What to Bring For Your Pool Day with Baby

^{(This post contains affiliate links that we may get a small commission fee from if you purchase from it.)} 

I grew up going to the pool or beach every day of summer. Some of my favorite memories consist of how special my mom made those days. The days felt effortless. Of course as a kid I had no idea how much effort went into making the day feel relaxing and care free. 

Cue mom preparedness! 

Having a baby in July, all I wanted was to lug my pregnant belly out and lay in the pool to cool off from the 95 degree weather. Hello, Holo belly float!

I couldn’t wait to take my son to the pool. Although he had full coverage swim suits, hats, sunglasses, and a covered float, we didn’t end up going his first summer. 

Now that he’s approaching a year, we have been taking advantage of pool time. He has been taking swim lessons since February and loves being in the water in general. Just like a normal day of leaving the house, I lug a giant bag with us to keep baby (and mom) happy while in the sun. 

Here’s a list of what I bring to the pool for my almost 1 year old baby: 

• Sunscreen 
• UV Protective Hat 
• Sunglasses (I like the ones with the strap to stay on their head/avoid losing them if they fall down)
• Stroller fan/Portable fan
• Umbrella (there are tons to choose from that you can clip to your chair if you’re not at the beach to dig a hole!)
• Towel
• Swim diapers 
• Regular diapers (for changing after leaving the pool. Remember, swim diapers don’t hold liquid!)
• Baby wipes 
• Extra outfit (to change out of wet bathing suit)
• Pool toys (they don’t have to be fancy, I usually bring a teether, sand bucket, and sand shovel)
• Cooler stocked with:
  • Snacks (age and size appropriate) 
  • Water
  • Bottle of breast milk or formula

Click here for my Amazon list of faves from above!

Things that are nice to have:

• Pop up tent for potential naps
• Baby float with UV cover*

*Never rely on flotation devices to save your child.

Now let’s unpack (see what I did there?) what else you need to make it through a scorching summer day at the pool with your baby…

Have patience, not everything goes to plan. I’ve had a couple days where after 15 minutes it was clear Camden was not in the mood for a pool day and it was best if we packed it up and went back home. Yes, it can be disappointing especially after prepping everything but in the end I’d rather baby be happy and comfortable. 

We know to watch our kids around a body of water. (It only takes an inch of water for a child to drown.) We know to keep our kids covered and protected from the sun between physical coverage and sunscreen. We know to keep our kids hydrated. Especially our babies who are on breast milk and/or formula. I’ve noticed as a mom, we often forget about ourselves, the grown ups. 

I remember times as a kid when my mom greased us up with sunscreen, offered endless drinks and snacks, and even brought tents with us so we could nap out of the sun… but at the end of the day I see her walking into our condo burnt and dehydrated. Don’t forget about taking care of YOU! 

Here are a couple mini reviews of outdoor/pool/beach accessories I have used:

Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator 

I shared earlier this year I purchased the Solar Buddies sunscreen applicator for Camden’s Easter basket. I was so excited to try it and was really hopeful it would work well. Unfortunately, I find it makes it more difficult to apply sunscreen. I’ve seen other parents using a clean makeup brush instead so I’m going to try that next. 

California Beach Co. Pop N’ Go *

I love this tent! My only dilemma is I have not yet been able to pop it in place solo. I don’t know if I’m too short or just not distributing my weight well enough but I’ve been unsuccessful. I am hopeful I can get the hang of it so I can bring when I’m solo with Camden. It’s been great for the beach but I need to order their mat or something else with cushion to use it at the pool since we’re on concrete. 

Do you have any tips or tricks for taking baby out to the pool? Let us know in the comments or tag us on IG! 

*Edited to add: After publishing this blog post it was brought to our attention that the California Beach Co tent has recently been recalled in Canada. You can find more info by clicking here.