5 Minutes for Mom

How To Pack the Perfect Swim Bag

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It’s summertime! For many families, that means repeated trips to the pool, lake, water park, splash pad, and maybe even the beach… so keep reading to find out how to pack the perfect swim bag.

How To Pack The Perfect Swim Bag - Including Your New Favorite Essential

Hi, I’m Jennifer from the blog The Life of Jennifer Dawn. Today I’m excited to share with you a list of essentials that’ll have you super prepared for a splashing good time with the kids this summer. I’m also sharing information about acQuaMD. It’s a summer essential that you may not have heard of, but you are certainly going to want for your pool bag. This post is sponsored, so extra thanks for reading and sharing.

My kids love cooling off during the hot summer months with any activity that involves getting wet. From trips to the pool to just running through the sprinklers in the yard, they’re huge fans of playing in the water. Is the same true for your kids? Do they have a favorite water activity? For my kids, it would be going to swim in their Mamaw Deanna’s pool. It’s a water adventure that always makes for a fun-filled day!

Jennifer Dawn's kids swimming in the summer

Sometimes the task of packing everything I need for a day by the water with kids feels daunting, though. Can any other moms relate? And it never fails that something always gets forgotten. The day we forgot goggles for my daughter who is terrified of getting water in her eyes was not the best day. Then there are those times when you just want to be spontaneous and not lose a second of sunlight worrying about what to pack. You’d just like to load the kids and go when the mood strikes for a swim.

Why not keep a bag of essentials you know you’ll need packed and ready to go?

Sure you may have to restock a few items and throw in some fresh snacks, but having your go-to items already packed in a large bag makes those water outings less overwhelming. Grab a tote to pack what you can now, and you’ll have your pool bag prepped and prepared for whatever summer brings your way! Whether you’re headed to the beach or off to make a splash in the pool, here are some essentials you’ll want to consider putting in that bag.

Packing The Perfect Swim Bag

Pool Bag Essentials For Families

Tote bag
This one is pretty self-explanatory. You’ll want a large bag that’s waterproof or at least water-friendly. Bonus points for plenty of pockets!

Swimsuits, Cover-ups, and Extra Clothes
Most times I already have the kids in their swimsuits when we arrive. If we have to make a stop on the way, then the cover-ups really come in handy. A sundress for girls and a t-shirt for boys make great cover-ups. The cover-ups can even double as their change of clothes when the water fun is done. Oh, and keep an extra swimsuit packed. You can never be too prepared with kids.

Towels
Make sure to pack plenty of towels. If seating isn’t available at your destination, an extra towel can come in handy as a place to sit.

Sun Protection
Don’t forget, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and lip balm with SPF. Also, pack a container of aloe just in case someone gets a little too much sun.

Small first aid kit
Fill a pouch or small container with band-aids, antibiotic ointment, itch cream for bug bites, and anything else you might need. I think we moms all know how “magical” a simple band-aid can be for those ouchies.

Flip-flops
There will be times when the kids will want to take a break from swimming and these will really come in handy.

Hair Ties, Face Wipes, and Brush/Comb
These items are great to have on hand for freshening-up and managing wet hair. If you take a break for lunch or snack, you’re especially going to want those face wipes.

Goggles, Inflatable Floaties, and Life Jackets
Depending on your kids’ ages and swimming abilities, you may or may not need these. It doesn’t hurt to have them handy, though.

Water bottles and Snacks
Few things spoil the fun of an outing quicker than a hungry or thirsty kid. Keep them hydrated and full with bottled water and healthy snacks.

Plastic Bags
These can serve multiple purposes. Store your phone, cash/card, ID and valuables in one to keep them safe and dry. You can also use one for garbage and another for wet suits and towels. Use the plastic bags that zip or repurpose grocery bags. You can even go the eco-friendly route and opt for reusable bags.

acQuaMD
acQuaMD is a new, innovative home care device that has been patented, pre-approved by the FDA, engineered, CE certified, and clinically tested to safely remove the water out of children and adult ears using ultrasonic vibrations. The acQuaMD also helps prevent swimmer’s ear and ear infections and equalizes ears during flights or after diving. It’s invaluable to have packed in your bag for those times when the kids get water in their ears.

Solve a problem that all mothers and fathers struggle with after putting their children in the pool–water in the ears and the complications it causes afterward. Until now there hasn’t been a good way to remove the water out of your ears. I remember my own mother putting drops in my ears when I was young to try to remove the water after a long day of swimming. It never worked! The acQuaMD is a safe, affordable, and effective solution.

How It Works

You can learn exactly how the acQuaMD works here and watch the acQuaMD video below for a quick overview…

It’s so easy to use that my daughter was able to use it on herself. Water in the ear is no longer a problem with this handy device.

Using acQuaMD

Moms, don’t head to the pool without this!

Click To Tweet

Ready for a day at the pool or the beach? You will be now! Oh, and to make packing the pool bag even easier, I’ve created cute printable checklists, so you won’t miss a thing.

Swim Bag Checklists

Happy summer and happy swimming!

Giveaway

Would you like to win an acQuaMD family pack and a $50 Visa gift card? Leave a comment below telling us a couple things you always pack in your swim bag. And then complete your entry using the form below.

Win acQuaMD Prize Pack

Please note that by leaving your email in this giveaway, the folks at acQuaMD may follow up with you via email regarding the acQuaMD product.

Open to both the US and Canada, but if a Canadian wins, the gift card portion of the prize will be in Canadian dollars and may be delivered in a format other than a Visa Gift Card.

 

Pin it for Later

How To Pack The Perfect Swim Bag - Including Your New Favorite Essential

 

Swim Bag Checklist - Perfect Pool Bag Essentials For Families

 

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by acQuaMD.
Written by 5 Minutes for Mom contributor Jennifer Dawn. Jenn blogs about living a beautiful and creative life at The Life of Jennifer Dawn.


Comments

  3. Sunscreen, sun hat, snacks, like granola bars, extra set of dry clothes, towel, wipes 🙂

  8. I always pack a pair of sunglasses, suntan lotion and a book in my swim bag.

  11. Sunscreen, goggles, drinking water, towel, baby powder, book, floppy hat and sunglasses.

  12. My pool bag essentials include sunscreen, towels, sunglasses, and a first aid kit!

  13. Sunglasses, sun screen, and beach towels are a must! If I have small children with me, I also pack a cooler with cold drinks.

  14. with kids you need to make sure you are covered , sunscreen snacks clothes games toys ….

  18. We always pack sunscreen, water, snacks, games for the kids, and books.

  22. I pack all the necessary stuff first, towel, water, sunscreen. Then I throw in a great book, something trashy or fantastical is great for a day enjoying the sun.

  28. I always take a towel and sunscreen and usually have a snack for the kids too!

  34. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must for me or else I will have a bad time.

  37. I pack towels, clothing, snacks, goggles, swim cap, swim shoes, 3-In-1 Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash, water bottles and books

  44. Always, and I mean always, have some sunscreen packed, especially on cloudy days when the burning rays shine right through.

  64. With three kids my swim bag is always stuffed to the limit with towels, dry swim shirts for when they get cold, swim goggles, sunscreen, water bottles and lots of snacks. It ends up looking like I am packed for a several day vacation then just a short trip to the lake 🙂

  68. I always take a towel, sunglasses, sunscreen water and some snacks with me in my pool bag

  78. In our swim bag, we always have sunscreen, towels, handrags, eyewash, goggles, and some small snacks. We often have a few tissues as well for watered noses and water in the ear.

  87. Towels, bottles of water, sunscreen, change. Thanks for the chance to win.

  92. i have to have a cover-up and sunscreen. i also like to have a big hat, sunglasses, water and a magazine.

  100. First aide kit (My kids always manage to hit the concrete sidewalk), snacks, SPF, wet wipes, and water.

  111. My beach bag must-haves include a beach towel, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, hat and a book to read.

  114. Always ice water for drinking, $1 for each person consessions (no outside food allowed) and dry clothes for after.

  120. I always have sunscreen, lip balm, towel, first aid, water/snack, and sunglasses.

  133. I always pack a wet bag, some coconut oil to protect from the sun, some long sleeve pants / tops and big sun hats

  135. I always pack towels, sunscreen, snacks, drinks and a first aid kit. It never fails that someone falls down or blisters from the bottom of the pool. Snacks are a must with my group too, they are always hungry!

  144. I always pack in my bag sunglasses, a hat and lots of sun block too! We drink lots of water and some fresh fruits.

  145. I always pack gallon size baggies for wet clothes, sun screen, baby powder (to help remove sand from skin), snack bars, and bottled water.

  150. Depending on age of your child, I never forget to pack extra swim diapers. you never know when you’re going to need one in case #2 happens.. towels, cover ups, extra swimsuit, plenty of sunscreen (along with the tear free face kind) and lots of water to stay hydrated. Just because you’re in the water, doesn’t mean you don’t sweat a lot. Need to stay hydrated on those hot days.

  153. I make sure to have a towel, sunscreen, band aids, water and snacks in my bag.

  155. I usually pack sunscreen, a few bandaids & bug spray. Along with our towels I pack a non-tangle comb along with my a small bottle of aloe vera wrapped in a small hand towel.

  156. I always have sunscreen, bug spray, towels and a change of cloths in my bag.

  173. My absolute minimum to pack in a swim bag is sunscreen, a hat, flip flops (definitely don’t want to pick up any groddy fungus or get cut), towel and a book.

  178. Usually my kids forget a towel for swimming, so it is always good to have an extra towel.

  179. Our swim bag always has extra swim diapers, sun block, towels, and sunglasses!

  184. Besides a great book and a large towel, sun block is always a must. Music is always nice if it doesn’t bother the people around you.

  187. I always pack lots of water, a healthy snack, sunscreen, sun glasses and a towel.

  194. Some of the must-haves for my swim bag include a towel, bandages, a light snack in a baggie ( dry cereal, goldfish) and sunscreen.

  199. My essentials are sunscreen, wipes, towels, toys, snacks and water, hats, plastic bags, phone and some money.

  206. I always pack sunscreen, Chapstick, towels, snacks, drinks, hats and bandaids. Thanks

  216. I try to keep it simple with towels, deodorant, and sunscreen, drinks and snacks for the little ones

  218. Towel, sumscreen, sunglasses, lip balm & a hooded sweater since beaches get cooler in the late afternoon.

  223. Definitely sunscreen, towels, sunglasses, a book for reading, snacks, cell phone, and flip flops.

  225. Sunblock and sandals and sunglasses, of course, but also a little first aid kit with alcohol wipes, just in case.

  232. I always make sure I have sunscreen in my bag. Also a tube of chapstick because my lips dry up n the sun whether I’m hydrated or not!

  233. I usually have a water bottle with iced tea in my Swim bag- it’s important to stay hydrated, especially during hot weather.

  234. I always pack are sunscreen, towels, sunglasses, snacks and a first aid kit!

  240. I always make sure I have SPF, wipes, water and small first aid kit in my beach bag.

  247. We pack sunscreen, water, towels, and a !ot of beach toys. We love to go to the beach. The ocean is two hours away so we don’t go as often as we would like, but we love it when we do.

  249. Don’t forget the pail and shovel for the sand in case the water is a tad chilly!

  254. I have the children choose a book, for when they take breaks from swimming.
    If we swim at the beach, we bring a sun umbrella.

  256. I always pack a beach blanket, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, snacks, towels, flip flops, and a hat in my beach bag.

  259. We always, always pack sunscreen as well as hats, towels and plastic bags for wet suits. Thanks

  267. I swim indoors. I have a towel, a wet bag, goggles and my water bottle.
    Thanks for the contest.

  271. I always pack sun screen, lip balm, bottled water and an extra pair of sunglasses in my swim bag.

  284. Towels
    Sunscreen
    Goggles
    Water
    Snacks
    Wipes
    Lip balm

    Never considered first aid kit but I will now !

  285. I always pack towels, sunscreen, water and a change of clothes for the kids

  291. Sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, cell phone, snacks and more. As you can tell I need a big tote bag!

  293. Cover ups. I figure it’s always useful having at least three cover ups – one for me, one to lend if anyone has forgotten, and a spare. These cover ups are all different: one is thinner for if it’s warm; one has a scoop back for if the weather’s nice, and so on. At least two pairs of goggles, one plain and one tinted (if you swim outdoors, it is best to be prepared for sun and cloud). As I have the wrong kind of face, I need big goggles which take more space. Goggles always have stupid names like Evil Babysitter or Crunchy Seahorse and the big ones make me look like a fly.

  296. We don’t go swimming very much, but a towel and flip flops always seem to be in my bag.

  300. I always pack sunscreen, a bathing suit, flip flops, and some fruity snacks.

  302. I always make sure I have swimming slippers or flip flops, a towel, sunscreen and a water bottle.

  312. With my pale skin, sunscreen is a huge must! A big beach towel and an umbrella for shade too 🙂

  316. I always pack sunscreen, sunglasses, pool toys, towels, googles, and water.

    Thanks for the chance to win!
    wildorchid985 at gmail dot com

  317. I always pack sunscreen, SPF Chapstick, sandles, towel, coverup and waterproof key holder

  328. I always pack 2 kinds of sunscreen, one for my face and one for the rest of me.

  330. I pack sunscreen, extra clothes, snacks, bottled water and something to read. The kids take what they want to play with.

  331. Snack is a must as soon as we leave house even if they ate – I”m Hungry ! Then I must have water and sunscreen.

  338. always snacks and drinks,,sunscreen ,towels and some bandaids and bug repellant

  341. A couple things I always pack in my swim bag are water, snacks and sunscreen.

  345. Of course we pack the beach towels, goggles and masks, and the occasional swim fin. Then there is the most important item, the sunscreen.

  351. Love this! I literally just bought an Acquamd for my daughter 2 weeks ago because she usually gets ear infections after swimming and it’s already saved a trip to the doctor! It’s become and essential in the swim bag, along with the first aid kit and towel 🙂

  354. A couple of things I always pack are sunscreen, towels, extra clothes, and first aid kit!

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