Swimming lessons are brilliant for little ones, but getting out of the door with everything you need, and getting home without a soggy changing bag, can feel like a workout of its own. Here's our simple checklist of what to pack for swimming lessons, whether it's your baby's first splash or your school-age child's weekly class, plus tips from parents who've done the poolside shuffle more times than they can count.
PACKING LIST
The quick swimming bag checklist
Tap to tick things off as you pack.
Start with the right swim bag
The biggest swimming lesson headache is the journey home: wet swimwear and a damp towel soaking into everything else. A wet bag solves it. It's a waterproof bag with a sealed section for wet things and a separate section for dry things.
Our swimming bag has a watertight, wipe-clean inner pocket with a waterproof zip, a zipped outer pocket for dry clothes, and room for goggles in the front. It holds 2.5 litres, clips onto a pushchair or locker, and you can add your child's name for £5.
Shop the swim bag★★★★★
"…my daughter is 4 and we use it for our holidays and our swimming lessons, perfectly lined so our wet costumes don't make the whole bag soaked through, the front compartment is perfect for her goggles and swim headband…"
Chloe T., verified customer
Swimwear and swim nappies
For older children, pack their costume or trunks, and maybe a spare if they swim straight after school. Babies and toddlers need a swim nappy. Many baby swim classes ask for a reusable swim nappy, sometimes worn over a disposable one, so check your swim school's rules before the first lesson, and pack a spare in case of accidents in the changing room.
Towels that dry them (and themselves) fast
Big cotton towels take up half the bag and are still damp the next day. A microfibre hooded towel is lighter, packs smaller and is far easier with a wriggly child, and the hood keeps their head warm while you get them dressed.
Our kids hooded poncho towels absorb up to four times more water than a standard towel and fold into a compact pouch. They come in two sizes, 18 months to 5 years and 5 to 10 years, and there are teen and adult sizes too.
Shop hooded towels
FROM OUR CUSTOMERS
★★★★★
"Absolutely love this hooded towel!! The design is bright and looks so good. The material and quality is brilliant and makes bath time and swimming so much easier."
Cat B., verified customer
Hooded towels for grown-ups too
Older children, teens and parents get cold and wet at the pool too. Our adult and teen hooded poncho towels are made from the same quick-drying microfibre as the kids' ones, so you can dry off while you sort out the little ones.
Choose S/M for older children (11+), teens and adults up to 5ft 8", or L/XL for adults up to 5ft 10". They come in blue, grey and pink, and fold into their own carry pouch.
Shop adult hooded towels★★★★★
"This is a game changer and makes after swimming a lot easier. You can wear it and dry whilst you're sorting little one."
Z., verified customer
Hair care after the pool
Long hair and chlorine aren't a great mix. Rinse their hair with fresh water after the lesson, then wrap it up to soak up the water before brushing.
Our super absorbent hair wrap is 65 x 25cm, fits kids and adults, and fastens with a button and elastic loop, so it stays put while you finish getting everyone dressed. Pack a wide-tooth brush and a few hair ties too.
Shop hair wraps★★★★★
"These are amazing, finally a hair wrap that doesn't fall off all the time. And so easy to put on. Hair dries so fast takes no time at all."
Megan M., verified customer
Toiletries and skin care
Pool water can leave skin feeling dry, so a quick shower and a little moisturiser afterwards helps. Keep shampoo, body wash and moisturiser together so they're easy to grab in the shower.
Our kids hanging wash bag unfolds into an organiser with a hook, which is handy in a busy changing room with nowhere to put things down.
Shop wash bagsAfter the lesson: snacks, drinks and warm layers
Children are usually starving after swimming, so pack a snack and a drink for the changing room or the car. Our kids insulated water bottle keeps drinks cold for around 24 hours. In colder months, add a warm jumper, a hat and spare socks, as damp hair and cold air are a chilly combination.
Parent tip: pack the dry clothes in the swim bag's dry pocket the night before. On the day, you only need to add the towel and swimwear.
Extra bits for baby swimming
- Nappies and wipes for after the lesson
- A changing mat or towel for the changing room bench
- A feed or snack, as many babies are hungry and sleepy afterwards
- Easy-on clothes with no fiddly buttons
- A small pouch for wipes, nappy cream and bits, like our grab & go pouch
Our top tips
- 🏊 Change at homePut younger children in their swimwear before you leave, if your pool allows it. It saves a lot of changing-room juggling.
- 🏷️ Label everythingTowels, bags and goggles all look the same at a busy pool. Many of our swimming essentials can be personalised with a name.
- 🌬️ Air it outEmpty the wet bag as soon as you get home. Rinse swimwear, hang the towel to dry and leave the bag open to air.
- 🧦 Spare socksWet changing-room floors and dry socks don't mix. A spare pair saves a grumpy journey home.
Swimming lesson FAQs
What is a wet bag?
A wet bag is a waterproof bag for carrying wet items, like swimwear, towels and swim nappies, without them soaking into everything else. Wet and dry bags have two separate sections: a sealed, waterproof one for wet things and another for dry clothes.
What size swim bag do I need?
For one child, a bag that fits a towel, swimwear, a change of clothes and toiletries is plenty. Microfibre towels pack much smaller than cotton ones, which makes a big difference. Our wet and dry swim bag measures 35 x 26cm, with a 2.5 litre wet pocket.
Do babies need a swim nappy for lessons?
Yes. Babies and toddlers who aren't toilet trained need a swim nappy in the pool. Swim schools have different rules, and some ask for two layers, so check with yours before your first lesson.
How do I stop my swim bag from smelling?
Empty it as soon as you get home, rinse the swimwear and wipe the waterproof pocket clean. Then leave the bag open to dry before you pack it again.
READY FOR THE POOL?
Everything for swimming lessons in one place
Swim bags, hooded towels and hair wraps in fun designs kids love.
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