#1: Swimsuit

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Of course, right? But you’ll be surprised at how often people leave their swimsuits at home. Swimsuits might make or break the amount of fun your toddler has at the pool. A nice-fitting swimsuit would ensure your toddler avoids developing rashes and marks on their sensitive skin. Some swimsuits also offer protection from the sun which is crucial in Sunny Singapore! For the parts of skin which are still exposed, don’t forget to smother a decent amount of sunscreen lotion on it.

#2: Swim Diapers

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For toddlers specifically, swim diapers are a must-wear under their swimsuits! (I mean… you can imagine why.)

Regular diapers and swim diapers are completely different and you most definitely cannot use normal diapers in the pool. Here’s why! Regular diapers are made of material that’s very absorbent, so it’ll absorb pool water and get waterlogged. What happens to a heavy diaper? Not only will it cause extreme discomfort to your kids and risk falling off, it won’t be capable of holding solids. We don’t want to risk contamination, do we?

On the other hand, swim diapers prevent these from happening. There are 2 types of swim diapers, the disposable and reusable ones. If you opt for the disposable ones, yes they’re designed to hold solids, but they might not be the most effective. To avoid any mishaps, do bring a few extra in case! If you’re a friend of the earth and want to opt for the eco-friendly option or simply want diapers with a snug fit, you’d want to go for the reusable swim diapers instead.

You can wash and reuse it until you notice it starting to fall apart, which usually happens around the 3rd wash. However, ONLY wash and reuse wet swim diapers, not ones with poop. While the better fit would increase the probability of keeping the mess kept within, it’s still not 100% safe so bring another pair along!
P.S. A side note, swim diapers are not designed to hold your toddler’s urine!

#3: Sunscreen Lotion

There’s no escaping this one if you’re living anywhere in the equatorial region. Applying sunscreen as directed can reduce the chances of skin cancer and precancer. Yes, young children CAN get cancer and occurrences are getting more common! Since your toddler will be spending long periods of time in water, it’s important to get sunscreen lotions which are labelled “water resistant”. In general, you should apply it at least 30 minutes before going into the pool and reapplication should be done every hour. For the most accurate application instructions, do refer to the back of your sunscreen.

#4: A Set of Dry Clothes and a Towel

What’s scarier than a hungry toddler? A wet and cold one! This set of items HAVE to be on your check-list, it’s non-negotiable. Sure, it can get pretty hot in Singapore. However, that doesn’t mean that your toddler wouldn’t want to get wrapped in a towel when they get out of the pool. Especially for toddlers, it’s important to minimize the likelihood of them developing a stuffy or runny nose and swimmer’s ear. It’s therefore important to rinse and dry up (don’t forget your ear canals!) immediately after your toddler exits the water.

Now let’s cover a few more items your toddler may require, but isn’t “bring-or-die” if they’re beginner swimmers.

#5: Healthy Snacks

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Swimming is an activity which burns a large amount of energy due to water being resistant and this causes your kids to become hungry fast! To avoid crankiness, it would be advisable to pack along healthy snacks such as yogurt, nuts, oatmeal and cheese! Happy toddler, happy parent, right?

#6: Swimming Aids

If you’re heading to a swim class, do check with the instructor if swim gear will be necessary and/or provided. If they’re not, or if you’re heading to the pool on your own with your toddler, you might want to bring along a floatation device or goggles to build up their water confidence!

Conclusion

While this should cover the basics of what should be in your toddler’s swim bag, any additional items required should depend on your kid’s swimming ability. If your toddler is already amazing at swimming, other items such as a swim cap and goggles move up in terms of the priority of packing! It’s therefore important to gauge your child’s water confidence and pack accordingly. This also means that if your child is struggling with feeling comfortable in the water, there’s no harm in packing a few water-proof toys along!

Join us at Condo Swimming lesson as we help your toddler kick start their water confidence journey. 

Hello everyone! I'm a gym enthusiast who gets very excited at the sight of dogs. Drinking teh tarik is my form of relaxation. I hope you share my passion for anything fitness-related through my writing!