Summer is *unofficially* here, and I am so excited for all things pool and beach related. We live at our neighborhood pool during the summer, and I know between that and our family beach trip, my beach bag will need to be stocked and ready to go.
Here are my top ten essentials:
1. Beach bag: Last year for Mother’s Day, my husband got me a Bogg Bag and I love it! It’s sturdy enough to stand up on its own (even in the sand) and can be wiped off when an inevitable spill happens. It doesn’t matter the brand or style; just having a bag you love and that is easy to carry all your necessities in, is all that matters.
2. Portable fan: This is a life saver, especially for my two-year-old. We always pack his stroller fan when we’re heading to the pool or beach.
3. Towels: I’m not picky when it comes to beach towels. There are some brands that claim to be extra absorbent and quick-drying, but I haven’t seen them as a “need” for myself. I just need a towel to sit on and that I can wrap around my waist before putting my cover up back on. My son is very into hooded towels and Target has been our best bet on finding those.
4. Pool toys: We are still living our best lives in the baby pool, so you won’t find any dive toys in my bag. Instead, you’ll find some reusable water balloons, a net to catch toys with, and lots of buckets and cups.
5. Sunscreen: Say it with me: I WILL APPLY SUNSCREEN TO MYSELF AND NOT JUST TO MY KIDS. This is a must for me. I spent the majority of my teens and early 20s baking in the sun (and tanning bed – eek!) with no sunscreen because I wanted to be tan. I have spent my 30s paying for it. I am a proud member of the “No Sun Club” on my face (see #7), but I still apply sunscreen on my face. Do not pass go – wear the sunscreen!
6. Water bottles and snacks: We squeeze every minute we can out of pool/beach days, so having snacks on hand is a life saver. We also make sure everyone has a water bottle that can be refilled as needed. I love to add electrolyte packs to mine during the summer.
7. Hat and sunglasses: I love a big hat in the summertime (see #5), and I keep a spare pair of sunglasses in my bag just in case I forget them at home or in the car.
8. Wet/dry bag: Keeping a wet/dry bag with me helps separate my son’s wet pool clothes from the rest of the things in my bag. Would a grocery bag/Ziploc serve the same purpose? Yes. Have I mistaken a grocery bag with his trunks and swim shirt for trash and thrown them away? Also, yes.
9. Books: I don’t get a lot of reading done at the pool these days, but on the off-chance I head to the pool on my own, you bet I’m getting some reading in. My summer reading list includes Happy Place by Emily Henry, Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda, and Verity by Colleen Hoover, just to name a few.
10. First aid kit: What can I say? I like to be prepared.
Honorable mention: My “Mom” pouch. I transfer this from my purse to the pool bag. It contains all the things I may need like hair ties/clips, lip gloss, wet wipes, etc.
