What to Pack for a Day at the Pool with Baby or Toddler

Both of my kids have always enjoyed the pool much more than the beach, so naturally we spent a ton of time at different pools. Over the years we became pretty efficient when it comes to packing and getting ready for the pool with baby or toddler.

I can honestly tell you that in reality, you don’t need much to spend some time by the pool with baby or toddler, but to make the experience pleasant for everyone there are a few things to know when packing for the pool with kids.

Packing for Pool with a Baby or Toddler

While social media made the Boggs bags famous, I think they aren’t quite worth the price tag, especially since they have no option of closing it, no pockets for snacks and other small items.

We love the simple mesh bags that can be zipped in. They’re perfectly waterproof and I don’t need to worry about things falling off the bag.

Swim Diapers 101

It’s safe to assume that a baby isn’t going to be potty trained and many toddlers might not be either, so a swim diaper is essential. While parents might opt for a reusable swim diaper, unfortunately, most public pools find them inefficient and require “double diapering” which means a disposable diaper over a reusable diaper or a plastic cover.

My tip is to put a disposable diaper underneath a baby swimsuit first. Then, if you’re lucky enough to be or live right next to the pool you’re all set, but if you need to drive or walk a while, then the trip will require a normal diaper… because swim diapers do NOT hold pee.

To avoid having a car seat or stroller (or you) covered in pee, put a regular diaper over the baby swim diaper and bathing suit.

Sun Protective Gear

Children love spending time in the sunshine. But although exploring the outdoors or picnicking on the beach are fun activities, they also expose your little ones to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. And while we’re certain to carry hats and SPF sunscreen for the kids, sunglasses are something that one doesn’t always think of.

The harsh UV rays of the sun can cause a lot of damage to your little one’s eyes, especially when looking directly at the sun. There are many varieties of sunglasses available in the market, but they may not all be good for your child. 

We tried a TON of sunglasses over the years, countries, and babies. Here are our top picks:

• Babiators – The coolest-looking sunglasses from Babiators are also the best for your babies. Flexible and unbreakable. Babiators are replaced for free if lost or broken during the first year.

• Mausito – Made for kids under 2 years of age, Mausito sunglasses feature a European-inspired design with a soft and flexible polycarbonate lens. The adjustable strap ensures that it fits snugly over the head of your fidgety toddler and doesn’t come off till you take it off.

• Roshambo – Manufactured in Italy and assembled in USA, they’re shatter-resistant, bendable, polarized, and provide 100% UVA, UVB and UVC protection. PLus a strap.

Water Shoes

Not so much for the baby, but absolutely essential for a walker because these pool sides tend to be hot and often slippery. However, not all water activities are created equal, and neither are the shoes needed for them. Depending on the environment and the type of water play your child will be engaged in, there are various types of water shoes to consider.

For instance, if your child will be exploring rocky beaches or riverbeds, you’ll want to find water shoes with sturdy soles that protect against sharp rocks or uneven surfaces. On the other hand, if you’re heading to a sandy beach, a pair of lightweight and quick-drying sandals might be the way to go, allowing for maximum comfort and breathability.

Can kids wear Crocs as water shoes? 

Yes, Crocs are slip-resistant and are unable to absorb moisture, which makes great water shoes. However, they don’t provide a super secure fit and might track dirt into pools, so if you can pick something different. They work for general low-key play where you might enter water though.

Water Shoes vs. Water Socks vs. Water Sandals

There are three main types of water shoes – water shoes, water sandals, and water socks. Each of the three has its own advantages and disadvantages and you should choose according to your child’s needs. Here’s a word or two about each.

Regardless of the type, all water shoes allow water in and out of the shoes immediately. They help the water drain out from the shoes allowing them to be quick-drying.

1. Water shoes: Shoes of this type commonly have rubber soles and fabric or mesh uppers. They dry significantly quicker than standard shoes and some models are machine washable. 

Water shoes usually have a better grip than socks, are heavier than water socks, and are not great for swimming.

2. Water Sandals: They are construction-wise close to shoes but have more openings, just like regular toddler sandals. Like the previous type, they’re mostly made of rubber soles and polyester/fabric/mesh uppers. Sandals are a good option for averagely active toddlers.

3. Water Socks: They’re the most flexible of the three, sporting thin soles and lightweight uppers usually made of mesh. Aqua socks are a good solution for fussy infants, toddlers, and sensitive feet. They are also the least resilient of the three.

Snorkelers and surfers have historically used water socks for protection and insulation in the water, whereas water shoes tend to be favored for hanging out on a rocky shore or moving between land and water, but increasingly people are using them for wild swimming and kayaking too.

We tried many water shoes and water socks for pool with toddler. Here are our top picks:

• Nerteo – great simple and affordable water shoes for all types of feet. The only openings are on top rather than near the toes, which can help with sand or rocks not getting inside.

• Dream Pairs – unisex water sandals made of polyester webbing. If your child has bigger feet, I can also recommend Teva Hurricane as they dry quicker, but unfortunately, their sizing starts from Toddler 8.

• Bigib Aqua Socks – comfy water socks from Bigib are a must for toddlers. The low cost is great because you know how fast little feet grow and the rubber soles are non-slip. These have always been our favorite water socks, as they’re comfortable and funny-looking which added a special wow factor for the kids. Both my sons were able to put them on by themselves easily as they’re stretchy.

Hooded Towels

If you’re doing any mommy & me classes in the pool with baby, like ISR or regular tot swim classes, you need to bring a towel for the baby and yourself. Little kids tend to get cold after their classes, even at pools set to 85-90 degrees.

Speaking from experience, once you reach the toddler stage you might think that any towel will be fine, but my kids instantly saw many other kids having “cooler towels” so we were doomed to get cooler ones too to avoid meltdowns.

My recommendation is to get a hooded towel, but not too long so the toddler won’t be dragging it around the dirty floor around the pool area. Some of our favorites are:

• Little Hippo (and other animals) – for babies

• Baby Shark Character Towel – for toddlers and preschoolers

Swim Goggles

Babies aren’t usually interested in goggles, but as your bub grows they’ll want to use their goggles more and more. While it’s important to teach a child to swim also without the goggles to make sure they can self-rescue in the water in case they fall in (just like the Dutch do!), in chlorinated pools it’s best to keep the goggles on your toddler.

Both my kids basically lived by the pool over the summer and started swim team at the age of 3, picking the right googles was crucial. They had to stay on, not leak and be easy for a child to put on by themselves.

Many people were recommending Flogglez goggles, but I’m sad to report that they felt uncomfortable for both of my kids and they felt small.

The best goggles we tried are TYR googles (my kids love the model with cute spikes). They have a double strap and are easily adjustable so that even a child can do it.