This Spring was HOT, so we have already been living at the pool the past month. Before I had BB, I envisioned these relaxing days at the pool while I basked in the sun and BB played with a pool toy by my side. Well, let me tell ya, after a pool day with BB I usually need a long nap. But when properly prepared, there is nowhere I would rather be.

Now that summer is officially here, we have pool days down to a science. To prevent other mama’s from enduring some serious mom shaming at the pool, here is a list of pool essentials to get you through the summer.

TOYS: God forbid you forget pool toys. On one of our first trips to the pool I was a victim of some serious mom shaming when another mom asked me with a gasp, “you didn’t bring any pool toys?!” Blake likes dolls that can go in the pool, kick boards, and different size cups to pour water into. If you do forget pool toys, do not fret. Grab two plastic cups from the snack stand and welcome worlds of fun as your baby spends hours pouring water from one cup into the other.

SWIMSUITS: For fellow mamas with fair-skinned babies, rashguard suits are your friend. My favorites are Minnow, Rufflebutts, and Target (Target is buy one, get one 50% off right now, BTW). When we take quick trips to the pool, an hour or less, I will put BB in a regular suit for a little Vitamin D exposure, but on long days, she needs that extra coverage. It is also nice to give her arms a break from SPF on days she wears the rashguard. Don’t forget to lotion their hands, though!

SWIM DIAPER: Again, I was a victim of mom shaming on our first trip to the pool when I did not have a swim diaper. But really, that is a necessity because regular diapers inhale the entire pool and by the time you get out your baby will weigh an extra 10 lbs from the water weight. THIS is the one we use.

SPF: We are working our way through this list on gimmethegoodstuff.org. So far, everything gives her a rash. I will update when we find one that doesn’t! If your baby has a strong aversion to lotion, I highly recommend lotioning up before you leave the house to avoid mom dagger eyes as you try to lotion a writhing, screaming toddler. As soon as BB sees the water, she must be in it and cannot wait a second.

HAT: For BB, we try to keep a hat on her as much as we can. It seems her cheeks always get a little pink when they are out in the sun. Make sure your hat has SPF coverage. THIS is the one we use the most. It has a strap for babies that enjoy ripping their hats off. Rufflebutts also makes some cute ones that match the swimsuits.

FLOATATION DEVICE: BB is still too young for floaties, but sometimes she likes to be more independent in the pool and not carried around by me or Blake the entire time. BB loves THIS floaty. Even better, it comes with a sun canopy for some extra shade.

CLOTHES FOR THE WAY HOME: There is nothing worse than a shivering baby on your walk or ride home from the pool. We either bring a warm robe or cozy sweats for our walk home. Also, don’t forget a clean diaper. If your pool does not provide towels, that is important too. Luckily, ours does.

WET BAG: A wet bag for the wet swimsuit and swim diaper is a must. Itzy Ritzy makes my favorite. They come in all sizes and are reusable and machine washable.

SNACKS: BB gets extra thirsty and hungry when we are at the pool, so water and snacks are necessary. Our pool only has junk kids food, so I always bring a healthy snack in our Itzy Ritzy snack bag.

Happy Summer!