If summertime ever makes its way to the Midwest (I spy some crocuses sprouting in our backyard, so I think it's starting to look promising that at least Spring has sprung, so I suppose warm weather is sure to follow), there's no doubt Chicago will treat us to its typical hot-and-sticky summer weather specialities.
On the upside, soon the neighborhood will be filled with the happy sounds of wet little ones laughing and splashing, courtesy of either the plastic family kiddie pool or the big community variety.
While the wee ones are wading, there's no cuter way to keep their bitty bums covered than with Baby Swim Critter Diapers from Lands' End.
Each diaper is designed to make teeny tushies look extra cute as they wiggle and waddle, and are available in everything from a Classic Navy Crab (shown at top left, $14.50), Berry Pink Mermaid, Bright Lilac Flower, Dark Azure Whale, Leaf Alligator, Pale Turquoise Starfish, Island Lime Fish, and Rich Red Sailboat.
Complete with built in 50 UPF sensible sun protection, their gentle elasticized waistbands will hug little middles without hurting them, are fully lined for extra coverage, and are made from a quick-drying material to keep baby snuggly instead of soaked post-dip.
There's even matching 100% cotton UV tees (shown at top left, $12.50) to help keep active water babies sunburn free.
For more all over coverage, try Lands' End's Rash Guard Surfer Suit (not pictured, $24.50). Its half-zip top makes way for noggins big and small, and has a chinguard to prevenet pinching. A crotch snap bottom eliminates any potential changing table wrestling matches, and it's front-lined feature makes sure baby won't be giving anyone a peep show.
Staying organized with baby in tow whether at the beach or in the city is an obvious must, and Lands' End has plenty of beach-going totes and tools to fit the bill there, too.
Small jobs that don't require the hauling of a mammoth-sized diaper bag are perfectly suited for the Diaper Clutch (shown at bottom left in Lighthouse Navy, $29.50). 
The handy-dandy "all-in-one" bag of sorts has a detachable changing pad that folds out for full coverage changes. Little extras like an outside pocket keeps a cell phone and keys or a pacifier handy, and the whole shebang fits neatly inside any diaper bag or beach tote.
And when that mammoth-sized diaper bag is required, say, for longer stays at the beach or for trips to the shore, go for Lands' End durable 100% cotton canvas Messenger Diaper Bag (shown at bottom right in Lighthouse Navy, $59.50).
The magnetic closure on the top flap makes it easy to open - as in opening it with one hand while detaching that cute but stubborn little sand crab from baby's sandal - yet keeps things securely nestled inside, while the nylon lining makes it easy to clean - like cleaning cracker crumbs one-handed with a wipe while balancing baby on the other shoulder.
Outside pockets keep stuff like board books and small toys within reach at all times, while the insulated bottle pockets on each side - or even the zippered one under the front flap - make sure that baby's bottles stay fresh.
Four mesh pockets on the inside are cleverly pre-labeled with "snacks," "toys," "wipes" and "diapers" to keep even the most distracted (read: tired) parents organized
and on top of their game.
Bonuses: An extra long changing pad with zippered pockets for wipes, plus a container to hold even more wipes. There's also a
removable mesh bag included for items you want to keep separate, like an Epipen, inhaler, ear plugs or a handful of pretty seashells.
