What You’ll Need to Bring to the Pool to Make Life Easier
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It’s swim season, friends! Today, I’m sharing everything I pack in our swim bag for swimming lessons or a visit to the pool. I’ve got it down to a near science so that all I have to do is change out a handful of items and we’re ready to go for next time.
Watch me pack our swimming bag on YouTube here!
The bag:
I love the oversized Bodie bag by Loeffler Randall. It’s canvas, like the LL Bean boat and totes, but has a coating that’s a little more waterproof and can withstand wetter environments, like pool tiles and locker rooms. This Bodie is very similar to ours, which I’ve had for a year or two now – and just as obsessed with it now as I was then. Here is a similar style in a neutral and in a slightly smaller size. Also love this little matching insert. So easy for stowing q-tips, lip and cheek balm for dry skin, travel size lotion, and anything else.
The bags within the bag:
I’m a big “bags inside of totes” person. If you haven’t tried this organization method, give it a go – especially if you have kids. I use the larger sized Truffle bag (have and use the smaller one, too) for diaper supplies. It holds diapers, bags, wipes, diaper cream, and a travel size Bumco. I love that it triangles out in the bottom because then it’s able to fit more.
If I’m doing a quick run, I’ll just grab wipes and a few diapers – and swim diapers, of course (we love Hello Bello’s swim diapers) and will toss them into one of my favorite super inexpensive clear bags. I use these in every size all the time. They are fantastic to organize with.
We use wet bags that came with some of our Minnow items, but these on Etsy are so fun. Would love to grab one that says “SPF,” one for “snacks,” and one monogrammed to hold wet swimsuits. At that price, too, you can get a set for the swim bag and one for travel.
Also, I always, always pack snacks and a water bottle for after swim class.
No-rinse sponges:
I saw another mom pull these out of her tote and thought they were brilliant. Easy way to rinse off when you don’t have time to go through the shower process with little ones.
The towels:
These are the absolute best. They are $11.50 each and come in classic colors. I have the thin green striped ones here, which they no longer make, but we also have these blue ones and I can confirm. They’re fluffy and absorbent. And, worst case, if you have an accident and need to toss one, it isn’t the end of the world. I always keep at least two towels in our swim bag, just in case, and 8/10 times I end up needing both.
The cover-ups and swim gear:
One word: Minnow. We have so many of their adorable boardies. Here is the exact one that’s in this picture and the cozy terrycloth cover-up and terry polo, too. Their terry is terrific. The Tuckernuck set, which we also have and love, has only gotten softer with washes. Here is a similar cover-up in powder blue. The cover-up is perfect for days when the pool is a little chilly.
