How to Go to the Pool with a Baby

I don’t know how I’d survive the summer in Texas without mastering the pool with a baby! This post is probably overdue but here in Dallas, we have about 3 more months of pool weather. And I didn’t want to recommend anything I didn’t really get a chance to try. Here’s what I’ve learned so far and the products I love

• Bag insert – don’t feel like you have to buy an all new beach bag, use this insert and throw it into a bag you already have, I use a free bag I got from a hotel on vacation one time. Whatever works!
• Swim diaper – I’m a big fan of reusable swim diapers, you definitely want the ones with snaps on the side because you want the diaper tight but it’s hard to wriggle on and off without snaps, but even then I size up in these.
• Swim suit – I actually don’t always put Archer in a swimsuit, I usually just do a swim diaper, hat and sunscreen. The less clothes to wriggle wet baby in and out of, the better. Old Navy has great ones!
• Sunscreen – Don’t go in blind, do a little research beforehand because some of the chemicals in sunscreen are a little scary (I love this article!). I love the BeautyCounter brand and ThinkBaby, neither are too sticky or thick, easy to apply on a wiggly baby.
• Snacks – put something dry that won’t go bad if you forget you left it in the bottom of the bag (because you will forget). I throw a baby food pouch in too.
• Hat – Archer never keeps it on his head but I try! I have this one and this one (the baseball cap is his favorite, aka the one he tolerates for 30 seconds longer than the others).
• TOWELS! Ask me how many times I forget them and my wet car seat will answer that question for you..
• Clothes to change into. I don’t put Archer in swim stuff until we get there so I know he was dressed to begin with, this usually keeps me from being in a bind. Also, remember something for YOURSELF. I had to grab a shirt out of the donation bag in my backseat the other day because I ended up having errand time afterwards and only had on a skirt with my suit.
• Wet bag – love these for throwing wet suits into! Big enough for both of our suits.

Pool floats I Love for Archer :

• This is a classic, it’s kinda hard to get them in and out of with one person though. And Archer tends to put his face in the water with it.
• I LOVE this one. It puts him in a great position to kick, super similar to a swimming position and it’s almost impossible to get his face in the water. Plus it inflates and deflates, perfect for travel (as long as you don’t leave it on vacation like we did…whoops.)

Swimsuits I love – (we’re talking one pieces that aren’t matronly but also lend to chasing after kids)

• This cute off the shoulder suit is on Amazon and SO flattering! Downside – hard to wear a cover up over…
• This high neck suit is my FAVORITE! So flattering and currently on sale at a lot of department stores – pricier than Target but WORTH IT!

Any pool tips I missed? Share them in the comments so we can all benefit! 🙂

(This post contains Amazon affiliate links, if you purchase anything, I receive a small percentage at no cost to you!)