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Most kids beg their parents for a pool day AT LEAST once a week during the summer. Who can blame them? It’s hot, and they are out of school; what’s better than spending the day at the pool splashing around.
Of course, like any outing with kids, a day trip like this requires some gear. Here are seven must-haves for a pool day with kiddos.
Days and days of pool time with family and friends are in the near future. Here's a list to make things easier! Click To TweetSunscreen
Sunscreen is a no-brainer. Anytime you and your children are spending an excessive amount of time outdoors, sunscreen is a must.
I like to use a spray sunscreen for the body but a regular lotion for the face with an SPF 30-50.
Just make sure when you are spraying your kids with sunscreen, you tell them to hold their breath. You don’t want them breathing that stuff in!
Also, don’t forget to reapply at least every hour if you are swimming. The stuff does wash away and can leave you vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays.
Waterproof Makeup
Just because you are going to the pool doesn’t mean you have to go all-natural. Waterproof makeup to the rescue!
Okay, you don’t want to look like you are ready for the red carpet, but you don’t want to be splotchy and red either. Waterproof makeup and a nice sunscreen setting spray can do wonders.
Pool Toys
Kids can only take so much Marco Polo at the pool. It gets old real fast, and if you plan on spending any decent amount of time there, pool toys are a good thing to bring.
We like to bring things like water guns, diving sticks, and splash balls and paddles. Of course, pool floats and noodles are a hit too.
Having a mesh bag to throw all the wet toys into at the end of the day is a good idea too. I love the backpack version, which encourages the kiddos to carry it instead of mommy!
For more toy ideas check the Kidsco.co.uk site, it has everything you need for you and your kid.
Goggles
I don’t know about your kids, but my kids can’t stand getting pool water in their eyes. One time we didn’t bring the goggles, and for the rest of the day (hours and hours), my son complained about his eyes. We’ve never forgotten them again!
My son prefers goggles with the nose piece, but a swimming instructor told us that if they are going to use goggles, no nose piece is better. It affects their breathing.
Waterproof Phone Case
As a parent, I am constantly taking pictures of my kids. The pool is no different. I want to watch them do a cool flip and snap a shot mid-air while I am in the pool.
Throwing my phone into a waterproof pouch allows me to do this while keeping my phone bone dry. I can even sneak in some work emails while floating about.
Snacks & Drink
When my kids are thoroughly entertained, food is usually the last thing on their minds. Eventually, the sun and heat do take their toll, and they need fuel to reboot. I like to pack a small cooler with snacks and drinks.
We throw everything out on a Water Proof Picnic Blanket poolside. Our pool only has two tables, and when we need one, it’s ALWAYS taken. Being able to plop down anywhere is a huge bonus!
The underside of the blanket is waterproof so sitting it on wet concrete or grass isn’t an issue, while the top is super soft and comfy to sit on. It folds up nice and small and even has a carrying handle. I particularly like how fun and summery the colors are. It’s perfect for the pool!
Sunscreen Remover Wipes
A pool day is a blast, but unfortunately, it has to come to an end. Once you get home, everyone will be pretty drained. No doubt someone will throw a fit about taking a bath. It never fails. When this happens, sunscreen remover wipes are the next best thing.
Companies like TapaReef specialize in facial wipes that can even remove the toughest sunscreens while at the same time soothe sun-exposed skin. Their sunscreen remover wipes use natural ingredients like Cucumber, chamomile, witch hazel aloe, and jojoba. They even throw in Vitamin E and C to slow premature aging.
I found these wipes to be gentle yet effective. I love that they also come in individual sachets that you can throw in the pool bag. So convenient! It’s all even biodegradable and compostable when the kids forget to throw it in the trash.
What are your pool day must-have items?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
Fitting in a Workout as a Busy Mom
Sunscreen and a good book at my absolute must haves! I have to admit though, now that all these cools rafts are popular — I feel like I need one. And I don’t even have kids! WHOOPS 😉
Hey these tips aren’t just for kids! I don’t like water in my eyes either lol! And your swim instructor was right, no nose piece! Teach them to breath out underwater through their nose…
Waterproof makeup is a must to avoid panda eyes!
Goggles are a must because chlorine really irritates the eyes. My boys always wear them when we go to the pool.
Pool toys are a must and so is sunscreen, if that’s we ended up with, the day would be a success!
these are all great things to have. I am all about watermelon and sunscreen on a pool day.
Sunscreen, googles, snacks and drinks – don’t forget the towel! LOL I’m sad that outdoor pool season is ending here on the East Coast.
I love this post especially the part about bringing snacks. I do love me some watermelon!
We pack all of the above except the sunscreen remover wipes. I didn’t even know about those before this post!