A Pool Day With Littles

The Ultimate Toddler Pool Day Checklist

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The Right Pool Bag: A rubber beach bag is a pool essential for a successful day with young kids because it's spacious, durable, and easy to clean. These bags can hold everything you need, from towels and swimsuits to snacks and toys, keeping all your essentials organized and within reach. The holes in the bag allow water and sand to drain out, preventing messes and making it easy to clean. With a rubber beach bag, you can ensure that your pool day is hassle-free and enjoyable for both you and your little ones.

Swimsuits: Start off by choosing the cutest swimsuit for your kiddo. Don't forget a swim shirt, personalized monogramed hat and sunglasses.

Stain Remover: Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Remover is essential for a pool day with kids. It quickly tackles stains from snacks and spills, keeping clothes clean. Its compact size makes it easy to carry, so you're always prepared for any mess, ensuring a worry-free, fun-filled day.

Sun Protection: Thinkbaby and Blue Lizard are my go to sunscreens because they use mineral-based formulas that provide broad-spectrum protection without harmful chemicals. Thinkbaby is known for its safe, non-toxic ingredients and high SPF, ensuring effective sun protection for sensitive skin. Blue Lizard offers robust UV protection with a unique bottle that changes color in UV light, reminding you to reapply. Both sunscreens are water-resistant and gentle, making them ideal for young, delicate skin. I also use Coppertone Kids spray sunscreen when I’m in hurry.

Sun Hat: A good sun hat is essential at the pool to protect kids from harmful UV rays. We love ours because it's lightweight, dries quickly, and my toddler actually keeps it on, staying comfy and protected all day.

As a little hack, try applying your child’s face lotion with a makeup brush! It is an awesome pool hack and makes for a lot less fuss with applying sunscreen to your little one. 

Water Safety Gear: Safety first! Arm your toddler with appropriate water safety gear like floaties, swim diapers, and a comfortable life jacket if needed. When my son was younger we used a Speedo Life Vest, pictured below.

In summer, my son loves his Natives shoes (pictured above)—they're lightweight, slip-on, water-resistant, and perfect for pool time. They're his go-to for all our summer adventures, providing comfort and convenience wherever we go

For older, more independent kids, Puddle Jumpers are a great choice at the pool. They offer excellent buoyancy and support, helping kids stay afloat while allowing free arm movement for swimming practice. With secure straps and a comfortable fit, Puddle Jumpers ensure safety and build confidence in the water, making pool time more enjoyable.

Towels and Extra Clothing: Keep a stack of soft towels ready for post-pool drying sessions. Pack an extra set of clothing to change into after the water play, ensuring your toddler stays comfortable. We prefer a hooded towel so that it doesn’t fall off our little one.

Water Bottles: Bringing a water bottle for both you and your little ones to the pool is important to stay hydrated, especially in the sun and heat. My son and I have matching Stanley cups that keep our water cold all day long, ensuring we both have refreshing drinks available whenever we need them. Staying hydrated helps us enjoy our pool time without the risk of dehydration. 

The Right Mom Shoes: It's important for moms to have the right shoes for the pool to ensure safety, comfort, and style. Proper pool shoes, like my new strappy sandals, provide excellent traction to prevent slips and falls on wet surfaces. They are also comfortable for extended wear, allowing you to chase after little ones and enjoy your day without sore feet.

Portable Fan: A rechargeable portable fan is essential for a pool day with kids to keep everyone cool and comfortable in the heat, providing a refreshing breeze wherever you need it.

Snack Attack: A day of swimming can work up an appetite. Pack some healthy and easy-to-eat snacks, such as cut-up fruits, crackers, or finger foods, to keep your toddler energized. We love using our Snack Spinner and Snackle Box when we go to the pool. For a full list of my go to healthy toddler snacks, click here. And don’t forget to keep you snacks separate from theirs so they don’t end up soggy!

Wet Dry Bags: Wet dry bags are essential at the pool with kids for keeping snacks, clothes, and essentials organized and dry, preventing leaks and messes.

Shade Essentials: Create a shaded retreat with a portable umbrella or pop-up tent. This is essential for breaks from the sun and a cozy spot for your toddler to rest.

Popsicles: Whenever I head to the pool with little ones, I always pack popsicles in my Yeti tumbler. They stay frozen for hours, making them a refreshing treat when the kids are tired and hot. Plus, they're handy for getting them out of the pool without any fuss. When possible we opt for organic freeze pops.

Pool Toys: Enhance the fun factor with age-appropriate pool toys. From floating rings to water squirters, these toys will add an extra element of joy to your toddler's pool day. To list just a few of our favorite, we like reusable water balloons, diving toys (we keep these in our pool bag for my older nieces and nephews), wind up swimming toys, our octopus floating toy and collapsable water buckets. Don’t forget the goggles!

Changing Essentials: Have a portable changing pad, baby wipes, and a waterproof bag for wet swimsuits. This ensures a smooth transition from poolside to dry land.

Entertainment for Downtime: While your toddler takes a break, keep them entertained with a favorite book, small toys, or even some tunes. A little downtime can be just as important as the splashy playtime. Make sure to bring water proof books in case they end up getting wet by the pool.

Personalized Touch with Stickers: Add a personal flair to your toddler's water bottle or pool gear with fun and waterproof stickers. Let them choose their favorite characters or colors, making their belongings easily identifiable in the poolside hustle. Custom Waterproof Name Stickers are our go-to solution for keeping track of our son's belongings. These durable labels are perfect for clothing tags, water bottles, lunch boxes, and more. They can withstand washing machines, freezers, and even microwaves, ensuring longevity in various conditions.The waterproof feature is particularly handy at the pool, where chaos can lead to mix-ups. Having our son's name clearly labeled on his items ensures a stress-free and organized pool experience. In short, Custom Waterproof Name Stickers have become an indispensable tool for maintaining order and peace of mind in the dynamic world of parenting.

A successful pool day with toddlers relies on a well-prepared and flexible approach. These essential items serve as a guide to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your little ones . It's crucial to emphasize that moments of resistance from your toddler to leave the pool are entirely normal. Rather than feeling ashamed, embrace these instances as part of the toddler experience. One effective way to ease transitions is to have a YumEarth Organic sucker on hand – a delightful treat that not only adds sweetness but also reduces the stress associated with sugar concerns. Remember, the ultimate goal is to have fun with your child at the pool, creating precious memories that will be cherished for years to come. So, pack your pool bag thoughtfully, stay prepared for the unexpected, and revel in the joy of building beautiful moments with your toddler by the water. Happy Splashing!