More Pool Must Haves

Last August, as these TX temperatures got perilously close to 110/115 degrees F, I posted some of my favorite pool items for both Miles and me.  (Quick Recap — Puddle Jumper floatie, Water Shoes, $1 Pool Toys, Floppy Hat {for mom!}, and Ice Cold Fruit {for everyone}!)

Since it’s officially summer again (and we spent most of last week at the pool), I thought it’d be a good idea to cover some of my other favorite pool items that I missed.  I also asked some of our other contributors for their suggestions — and this is our list of must haves — that you don’t want to head to the pool without!

1. Sunscreen/Swim Shirts —  We all know sunscreen is a must with this blazin’ TX sun… but there are so many options!  Personally I love the spray-on sunscreens — it’s quick and easy since my 2 year old won’t sit still for a second.  I am also partial to the ones that cut through water — since you should be sure to reapply every hour and a half, at least.  My favorites are the Coppertone Wet’n Clear and Neutrogena Kids’ Wet Skin.  For my face I use Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 30.
   For some awesome Green Options – check out this great post on 10 Healthy Sunscreens!
   To be extra careful in the sun – Swim Shirts are another excellent option.  If you’re fair skinned or skin cancer runs in your family (as it does in ours) then this is a great way to protect your babies precious skin!  You can find these anywhere you shop – Amazon, Target, Wal-Mart — everywhere.
2. Coolest Cooler —  We bought this soft cooler from Costco years ago and it has been our favorite ever since!  It folds up nicely to store in the closet, but holds so much for when the whole family heads to the pool and we want to grill.  But, if it’s just me and Miles – I usually only take fruit, chips, waters and Caprisuns.   For that I’ve been using our insulated shopping bag.  It’s just small enough to not be cumbersome, insulated, easy to carry and super handy.  Any fun insulated bag will do – and you can find these everywhere also.
3. THE Perfect Tote — I’ve been seeing these fun Vera Bradley bags at the pool this summer – all my friends who’ve attended the DMB Mom’s Night Out events love using them for a beach bag!  Easy to clean, waterproof, and gorgeous!  What’s not to love?!  Throw in a few pool toys, magazines, beach towels and the sunscreen and you’re all set.  Oops, don’t forget your sunglasses though!
4. Swim Diapers — We are so close on the potty training front, but I still like to have swim diapers as a back up.  I love the convenience of disposable, but I also love the these reusable swim diapers!
5. Aloe Vera Gel — If you do forget to re-apply the sunscreen – we have a solution!  This brand of aloe vera gel has been called liquid gold.  And if you’ve had sunburns as bad as I have – you’ll know how important some liquid gold can be!  The S.M. Novella Aloe Face and Body Gel was created by Italian monks 800 years ago.  You can purchase at LAFCO in Highland Park Village.
6. Swim Band/Swimmers Ear — If your little one is prone to ear infections, you cannot do without one or both of these.  One friend swears by these Swimming Headbands.  And another friend sets a reminder on her phone to make sure she puts the Swim Ear drops in her boys ears to help dry any pool water in there!

Is there anything from your pool bag we missed?  We’d love to hear in the comments!!

Happy Swimming!