The Simple Swimming Packing System That Every Family Needs
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A few years ago, I wrote about taking babies swimming - all the preparation, the endless packing lists, the careful organization needed to survive a trip to the pool with a little one. Fast forward to today with my 4 and 6-year-old, and I'm happy to report that swimming trips have become so much simpler!
Experience has taught me what actually works, and I've developed a streamlined system that eliminates most of the stress and preparation time. Here's my before, during, and after approach.
BEFORE: What We Wear to the Pool
The biggest game-changer has been getting the kids dressed for swimming at home.
They put on their swimwear, then throw a giant snuggly fleece hoodie over the top. They wear:
Swimsuit or swim shorts & rash vest
Fleece hoodie over swimwear
Why this works:
No stress about forgotten essentials
No cramped changing room struggles
Kids stay warm until pool time
We focus on fun, not organization
BEFORE: What We Bring - The One-Bag System
I keep one large swimming bag (about the size of those big blue IKEA bags) that stays packed and ready each week. Everything is organized in multiple mesh bags for easy access.
What Lives Permanently in the Bag:
Coins for lockers (total game-changer!)
Swimming hats and goggles (backups)
All pool toys
Non-perishable snacks
A selection of mesh bags for organization
The Mesh Bag Organization System:
These mesh bags are the backbone of my system - each one has a specific purpose and they all live permanently in the swim bag:
Pool Toy Bag (Large Mesh):
Hair & Hygiene Bag:
Spare hair bobbins
Clean Gear Storage:
These items go straight into a mesh bag after swimming each week and stay there until we’re getting ready to go again the following week:
Goggles
Floaties:
When we still used floats, our puddle jumper and floatie belt lived permanently loose in the bag (too bulky for mesh bags). Now that we're float-free, this space is freed up for other gear!
DURING: At the Pool
The streamlined approach means pool time is actually relaxing:
Arrival: Kids strip off hoodies and they're ready to go
Swimming: They go to lessons while I swim lengths
Play Time: We meet in the learner pool with diving toys
Post-Swim: Shower, wash hair, wearable towels, sort things into the right bags
AFTER: The Wet Gear Solution
This is where having multiple mesh bags really shines - everything has its place:
Wet swimsuits go into mesh bag 1
Wet towels go into mesh bag 2
Dive toys go back into mesh bag 3
Goggles and hats go into mesh bag 4
Hair stuff stays in mesh bag 5
Pop bags 1 & 2 into plastic bags for the car journey
At home, 1 & 2 mesh bags go straight into the washing machine
After washing and drying, everything goes straight back into the swim bag
No handling individual wet items, no rooting around in the bottom of a giant swim bag!
Gear That Actually Works
Through years of trial and error, I've discovered some game-changing products:
Crocs Way better than flip flops for kids - they stay on their feet and provide better grip on wet surfaces.
Single-lens goggles These work so much better for smaller kids than traditional two-lens styles. They fit little faces better and create a superior seal.
Long hair swim hats A revelation for kids with longer hair - they actually accommodate ponytails and buns.
Small mesh bags Perfect for keeping goggles and hats separate, organizing dive toys, containing wet gear, and allowing proper air drying.
How Swimming Has Evolved for Our Family
The beauty of this system is that everyone gets what they need. While the kids are in lessons, I can swim lengths and get my own exercise. Then we all come together in the learner pool for play time with the diving toys. It's become a lovely family rhythm where swimming is genuinely enjoyable rather than stressful.
What I've Learned: Building Independence Gradually
Kids are capable, but timing matters
At 4 and 6, my children could manage much of this routine themselves, but I don't ask them to yet. I want them to love swimming without the stress of forgotten gear, which ruins everyone's experience. Instead, I've created a laminated checklist to help them gradually take responsibility while keeping it fun.
Systems evolve as kids grow
The detailed baby swimming systems I used weren't unnecessary - they were exactly what we needed then. But as kids become more independent, routines can simplify and become more enjoyable for everyone.
The Reality Check
Let's be honest - swimming with kids isn't always smooth sailing. Invariably someone needs the toilet the second their toes hit the water, they do somersaults instead of listening to their coach, and some days they'd rather stay home. But having a streamlined system means these hiccups don't derail the entire experience.
The best part? We actually have energy left to enjoy the swimming instead of feeling exhausted from organization and preparation.
This might all sound crazy, but it works for us!
For Parents in the Baby Swimming Phase
If you're currently wrestling with swim nappies, take heart - it really does get easier!
The goal was always to build positive swimming associations and water confidence. Whether that happens with a perfectly organized baby bag or this simplified weekly system, what matters is making it happen consistently.
Happy swimming!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the blog at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or that are similar to those I have used and believe will be helpful for other families.
