Today we are talking all about beach bag essentials to put in your pool or beach bag to make sure you are prepared to enjoy your day in the sun!
If you are anything like me it probably feels like you have to pack everything but the kitchen sink for a family beach day, or pool day. By the time you pack everything up, then haul it to your pool or beach of choice, a child inevitably needs a snack or to go to the bathroom. It almost isn't worth it! That is why we are going to talk about a few items that are a good idea to pack in that beach or pool bag, what isn't, and what is a complete waste a space. Grab a fruity drink and fantasize about warm sun and palm trees as we dive in!
1. The Perfect Bag
I know what you're thinking, obviously I need to pack a pool bag, that's common sense. But not all bags are alike, and I prefer a large beach bag that is waterproof, sturdy, and easy to clean. If the bag has an interior pocket that is great, but the quick access to items and easy to clean features really are what makes the Bogg Bag perfect for our beach or pool days and makes it the best mom beach bag. My bag has gone with us to the beach, pool, baseball tournaments, road trips, and more! There is plenty of room in the bag, they come in fun vibrant colors, and when I am done using it, I just dump the trash out and wipe it with a Clorox wipe and it looks good as new. Below I will link the bag I have and few other options that I think would make an excellent choice.
2. Beach Towels
Beach towels are another item that is not created equal! There is nothing worse than coming out of the water, dripping wet, wanting to dry off and all that is laying around is wet towels. If you are at the beach or pool, you will want a towel that doesn't allow the sand to stick to it and that dries quickly, absorbs enough water to dry you off, but remains slightly water resistant so it doesn't get sopping wet. Below I will link my top pick towel options to ensure you can have a day of fun in the water but keep you dry when you're ready to be done.
3. Sand Toys or Pool Toys
Beach or pool days just hit different as a mom, you are often the one tending to snack disbursement, entertaining young kids, and making sure sunscreen is thoroughly applied. THIS is why beach toys are so important, it is your only chance of getting a few minutes of downtime to ensure you also get to enjoy your beach trip or pool day. In the past, I have put some of these toys in Easter Baskets and they make the perfect gift to get the kids excited heading into summer. Most options come in an easy to carry beach tote bag, so the kids aren't getting sand in mom's beach bag when they are done playing. Below I will link some toy best sellers to help make those beach days even more special!
4. Sunscreen and easy applicator
I loathe sunscreen, my whole family hates sunscreen and the greasy, sticky, mess it leaves. Although, I also hate getting sunburned, my entire family has had a special day at the pool or beach get ruined when sunscreen wasn't applied and reapplied leaving us with crispy, sore skin. So, since sunscreen is a necessary evil, we might as well stock up on some non-sticky options with some easy application methods. Below I will link some of my favorite sunscreens and applicators.
5. Shade
There is a lot of stuff I don't think is worth dragging to the pool or beach, shade is not one of those items! Thankfully, our neighborhood pool has plenty of umbrellas to find shade under, but if we are going to the beach, we always bring a tent of some kind, and it really saves the day. We have tried a couple different kinds, and yes, most are cumbersome, but it will keep everyone cooler, less sunburned, and happier to have the chance to take a break in the shade on your next family beach vacation. Below I will link some great shade options for your next beach vacation.
6. Water Bottles
This item is pretty straightforward, when you are sitting out in the hot sun all day, a bottle of water for each person is definitely necessary. We have tried buying a bulk pack of plastic bottles on trips, but the sand seems to get stuck to and in them more easily, so I just bring a leakproof bottle for everyone and it seems to work better. Below I will link some of my favorite water bottles for the beach and pool.
7. Dry Bags
These are at the top of my "most important items" to bring to the beach or pool, mainly because they hold dual purposes. These are especially handy if you will be going to the pool or beach with young kids. Small children often don't want to get out of the water and sit for the 30 minutes it takes to dry off before you leave to walk or drive back to the house or hotel, so, I just bring extra clothes and strip off the wet suit right before we leave. This way it keeps everything else in the bag dry while letting the child play up until it's time to leave. I also use these bags to store keys, phone, money, and anything else you want to keep dry and sand free while at the beach or pool. Below I will link some great dry bag options.
8. Entertainment for Mom
If you have planned your beach toys well then you might get a little down time yourself, if that does happen, then you want to do whatever activity provides some relaxation for mom. So, don't forget about yourself! Bring your favorite book, headphones for music or a podcast, or a comfy chair to make sure you get to close your eyes for a few minutes. Below I will link my favorite headphones and my current book obsession.
9. Snacks
Is it a rule among kids that they have to ask for a snack within 15 minutes of arriving at any given location? This is no different on beach and pool days! So, don't forget the snacks and make sure to include some of your favorites also. Below I will link some of our families' favorite things to pack.
10. Floaties (If needed)
Water makes me so nervous with kids, especially my 2.5-year-old. This is why I always pack his floaties and make him keep them on unless he is playing in the sand during our beach outings or sitting next to me at the pool. I am not going to lie, he doesn't like them, and they do make playing a little cumbersome, but the peace of mind is totally worth it. Below I will link some good options for toddlers and young children.
11. Cooler
If you will be at the beach for a longer getaway then a cooler would be essential for me. I do not pack a cooler for a couple hours at the pool, but if I was going to be sitting on the beach during the day for 4 days or more, I would want one. My favorite kind is one you can pull along to allow for easy transport, a top that completely opens (doesn't zip) to allow for easy access, and section on the top with trays to put snacks you would like to keep cool. Bonus points if it has cupholders on the top and can be used as a table, making it the ideal beach companion! Below I will link a few options that can be used for a variety of activities.
Today we talked all about going to the beach or pool and what you should take. It feels like a lot of stuff, especially for larger families, but it helps to enjoy your day if you are prepared. We have our neighborhood pool right behind our house, so if we plan to just go for an hour, I wouldn't mess with nearly all this stuff. But if I wanted to be there for an extended amount of time I would pack as much as I could to ensure we are comfortable and to minimize complaining while there. I hope you enjoyed this list and feel better prepared for your upcoming pool trips!
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