Mom Life Monday’s: Tips for Packing Your Pool Bag with Kids

Happy Monday!

Anyone else dreading this full work week after the holiday week we just had? Well, I am…actually let’s be honest, hospitals never close so I worked over the holiday weekend and then had a packed schedule Wednesday and Thursday doing stuff for the blog, so I guess it’s just another work week for this Mama!

Enough of my sad story…I mean no one really cares. So let’s talk about something WAAAYY more fun, like spending the day at the pool or beach. We luckily live two blocks from the pool, so we go ALLL the time. I mean it’s so nice to get out of the house with the girls, burn some of their energy and get some Vitamin D.

Since we just started going to the pool a few weeks ago…we never went last year because Amelia was still an infant and Aria has always been a little iffy when it comes to water, I’m talking bath time would be a struggle at times. Anyway, now the girls love going, we go several times a week, but I end up taking them by myself a lot of the time. Managing two kids under four can be a little tricky.

So, I’ve put together a list of what I always keep in my pool bag in order to help make the trip easier and go smoothly.

1.) Tote Bag
This may seem like the obvious one, but it is so important. I have tried many types of bags over the year for my personal things and I have found that a vinyl bag is the best choice. It repels water so anything inside your bag (wallet, money, clothes, etc…) will stay dry if water gets on it. We also walk to the pool, girls in the wagon with the bags, so on the way home when the girls and their floaties are soaked everything in the bag is protected. I actually got mine as a free gift one year when ordering from Victoria’s Secrets, but I love am loving this, this and this option for a great tote.

2.) Sunscreen
OK, as I’ve mentioned in a previous post I have not always been (and sometimes still not) great about putting on sunscreen. But, I am always good about it for my girls. With everything I have been reading lately on sunscreen, I’ve now opted for a chemical and cruelty-free vegan option. I am loving Pacifica these days, I use the 50 SPF on the girls and I love this bronzing 30 SPF option. The spray is so easy and lightweight, but I can see the coverage area while spraying it on the girls…which I love #werenotmissingaspot I have also heard really good things about this and this, which are also both chemical and cruelty free.

3.) Sunglasses
So I can’t leave the house without my sunglasses #whoswithme. I mean I’m the girl wearing them on cloudy days because it’s still bright. Sunglasses are actually very important, think of them as sunscreen for your eyes and they are a good start to helping to prevent those unwanted wrinkles around your eye and forehead. I am loving these lately because they’re such a unique shape and they’re under $100. These are only $19 and I love this and this that are only $12 for the girls. But, sunglasses are so personal because they look so different on everyone. These oversized round pairs are my favorites (and only $16 with code KALLIE20)

4.) Beach Towels and Robes
So I am a big fan of the oversized towels because when I get out of the pool, I want to be warm and dry. I just don’t get those small beach towels you find everywhere because they barely even cover you. I’m really loving this and this, which are the super fun round beach towels. For the girls I picked up these super cute beach robes (these are different prints) from Costco. I love them because not only are they cute, but they stay on and keep the girls warm.

5.) Snacks + Drinks
Beside the sunscreen and floaties, this is the most important item to pack IMO. Our pool has a 10 minute rest period/adult swim every hour. These 10 minutes can be Sooo LOOONG if you’re not prepared with something to distract their time. I find having snacks and drinks is one of the best ways to get through this time without too much fussing about being able to go back into the pool. My girls love popcorn, animal crackers or these bars….I wish they like more fruit because watermelon and berries would be a much healthier option.

There are so many great things these days to take to the pool to help make the trip go smoothly. I think a few pool toys, my girls are still young so we also have to take the puddle jumper and this float to help me be hands free and play with both girls.

I’d love to hear what your pool must haves are because I do love to mix it up a little so the girls are always happy and have what the need.

Thanks for stopping by and hope you have a great week!