Our Favorite Things: Pool

Our neighborhood pool is the place to be in the summer. I was super worried it wouldn’t open because of the “big bad sickness”. THANKFULLY (with several restrictions) it was able to open and we are so thankful.

I spend a lot of time down at the pool with both girls by myself. Having two babies around water can feel a little overwhelming, but so far we have been able to manage. I’ve made a list of things we are using this summer with the girls!

Number One - Foldable Wagon

I didn’t know how much I needed this at the pool, until I brought it to the pool and it changed everything. Disclaimer: this wagon is not intended for people to ride in. But Lampley spends a lot of time hanging out there. I typically load up the wagon with our pool bag, Jane Taylor’s puddle jumper, and a chair (our pool doesn’t have the chairs available currently), load it in the back of my car and take it to the pool. It is just the right size that it fits completely opened up in the back of my SUV. But it is super easy to fold and unfold at the same time.

Lampley is in that sweet spot where she can sit up but isn’t pulling up so the wagon is a great place for her to hang as we are getting settled. It’s big enough that she can roll around in it too. I honestly got the idea of putting her in it because my friend with twins has this wagon- which is a huge step up from our foldable one.

Number Two - Pool Bag

Scout bags are the way to go when it comes to bags, but especially a bag for the pool. The one we use is huge. We can put all our towels in it, a lunchbox, sunscreen, and any pool toys we might be bringing with us. Everything just gets tossed in and I love it!

Number Three - Foldable High Chair

We have had this chair for years and taken it everywhere. To tailgate, the beach, and now the pool. Jane Taylor loved it when she was little and now Lampley eats in it all the time. When we eat lunch at the pool I can put Lampley in this chair while Jane Taylor and I eat on a towel.

Number Four - Pool Toys

On the off chance that one of our neighbors isn’t at the pool with us we have a couple of pool toy favorites that keep her entertained. We love this Frozen set and these little boats. Lampley is super happy sitting on my lap on the steps of the pool as long as she has something to hold. This teether is her favorite.

Number Five - LunchBox

Every morning I make Jane Taylor’s lunch in case we decide to head to the pool. I wrote a little about our favorite lunchboxes here. I pack her lunchbox in this adorable lunch bag, add an ice pack and we are good to go! For Lampley’s lunch I usually pack her’s in these little containers which can also fit in the lunch bag.

Number Six - Cover Up

A very wise friend taught me last summer about the beauty of a towel cover up. When we are done swimming and its time to come home I simply get Jane Taylors wet bathing suit off and put this towel wrap on. No need to worry about her dragging a towel out with her. It has been the best thing and made leaving the pool so easy. We also love wearing these slides to the pool because it doesn’t matter if they get wet but they don’t weigh you down like water shoes would.

Number Seven - Potty Seat

I know. I know. Bringing a potty to the pool is so very weird. But listen… it is better than Jane Taylor having to run into the bathroom, disinfect everything.. you get the picture. So we bring this potty seat. It can stay in the car, or come with us to the pool (we are not the only people doing this). It has made life a lot easier. It is small, easy to clean, and great for our newly potty trained child.

Number Eight - Stroller Fan

We clip this fan onto the wagon to turn on whenever Lampley is in there. It is great because if she grabs hold of it, which she does often, the fan won’t hurt her. The days can get hot so it is nice to have!

Number Nine - Puddle Jumper

There is no way I could take both girls to the pool by myself if Jane Taylor wasn’t so good at swimming in her puddle jumper. I know there are a lot of opinions around puddle jumpers and swim safety. This is what works for us.

Number Ten - The Basics

Sunscreen, water bottle, favorite swimsuits for the girls, favorite swimsuits for me.