Ten Swimming Essentials

Heading to the pool this summer with the kiddos? Check out my ten swimming essentials!
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#1: AN AWESOME BEACH BAG

If you are heading to the pool or beach, this is the #1 essential in my book! (I’ve tried using regular tote bags but they just don’t cut it!) This is the bag we have and I absolutely LOVE it.
It’s large enough to fit four beach towels AND all of our stuff (including snacks!). I love the zipper on the inside and the ginormous pockets all around the outside.
geckobrands oversized beach tote

#2: SUNSCREEN

I’m a big fan of sunscreens with zinc oxide. These are my faves:
Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen, SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen, 98% Organic Sunscreen Ingredients, Broad Spectrum, Water Resistant, Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, Unscented, 2.9 fl oz
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Bottle Technology Fragrance Free, 5 oz
Green Goo Natural Skin Care Salve, Solar Goo, 30 SPF Sunscreen, 1.82-ounce Large Tin (8976)

#3: GOGGLES

We’ve tried different brands of goggles and we keep coming back to Speedo. They have a nice, tight seal around the eye area and the head band is adjustable and sturdy.
Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Goggles Skoogle Ages 3 - 8, UV Protection|Anti Fog, Bright Pink

#4: BEACH TOWELS

These are absorbent, soft, and a great size!
Ben Kaufman 100% Cotton Velour Towels - Large Cotton Towels - Soft & Absorbant - Assorted Striped Colors - 30 x 60 - 4 Pack

#5: SWIMSUITS

We are huge fans of two piece suits with rash guards.
Parenting hack #1: two pieces make going to the bathroom easier (thanks to our cousin for giving us this tip!).
Parenting hack #2: rash guards = more skin coverage = less chance for sunburns!
Parenting hack #3: choose colors that are more visible in the water (avoid blue!).
UNIFACO Toddler Girls Long Sleeve Rashguard Swimsuit Set Two Piece Flower Beach Bikinki Swimwear Bathing Suits with UPF 50+ for Summer Swimming Surf

#6: THE RIGHT SHOES

Have you ever gone to the pool or beach in the wrong shoes? It’s the worst!! (Especially the beach, IMO.) These are our tried and true favorites:
WOUEOI Toddler Garden Shoes Boys Girls Cartoon Slides Sandals Kids Clogs (A-Rainbow, 12 Little Kid)
Easy to slip on, washable, dries quickly! 

#7: COVER UP

Gymboree,and Toddler Short Sleeve Coverup,12
Cozy terrycloth with pockets and hood. Perfect!

#8: SWIM TOYS

So many toys to choose from! Make your toy decision based on where you are heading (public pool, private pool, beach, etc.)
Banzai Spring & Summer Toys Pool Time Dive Rings 6-PackBANZAI Precious Dive Gems 4 Pack, Diving Toy for Water, Pool Diving ToyHaktoys Underwater Pool Diving Toy Set for Kids, Practice Diving and Swimming, Multicolor Sinking Squids and Jellyfish (Set of 12 Pieces)
These are great for kids to practice going under water and diving.
Inflatable Unicorn Flamingo Pool Floats - Jasonwell 2 Pack Pool Floaties Inflatables Rafts for Swimming Pool Tubes for Floating Lake Beach Floaty Swim Rings Pool Party Toys for Adults KidsJasonwell Inflatable Pool Toys Floats for Swimming Pool Party Lake Beach Kids Adults - 4 Pack Floaties Pool Tubes Swim Rings Fruit Water Floaty Watermelon Kiwi Orange GrapePool Noodles, Fix Find 5 Pack of 52 Inch Hollow Foam Pool Swim Noodles, Bright Multi-Colored Foam Noodles for Swimming, Floating and Craft Projects
Ride on or float with, these are perfect for relaxing in the water.
Cloth Newest Add Tail Avoid Flip Over Mambobaby Non Inflatable Baby Swim Float with Canopy UPF 50+ Vest Air Free Water Smart Swim Trainer Solid Infant Pool Waist RingInflatable Baby Swimming Pool Floats with Removable Sun Protection Canopy, Toddler Floaties with Seat and Handle, No Flip Over Baby Boat Swim Floats for Age of 6-36 months, with Hand Pump, Storage Bag
Our pool actually bans inflatable items, so check the rules of the pool you are heading to! The baby float on the left is made out of foam. We’ve enjoyed and used the baby float on the right (inflatable). Love that they both have sun protection!

Max Liquidator 6-Pack Water Blaster Set

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08/20/2026 01:03 pm GMT

#9: WATER (BOTTLE)

We bring water with us wherever we go. This is our favorite bottle, hands down! It keeps drinks hot OR cold for hours, doesn’t spill, and is big without being cumbersome.
Contigo Cortland Chill 2.0 Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Water Bottle with Spill-Proof Lid, Keeps Drinks Hot or Cold for Hours with Interchangeable Lid, 24oz, Blueberry

#10: A WET BAG

TRENSOM Wet Dry Bag for Breast Pump Parts Waterproof Reusable with Two Zippered Pockets Strawberry Cloth Diaper Wet Bag for Travel Beach Pool Stroller Gym Bag for Wet Clothes Swimsuits 2pcs
Honestly, a plastic grocery bag will do the job, but these are so much prettier! And they have a zipper!

#11: HONORABLE MENTIONS

Hurdilen Swimming Nose Clip, 14 Packs Swim Nose Plugs with Waterproof Silica Gel for Kids (Age 7+) and Adults, Multi-ColorLille Home Stackable Stainless Steel Thermal Compartment Lunch/Snack Box, 3-Tier Insulated Bento/Food Container with Lunch Bag, Cutlery Set and 3 Extra Seals, 43OZ (Blue)SwimSchool Swim Trainer Vest Small/Medium Max 33 Pounds Kids Swim Vest with Padded Shoulders Comfortable Flex-Form-Fit Design with Adjustable Safety Strap Pink/Aqua
My littles have recently started using these nose clips. They are slightly too big and tend to fall off…but for the most part, they get the job done! The stackable lunch containers are great for keeping food cool (or hot). The swim trainer vests can be an added layer of protection for kiddos who aren’t fully swimming yet.
Did I leave anything out????? (Honestly, I don’t think you’re going to want to lug much more than this anyway, LOL.) Hope this helps. 
Hope you have some happy pool adventures!