What's in my pool bag?

Summer is finally here to stay in Chicago, and I’m not mad about it! One of my favorite ways to spend the long, summer afternoons with the kids is at the local, park district pool. I grew up being in the water all summer long, and between the lake and the pool, that’s where I want my kids to be too. I’m all about making memories, and these are some of my favorite ones since the kids were born.

My rashguard is from Lands’ End. My hat is @valerisboutique, and my sunnies are @rock_and_tulle.

It can be difficult to manage 2 toddlers at the pool. Last year, I brought our single stroller, which was great. Azi was comfortably contained in the stroller, and I had a place to hang our pool bag. I definitely recommend that for moms with really young kids. Now that both of my kids are really mobile, the stroller just feels like one more thing I have to worry about. So I prefer to get a good pool bag that can go easily over my shoulder, so I can hold each child’s hand on the way onto the pool deck.

I think I’ve pretty much nailed going to the pool, by myself, with the kids, so I thought I’d share my pool bag necessities with you!

Pool bag necessities:

First things first. The Lands’ End Canvas Tote is the best bag ever. We’ve used it for road trips as a carry-on and as a beach bag too. I bought the XL size so I can really fit everything I need. One bag DOES fit all!

I bring a towel for each kid with a dry change of clothes rolled up in the towel. That way we don’t lose little socks and pairs of underwear all over the bag. We come prepared with pool toys and a cooler bag with dinner. I try and bring things that aren’t super messy — hot dogs, cereal, granola bars, cheese sticks…not the healthiest dinner, but they’ll survive.

I always make sure to bring extra diapers, swim diapers and underwear (and wipes) because #youneverknow. Like when Azi had diarrhea 2X at the pool last week. WHAT A MESS. Make sure to pack extra sunscreen and hats. You need to reapply often! That summer sun is hot and dangerous.

We do the pool pretty simply, but I make sure to have enough of the important things so we can all have a great time!

Pool rules:

I set strict rules for the kids at the pool. I’m a freak when it comes to water safety (and I think everyone should be!). We talk about listening to mommy when I say it’s time to get out or if they’ve gone too far in the pool. This is usually the conversation we have in the car on the way to the pool and then again while we’re walking in. Making sure that your kids know they MUST listen to you, especially at the pool, is my number one agenda item.

I have very strong-willed toddlers, and so far, this has worked for us. They truly know that if they don’t listen to me at the pool, then we won’t be going back.

And rules for me? Pool time = NO PHONE TIME. I’m a Water Watcher, and I have my eyes on my kids at all times. Especially at a crowded pool with such littles, it would be reckless to rely solely on the lifeguards. Even though my kids wear puddle jumpers, I don’t take my eyes off of them for one second. And if I have to go back to my bag, or if one child has to go to the potty, we ALL go. In a world that is flooded with social media, and especially as a mom who’s business is online, this is so important. Even if my husband calls, I answer and tell him that we’re at the pool so I can’t talk right now. Dividing your attention in this case is a non-option.

Most of all, it’s a time when we can spend quality time together. I see the joy on my kids’ faces as they splash and jump in the water. This is a time I truly treasure, and by being fully present, I am able to really solidify these memories forever.