11 Child Swimming Lesson Essentials

Is your child having summer swim classes? Be sure to grab these 11 Child Swimming Lesson Essentials – every mom needs these! This post is sponsored by Kleenex. All swimmingly fun opinions are my own.

11 Child Swimming Lesson Essentials

It’s that time again!

Summer is here and yes, I signed up my kids for another round of annual swimming lessons. For those that have been following for awhile, you know that summer swim lessons have been quite…eventful over the years.

Remember the year we “pooped in the pool?” Or the time “we split open our chin?”

While my kids love the pool this year, I look at swim classes very differently these days. And that’s why I pack my swim bag a little differently. Here’s my Top 11 Child Swimming Lesson Essentials – from one mom that has a “6-year reputation” – to another.

Sunscreen

“Why do I need to wear sunscreen when it’s cloudy outside?”

My 8-year old just asked me this question this week on the way to swim class. With summer storms rolling in, it would be certainly easier for me to pass on the lathering of my kids in spray and lotions. But here’s the thing, those UV rays don’t care if there’s a few clouds outside. And with the sun reflecting off of the water and all of the wiping off their faces, my kids NEED sunscreen, period. “If you can see your shadow, you need sunscreen,” I responded.

Towels

Swimming is well…wet. Don’t forget those towels to dry off your kids after their lessons (or in my case, during lessons to get the water out of their faces – um, what?!).

Extra Towels

Did I mention that swim class is wet?

I cannot stress the importance enough of bringing lots of towels. I bring at least 2 per child: one to dry off and keep warm in between laps and one for after lessons are done for the day.

Swim Class Approved Tissues

It never fails. Pool water enters my kids’ noses and all of a sudden I have a pair of leaky faucets on my hands. (Um, sorry swim instructors, you may have some extra swimmers in the pool…) YIKES! I definitely can’t allow runny noses to ruin our lessons. What’s my secret essential for swim class? Kleenex Go Anywhere!

We happened to come across these amazing packs of tissues at my local Walmart and immediately fell in love.

• These tissues easily clip anywhere with the included Snap-on hook, perfect for attaching to our swim bag.
• The quick dispenser with easy and open closure allows me to stop runny noses in their tracks, every single time.
• These aren’t your ordinary tissues – ultra soft tissues for their delicate noses, but ultra strong Kleenex strength for swim class.
• And I love the convenient water-resistant pouch (it’s wet at swim lessons!) that comes in lots of fun prints. I may or may not have bought the whole design set already.

I cannot stress enough how much we have used these tissues already. More than just swim class, I have one within reach of both children in my car, one on my purse, and I’m already planning for one for each backpack for back-to-school (and as teacher gifts). Seriously parents, these Kleenex Go Anywhere packs are fantastic!

Water

While they may not be sweating while in the pool, those kids are burning calories! Hydration is so important for kids during swim lessons and hot summer days. So I make sure to bring water bottles for both children to grab sips during class.

Protein-Packed Snack

Speaking of burning calories, make sure that those kids don’t crash after all of that hard work! I always have a protein-packed snack ready for these hangry kids – peanut butter crackers work wonders!

Backup Hair Ties

There’s nothing worse than a long haired girl in the pool with NO hair tie. I’ve had more than one hair tie break in the middle of an intense swim lesson. Take it from me, bring backups! This will not only save time on your child’s distractions (try swimming with hair in your face!) but also save on those extra knots you’ll have to comb out later.

Insurance/Medical Cards

In all seriousness, we’ve had our share of incidents at the pool. It wasn’t too long ago that we rushed our daughter to Urgent Care post-swim class. She tripped on her towel and needed stitches. Accidents happen, even during swim class. I urge every parent to make sure you have your medical cards handy and your CPR certification card up to date.

Dry Bag

There’s always something that needs to be dry while at the pool. I always have a dry bag on hand, whether for my phone or camera, his glasses, or some really wet items that I don’t want to soak into my car.

Camera

Pictures. At the end of the day, all we have are the memories. Summer memories are not the same without a few pictures of kids swimming. I love seeing the difference from year to year – from shy timid swimmers to confident little fish.

Smiles & Cheers

The biggest essential that you can bring to your child’s swimming lessons, Mama? All of the love. Your smiles, cheers and encouragement from the sidelines mean the world to your kids.

Are your kids gearing up for another summer season of swimming lessons? Be sure to pack your Child Swimming Lesson Essentials. And don’t forget to stock up on Kleenex Go Anywhere packs – perfect for all of your family’s summer adventures. Pick up your Kleenex Go Anywhere packs (my secret swim lesson essential!) at Walmart, and be sure to grab your Kleenex Go Anywhere Coupon to save $0.50 now!

What’s on your list of child swimming lesson essentials?

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