If you are planning to take your baby or older kids swimming, there are things that you will need to pack in your swim bag to make swimming sessions or lesson go smoothly. Check out the video then read on for my top tips for what to pack to make your swimming with kids stress free.
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Table Of Contents
Swimming Bag
Choose a bag that is big enough to hold all of your family’s essentials. If you are splitting into male and female changing rooms, consider two swim bags. Keep your family’s swimming kit ready packed back into your swim bag as it comes out of the wash so that it’s ready to go when you are.
Swimming Costumes

When shopping for swimming costumes for your children, consider which colour is most visible in the water. This may be a scary thought, but selecting a colour that is visible to a lifeguard may be the thing that saves your child from drowning.
Reusable Swim nappies
If your baby or toddler is not yet toilet trained, reusable swim nappies are a must have swimming accessory.
Onesie
Probably the easiest way to handle the swimming pool changing rooms is to minimise the number of items of clothing that need to be taken on and off. Onesies are the perfect solution.
In this video I have purchased some cute summer onesies for my daughters from Shop Disney.
Easy Footwear
Choose footwear your children can easily manage independently. Sandals are idea for the summer, wellies for the winter.
Underwear
Don’t forget to pack clean underwear fro when you get out of the water.
Wet Bag
Wet and dry bags are perfect for transporting wet bathers home.
Towels
There are a number of towel options to consider. Also check if the venue where you will be swimming provides towels, as you may not even have to pack them.
Large Towel

Large towels are a sensible and all round good towel.
Poncho Towel
Poncho towels are great for keeping kids warm as you dry them but may be best used in addition to a large towel rather than instead of one.
Hair Towels
If you or your children have longer hair, these hair towels are perfect for after the pool.
Hair Ties
Long hair will need to be tied back to swim, so make sure you pack hair ties.
Hairbrush
Pack a hairbrush for both tying up hair before you swim and detangling it afterwards.
Sanitiser
Hand sanitiser is a swim bag must.
Toiletries
After my children’s swimming lessons I tend to pop them straight in their onesies then shower them at home. If, however, you plan to shower at the pool, make sure you have packed toiletries.
Goggles
Goggles can be great for kids who worry about water splashing in their eyes. Check with your child’s swimming instructor if they allow goggles, some swim schools do, others do not.
Tissues & Wet Wipes
Drinks & Snacks
Your children will inevitably be hungry and thirsty when they get out of the pool, make sure that you are prepared.
Change For Lockers
Check with the venue which coins you will need for storing your things.


















