How to pack a swim bag for your child

Has your child ever gotten a call to go swimming with a friend, but they want to know if he or she can be ready right now??? Be prepared so you can have your kid at the curb when they come!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• gear bag
• sunscreen
• swim gear (swim suit or swim trunks)
• rash guard
• flip flops
• clothes
• hair bands or swim caps
• swim accessories
• beach towel
• shampoo
• comb or brush
• plastic bag or ziplock bag
• snacks
• water bottle
• money

1. 
   Back pack for swim gear

   The first step is finding a gear bag to stow your child's swim gear. Almost any bag will do but I usually use an old back pack - easy to carry and it won't matter if it gets chlorine on it.

2. Store your child's swimwear, such as rash guard, and swimsuit or swim trunks in their swim bag instead of their dresser. That way everything is in one place so they can quickly put on their bathing suit before going to the pool. Also, throw in a pair of flip flops, hair bands or swim caps for long hair, and clothes to change into after swimming.

3. 
   Sunscreen your child

   Throw in a bottle of waterproof sunscreen. After your child slips into their bathing suit, lather them up with sunscreen so that it soaks in before they dive into the pool. Put the sunscreen back into the bag so that it can be reapplied during a break from the fun in the sun. Write your name on the bottle - everyone has the same bottle of Water Babies 50!

4. Of course, a beach towel is essential. Also toss in some swim accessories, such as swim goggles, swim fins, beach ball, etc., if they're allowed at the pool.

5. 
   Flip flops

   If your child is going to a public pool with showers, send along a travel-size shampoo so they can wash up after swimming. I fill a small bottle with Suave that they can also use as body wash. Girls with long hair may need conditioner, too. Make sure to tell your child to wear their flip flops in the shower. Toss in a comb or brush (skip this for boys with short hair - they won't use it anyway and it's just another thing for them to lose). A plastic bag is handy for bringing home wet swimwear. Ziploc sells ziplock bags that are large and very convenient.

6. The last things to throw into the gear bag are a couple of non-perishable snacks, a water bottle, and a few dollars, in case there's an admission fee or a snack bar. Your child is now ready for spur of the moment swim dates!

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the swim bag stocked and in the same location so you can find it quickly and easily when the need arises.

[JaneElizabeth]

on 9/5/2008 hi dsarokin- there's a sunstick called sunny days that i recently bought for my kids. it's easy to use and it glides on, the kids have been applying it before i even ask them too! it might work for you too!

[FUSILLI1OF4]

on 7/27/2008 Good article, great tips. 5*

[3-Point]

on 7/25/2008 Great article. thanks

[mattlee]

on 7/25/2008 nice job

[dsarokin]

on 7/24/2008 er...I had the bag all packed, but forgot to apply the sunscreen anyway. Poor kid got a burn, but we managed to have a good time anyway. Thanks for the tip.