baby Bottles, Pacifiers, Swim Goggles, and More.   appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Give an old backpack new life.

Empty out your child’s trusty school backpack or dig out an extra one from a previous year. Pre-treat any unsightly spots with stain remover and run it through a cold-water cycle in your washing machine. Hang it outdoors in the sun to dry. Spruce up the zipper pull with a keychain-style accessory or a personalized bag tag. The backpack’s makeover is complete and it’s ready for camp time! Choose eco-friendly lunch gear.

A reusable Bento style lunch box (made of plastic or stainless steel) is a positive step toward a litterless lunch. Send a daily personal message for your day camper with washaway lunch box notes that dissolve in water. Reusable single-serve containers and silicone snack bags are also a great alternative to disposable ones.

Say goodbye to single-use water bottles.

“Water” we waiting for? For the sake of the earth, it’s time to reduce the demand for new plastic. Keep your child hydrated all day with a high-quality reusable water bottle. Prevent germy mix-ups by adding a textured wraparound water bottle label personalized with your child’s name. And, if you’re worried about bacteria, we’ve got tips for cleaning and disinfecting.

Rediscover old-fashioned entertainment.

Your young camper may appreciate having something to do on the drive, at lunch break, during quiet time, or while waiting for pick-up. With this in mind, scour your game cupboard, bookshelf and toy bin for “unplugged” options such as:

• Art supplies. Sort through your existing collection of pens, crayons, markers and coloring pencils (this is a great hands-on project for kids!). Discard the unusable or broken ones, and fill a pencil case with the rest. Grab a past school notebook and remove any used pages to get a fresh start. Slip these into your child’s bag for drawing, writing letters or playing or pen-and-paper games with fellow campers.
• Travel games, magnet sets, fidget toys or a deck of cards
• Activity books, word puzzles, comic books or Mad Libs
• A long-forgotten stuffed animal – refresh it with a wash and dry cycle (inside a tied pillowcase) and your child will have a familiar friend for the car ride.

Seek out gently used gear.

This is especially wise if your child is registered for a camp where they’ll be trying a new sport or activity. Look for gently used sports equipment and footwear in online classifieds, at thrift stores, or through the local sport association. Also consider borrowing camp essentials like a sleeping bag or rain gear from your personal network of cousins, friends and neighbors.

Reuse products that are still within their shelf life.

Check your cabinets and assess your existing stock of kid-friendly sunscreen, bug spray and after-bite lotion. If it’s still ahead of its expiry date, squeeze out every last ounce before purchasing a new one.

Avoid over-buying.

Check the camp website or ask in advance if there is a camp supply list, so you know exactly what your child will need. For sleep-away camp, you can also use our handy checklist as a starting point.

By adopting an eco-friendly approach to camp gear, you’ll be helping both the planet and your budget. Repurposing existing items reduces landfill waste and saves money (that you’ll likely need for camp fees). Also, labeling everything reduces the chances of lost items, which means you won’t have to purchase new ones to replace them. So, be creative and apply “the 3 R’s” wherever you can!

The post 7 Eco-Friendly Ways to Prepare for Summer Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

If you have plans to send your kids to camp this summer, you can be sure they’ll spend their days swimming, making new friends, playing sports, learning new games, exploring nature, singing songs, laughing, and making memories to last a lifetime. That’s why packing lunches for day camp that will fuel them for endless days of fun is so important.

Need some tips on how to pack a lunch for day camp that they’ll love? We’ve got ‘em!

Keep them on their toes

Camp isn’t like school. School lunches are filled with food to fuel their brain to help them learn and work hard. Camp lunches should be filled with food to fuel their bodies to help them run and play hard! So, keep them on their toes all summer by changing up their lunch a bit. Think an extra juice box, fruits that help hydrate them, and extra protein.

Summer Camp is a time to have fun, so it’s always most important to ensure they eat (anything!). They need fuel to keep going all day in the sun – so maybe add a treat or two!

Keep it cool

Ice packs are your best friend when it comes to packing camp lunches. Remember that their lunch could be left outside in the summer heat for most of the day. It’s a good idea to find out from your camp where lunches will be stored, as this will impact how and what you pack.

If you use one ice pack for school lunches, you’ll likely need an extra one for camp. Also, don’t pack anything that will melt or spoil if those ice packs don’t hold up. No kid wants a smushed banana. Make sure to toss any food that may have sat out too long; it’s not worth the risk.

If lunch is being left outside, make sure your items are shelf-stable, like nut butters, apples, bananas etc.

If your kids are a little nervous about attending camp, send some of these Washaway Lunch Box Notes labels in their lunchbox to add a special note to make them feel better.

Keep it in season.

Summer is full of amazing fruits & veggies kids love to snack on. Throughout the summer months, different produce comes into season, and you can change it up based on what’s available. June & July are great for strawberries, July is perfect for raspberries, and watermelon season kicks off in August!  If you’re looking for a weekend activity, you can take them to pick their own!

Here are a few ideas to add to the lunch box:

-Snap peas and hummus
-Strawberries and yogurt (sprinkle in some chocolate chips for fun!)
-Cherry tomatoes & cheese skewer
-Celery or apple slices with wow butter

Keep it simple

Camp lunches don’t need to be anything fancy. You know what your child will eat, and keeping things simple is usually the best way to go. I would rather pack my child a lunch filled with things I know he likes than pack a bunch of things I know he won’t eat. We want our kids to eat and fuel themselves – especially when they’re out there being active all day in the heat.

The most important thing is that they eat; if this means apple pouches and crackers, so be it!

Keep them hydrated

Water! Lots and lots of water! Send them with a refillable water bottle that they can refill throughout the day. Make sure to label their water bottle, as they all look similar!

Kids love these Water Bottle Bands, which avoid germy mix-ups and make their bottle special!

Summer camp is such a great experience for kids, and we hope yours love it and come home each day full of dirt, stories, smiles…and memories!

And of course, we hope they come home with all their own stuff – don’t forget your Day Camp Label Pack!

If you’re a seasoned pro at packing camp lunches, we’d love to hear from you! Leave your tips for other parents in the comments below so we can all have happy campers!

Here are some additional lunch ideas and recipes that your kids may love!

The post How to Pack a Lunch for Day Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Labels– Before ANYTHING goes into your bag, make sure it has a name label! This is non-negotiable. Here’s the best option.

TOILETRIES:

Toiletries Caddy– A waterproof caddy for bringing all their items to the showers; it’s ok if it gets wet. And it means they always have everything they need for the shower with them.

Bug Spray– make sure it’s something you’ve used before so your child doesn’t discover an irritation at camp.

Hydrocortisone– or something similar to soothe itchy skin.

Sunblock– Don’t leave home without it, ever. Make sure it’s waterproof (not just water resistant), and make sure your kids know how often to reapply.  One bottle per week of camp.

Toothbrush & toothpaste (and toothbrush cover!)– plus any other toiletries your kids use daily, like shampoo, body wash, and a washcloth.

Hair items– Don’t forget to pack LOTS of hair ties; they will lose them. Also, a detangler might be a good idea if your kids swim a lot.

Other toiletries to consider: Aloe, tissues, afterbite, tampons or pads, hand sanitizer, band-aids

For labelling all your little items, the Mini Labels or Small Rectangle Labels work really well, and you can find them included in the Sleepaway Label Pack.

BUNK ITEMS:

Favorite Pillow and pillowcase

Stuffy or special item– Don’t forget to label these!

Fitted sheet– because summer camp mattresses can be slippery and yuck

Sleeping bag– Make sure it’s appropriate for the nighttime temps in your area.

CLOTHING:

Shoes– Check with your camp to see whether they have a no-open-toed shoe policy and whether they require hiking boots. Pack a comfy pair of sandals (make sure your child has worn them in and knows they’re comfortable) and running shoes. Make sure to use these (you’ll also find them included in the sleepaway pack)

Shower shoes– in case the floor is ick

*If you pack crocs, you can get fun camp-themed charms that kids love!

Water shoes- Great for camps with a lot of water sports. And yes, shoe labels will remain stuck!

Hats– Pack a few. Usually, a bucket hat and a baseball cap.

Underwear and socks– Pack them, then add twice as many and pack those too. You can never have enough. If you are wondering how to label them – this stamp is perfect!

Swimsuit– Check the swimwear guidelines. Also, pack a few! So, they always have a dry one between swims. If your swimwear doesn’t have a label, you can use this Custom Clothing Stamp

Swim goggles– Label them with a mini label at the back plastic adjuster, as labels won’t stick to the silicone band.

Sunglasses– You can label them inside the arm, and pack a few pairs, as sunglasses don’t float!

Towels– A swimming towel or two and a shower towel or two. Many great smaller towels on the market are perfect for camp because they’re so small (the Turkish towels, travel towels etc.). So many towels look alike. Make sure to use your name stamp!

Shorts & tees– The number will depend on how long your kids stay. Don’t send anything expensive or fancy.

Sweatshirts and sweatpants– The evenings can get cool in summer, and sometimes kids just want to be warm and cozy.

Pajama’s– Nothing fancy or hot. Some old comfy sweat shorts and tees are common for most kids.

Specialty items– depending on the type of camp your kids are going to, you may need other items like a life jacket, cleats, or other equipment items or clothing.

Mash bags – Pack (and label) more than one of these. They’re super versatile, perfect for laundry, wet clothing and just a general bag they may need that doesn’t weigh much or take up space. Your sleepaway camp label pack will come with 2 Bag Tags, so you can use them to label these bags, or pick up some extra

Medical needs– The most stressful of all, so let’s get this one out of the way early in the list. If your child has medical considerations, ensure you complete all your forms early. Get photocopies of health cards, prescriptions and /or notes from the doctor. Put these into a page protector and make certain everyone needing a copy has it.

Camps will have a protocol on prescriptions; make sure you’re aware of them and that your child also knows where they will be stored and whom they need to go to.  This may also apply to vitamins and supplements, so make sure you understand the rules and make sure to discuss any concerns with your counsellors.

MISC.

Book– The majority of Summer Camps don’t allow devices, so your kids may want to read a book at night (probably not, but parents can dream).

Flashlight or headlamp– because it’s not camp without one!

Snacks– Check your camp’s snack policy before sending any!

Birthday balloons or items– If your kids (or maybe a camp friend) might have a Summer birthday, this is a fun way to make them feel special.

Pens and notebooks– They may write home! Include pre-stamped envelopes, and this is more likely to happen; it’s an old-school way of keeping in touch. Make sure to send letters or packages back! If you don’t receive letters home, it means they’re probably having too much fun!

Journal- A great time to encourage journalling, especially if they feel a little homesick. Encourage them to write if they feel this way; it may help them feel better.

Reusable water bottle- A non-negotiable item. Pack a few, just in case. Spice them up with these!

Clip-on Fan-They may want to clip it to the bedframe on hot nights.

Pack of cards or Uno- A fun thing to have on rainy days, and they don’t take up much room.

Spending money- your camp may have a tuck shop, so check ahead of time and provide them with some money for treats.

Disposable camera – Let them capture pictures of their friends.

Duffle Bag – While totes or camp trunks are great, some camps may not have storage space in cabins, so make sure to check.  *your bags or trunks MUST be well labelled as they may travel separately from the kids and/or be placed in a cabin ahead of time.

NON-ESSENTIALS THAT YOUR MIGHT WANT:

Pom-poms – because what better way to cheer on friends!

Sticker Books – to share with friends!

Crafts – for friendship bracelets!

Mini basketball hoop – A small one that suctions to a window (always a hit in the boys cabin!)

White pillowcase and markers – Some kids love to get all the bunkmates to sign a pillowcase at the end of camp.

Nightlight, string lights, fun pillows, and bunk décor

Hopefully, this provides a stress-free packing experience before your littles head off to sleepaway camp for their next adventure! If you’re still feeling anxious, here are some good reminders from an experienced camp mom, Julie Cole!

The post Sleepaway Camp Pack List (and fun non-essential bunk junk kids love) appeared first on The Mabelhood.

As a long-time camp mama, I’ve mastered how to pack. With the circumstances we’re facing this summer, I’ll be sending along a few extra items to help keep them safe and thought everyone could benefit from the reminder. Read on for the 5 unusual items you’ll need to send this year:

Masks

I’ll be sending six masks per child so that they don’t run short on laundry days. Our customers have loved the Mabel’s Labels masks, and so have I – but I’ve discovered some other beauties along the way. One brand I particularly find fun and effective come from Clippo. The company is owned by a woman I respect and her products are always of the highest standard.

Mask Strings

I’d rather not my kids be placing their masks on tables in the mess hall while they are eating. As such, I found some fun and practical mask strings so that my campers will have their masks around their necks at all times, which will keep the masks clean and easily accessible. My mask strings come from one of my fav young entrepreneurial mamas and vegan Influencer, Tory Halpin.

Hand Sanitizer

No one leaves home without this item these days, so don’t forget to also send it to camp! A fan fav in my books and mamas of little kids everywhere is the Hello Bello spray sanitizer. It’s cute, compact and easy for kids to spritz on their paws throughout the day.

Towels

This year, I want to be extra sure that my kids are using their own towels and not sharing among their camp friends. I’ll send each of my campers with two personalized Tallii Towels. The products are microfiber and dry super quickly – perfect for the camp environment!

Personalized Labels

Not only do I want all my kids’ belongings to return home after camp, I want to prevent germy mix-ups with their cabin mates and camp friends. Labeling all camper’s water bottles and gear has never been more important. Not sure what to get? Mabel’s Labels has camp label packs that were created with your camper in mind, whether they’re going to sleepaway camp or day camp!

Let’s cross our fingers and toes that kiddos can enjoy a little bit of normalcy this summer. It has certainly been a long time coming. Happy camping!

The post 5 Things You Shouldn’t Forget to Pack For Camp This Summer appeared first on The Mabelhood.

But, even with all the excitement, getting kids ready for summer camp can be overwhelming. You’re probably asking yourself all sorts of questions. How should I pack? What should I pack? Scariest of all: what if my child loses everything? Well, I’m here to tell you what I tell all my Happy Camper Live campers: you can do it!

In this article, I’ll cover the six essential things you need to pack your camper on his or her first day, plus a bonus recommendation at the end. Here we go!

A camp bag

Okay, let’s rewind for a second. The first thing you need so your child is perfectly packed and prepared for the first day of camp is something to pack in! I recommend a mesh bag, which makes it easy to find items quickly. Ideally, the bag will have an exterior pouch for bottle storage. Usually, the more get-at-able a camper’s water supply is, the better hydrated he or she will be.

Enough water

Time spent running around with friends is fun… and tiring! Especially in the sweat-inducing summer heat. For this reason, it’s very important your camper stays hydrated. Make sure you pack a refillable water bottle!

Something to eat

First and foremost, I’m big on breakfast. Do all you can to send your camper off with a full belly. This will really benefit him or her during any play or physical activity happening before lunch.

You should also determine whether your child’s camp provides meals and/or snacks. (While you’re at it, ask about allergy policies!) If not, be sure to pack some nutritious bites for your camper, like carrots, apple slices, raisins, a granola bar (for kids), as fuel for the day. Snacks are also great for bus or van rides to and from camp, if relevant. It’s best to pack food in an insulated lunch box.

If you decide to pack your child a snack or meal, keep in mind he or she may need utensils and a napkin. 

Sun protection

At most summer camps, children spend a majority of the day outside. So, sun protection is a must. I always tell parents to apply sunscreen and lip balm with SPF to their children before dropping them off. Don’t forget to pack both the sunscreen and lip balm in your camper’s camp bag for reapplication after swimming and/or lunchtime. Sun shirts and sun hats are also great for keeping your child safe from harmful sun exposure!

An extra outfit

Summer camp is full of fun and adventure, which means things can get messy! It’s good to pack your camper an extra outfit in case anything gets ripped, dirtied, or dampened. What’s worse than walking around in a pair of wet socks and underwear?

If you know your camper will be swimming, send him or her with a bathing suit, swim shoes, and towels. Don’t forget the hairbrush!

Labels for everything

As a parent, you know some things leave home in your child’s hands never to return. But, if your camper doesn’t come home with his or her stuff at the end of the day, how can you pack for tomorrow? Once again, worry not! Mabel’s Labels makes a line of personalized labels specifically for campers to label all their things. With these labels, you’ll never have to worry about your camper misplacing his or her items again (okay, maybe not never again)!

If your camper gets home (with all of his or her items. Thanks, Mabel’s Labels) and doesn’t want the fun to stop, I do have one more recommendation: check out the virtual summer camp activities and adventures on Happy Camper Live! We keep the fun going 365 days a year.

Allison Corey Miller is a veteran camp director and the CEO and founder of Happy Camper Live. Her vision is to bring the magic of summer camp to every kid in the world 365 days a year.

The post 6 Things Your Child Needs to Be Ready For the First Day of Summer Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Lunch Skins Reusable Snack Bags

I’m all about being environmentally friendly, creating very little waste and teaching my small humans to be the same way! This product helps with all of that.

Tip: If your camp requires a disposable option for a field trip, send a brown paper bag along instead of a plastic one.

Benadryl

Your little camper is going to be exposed to a lot of new things this summer – including possible reactions to plants, bugs and the environment. It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected, so I’m always sure to send along Benadryl’s topical and ingestible allergy products, just in case. It brings this mama peace of mind to know that my kids are covered when I’m not there, no matter what. 

Mabel’s Labels Waterproof Day Camp Label

Personalized, washable labels are a MUST-HAVE for day camp. You don’t want to lose all the wonderful supplies you’ve spent your hard earned money on and, believe me, the camp lost and found is a pit of disaster. Keep your kid’s stuff out of it by using durable labels that simply peel and stick to absolutely everything! All Mabel’s Labels camp label packs are also completely UV-resistant and waterproof, which is handy for all those items that will be left out in the sun or soaked in a pool.

Omie Life Lunch Box

Chances are your summer is not going to give you a break from packing lunches. But the good news is, these lunch boxes are cute, functional, reusable and they make every little camper want to embrace the litterless lunch!

Tip: These lunch boxes pair perfectly with the adorable new Lunch Box Labels from Mabel’s Labels!

SoYoung Lunch Bag

If you go the lunch bag option, SoYoung’s Lunch Bags are adorable, eco-friendly and most importantly: Machine washable!

Mabel’s Labels Mini Clothing Stamp

If you have a lot of clothing items that are going to camp, this is a quick and easy solution that only takes one press, with no mess. The Mini stamp is long lasting and laundry safe, so once you’ve stamped a name onto your kid’s clothing, you don’t have to think about it again! This is a must-have product for moms of camp-goers of any age!

MadeGood Snacks

When packing lunches for your kiddos, be aware of children with allergies at camp. MadeGood snacks are allergy safe, gluten-free, dairy-free, peanut and nut-free. They’re also healthy while still being delicious, I promise! There are a variety of flavours to pick from and they’re a great on-the-go snack for busy summer days.

What are some of your favourite camp must-haves? I hope your sweeties all have a wonderful camp experience this summer. And whenever you’re feeling guilty or sad about them being away, just remind yourself that they will be making fun memories and great friendships that will last a lifetime!

The post 8 Must-Have Products for Summer Day Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

For help finding the right camp, click here

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My newly minted eight-year-old will be going to sleep-away camp for the first time, for two weeks at the end of August. He will be my sixth child to attend sleep-away camp, and I find the same old worries creeping in. I knew I had to prepare myself for kids going to sleep-away camp. So, I’m reminding myself of three things:

He might evolve

This kid is my picky eater. I’m pretty sure he will starve for the entire two weeks. While one side of me is convinced of this, the other side knows that he might just start eating what everyone else is eating and come home a different kid at the dinner table.

This is not about me

He’s only eight. I’m honestly not ready for him to go. But here’s the thing – many years ago when I told the camp director that I was not ready for my oldest child to go to camp, she looked at me and said, “I’m sorry Julie, this is not about you being ready. This is about your child being ready. Don’t make this about you.” OH SNAP! I got schooled!

Even if I’m not ready, I better fake it ‘til I make it.

The last thing my kid needs is an emotional mother holding on to him for my own crazy mama reasons and preventing him from gaining valuable life experiences. So, I will tell him I’m ready for him to go and that although I’ll miss him, I’ll be just fine. Kids don’t need to be at camp worrying about how their mothers are coping without them!

Sending my last little one to camp is a big step for this mama. This is my baby and I’m feeling it. Hard.

What worries do you have being away from your kids, whether it’s camp or even a sleep-over at Grandmas? Has your child had some nights away from you yet?

Looking for more tips to get your little ones ready for camp? Check out The Camp Hub here.

The post Sending My Last Child to Camp: Three Reminders To Myself appeared first on The Mabelhood.