Toddler Beach and Pool Essentials

It’s finally, at long last, summer, and we’re going to be able to hit up the pool and beach — mask free! We’ll be living at the pool and beach this summer. Being by or in the water is my favorite part of summer, and luckily, my kids love it as much as I do. We’re lucky that we belong to a pool that’s just a few minutes from our house, so we can go for an hour or two and come home, which is ideal when you have young kids and a newborn. And yet, somehow, even if we go for a quick dip, the amount of stuff we need to bring always baffles my mind. And don’t even get me started on the beach stuff — it takes us nearly as long to pack for the beach as it does to hang out there. And I know I’m preaching to the choir here. It’s one of the most annoying parts about parenting in summer that no one tells you about (that and sunscreen). So I’ve rounded up my toddler beach and pool essentials — the items that make a day at the pool or beach with kids much easier and more fun for everyone. I actually keep a lot of these in my car in a waterproof tote so we have them handy since we’re there on the reg.

Over the years, mostly from watching our friends and other families, we’ve stocked up on all the toddler beach and pool essentials that makes a day in the water seamless for everyone. And I’m not going to lie, it’s a lot. There are towels and cover-ups, wet/dry bags for their wet swimsuits, change of dry clothes (my kids always want to change or sometimes, need to), and swim diapers, the floaties, the sun hats, sunscreen, and then of course, the toys. (Check out the best swimsuits for moms who are swimming with and chasing after their kids at the pool or beach.)

Whether you’re a first time parent or a pro at this point, it’s always helpful to have the right gear to help your kids float, build sand castles, learn to swim, and stay safe and entertained during a trip to the beach or pool. Because let’s face it: Mom wants to enjoy herself a bit too. The good news is that even though taking your kids to the pool and beach is still exhausting (even if you have all the necessary toddler beach and pool essentials), it’s exhausting for them too, which means nap time and bedtime are a lot easier — and, to me, that makes it all worth it. That and the smiles and squeals of joy, of course.

If you’re gearing up for some time in the water with your littles, here are all the toddler beach and pool essentials I love.