This post is in partnership with Hiya. I only endorse products I believe in.

Pool days with kids are magical… and mildly chaotic. Whether you're chasing toddlers through splash zones or just hoping to sit down for three consecutive minutes, a well-stocked pool bag is your best ally. Here’s what I never leave home without.

1. Hiya Hydration Sticks

Let’s be honest, drinking enough water in the summer is hard – both for me and my kids. Between pool games, sunscreen reapplications, and snack requests, hydration often slips through the cracks. That’s why Hiya Hydration Sticks are a non-negotiable in our pool bag.

They're pediatrician-approved, made with clean ingredients I trust, and packed with the kind of electrolytes that actually help after hours under the sun. And because they come in single-serving packs, I can toss them in literally any bag: pool, diaper, or even my kids' backpacks without thinking twice.

Why we’re obsessed:

• Zero added sugar, naturally sweetened with monk fruit and stevia
• Great electrolytes: 240 mg of potassium, 85 mg of sodium, 10 mg of calcium, and 25 mg of magnesium
• Bonus nutrients like vitamin C and 2 g of prebiotic fiber to keep their little guts happy
• Clean Label Project certified and third-party tested, so I know what’s not in there: no artificial junk, no GMOs, no gluten or dairy
• And the berry flavor? Sweet enough to feel like a treat, but subtle enough that no one’s bouncing off the walls

Honestly, they love it so much they remind me to hydrate now. 

Grab Hiya Hydration Sticks now for 50% off your first purchase for your next weekend outing with code NMM50.

2. Mineral sunscreen

I’m a total stickler when it comes to sunscreen. If we’re spending the entire day at the pool, my kids have to be protected from the sun. Around here, sunscreen isn’t optional, it’s essential (and yes, my kids know the drill!). I personally prefer mineral sunscreen over chemical sunscreen because they have better-for-you active ingredients that physically block harmful UV rays. Chemical sunscreens often contain questionable ingredients that I’d rather avoid, especially when it comes to my kids’ sensitive skin.

3. Turkish towel

If you haven’t made the switch to Turkish towels yet, allow me to let you in on our little secret. Unlike bulky beach towels that take up half your bag (and your arm space), Turkish towels are lightweight and super thin. Because they’re so compact, you can easily fit multiple towels in your beach bag without it feeling like you're carrying your entire linen closet.

But don’t let their thinness fool you, Turkish towels are highly absorbent and quick-drying, which is the perfect formula when you’re in and out of the water all day.

4. Sun protection

Sunscreen does a lot, but it can’t do it all. That’s why I double down with rash guards and wide-brimmed hats. Rash guards are great because they cover key areas like the arms, shoulders, and back, exactly where sunburns tend to sneak in after long hours in the pool. They’re also quick-drying and super comfortable, so kids can swim, play, and stay protected without even thinking about it.

Hats are especially good for shading little faces, ears, and necks when they’re out of the water. I look for ones with wide brims, adjustable straps, and water-friendly materials so they hold up during splashy moments. 

5. Healthy sun-friendly snacks

If you’re a parent, you already know—snacks are everything.  I pack options that are heat-tolerant and meltdown-resistant (both in terms of structure and temperament). Think: protein, fiber, and healthy fats with minimal mess. Favorites on rotation:

• Nut butter packets + fruit
• Trail mix (a solid “big kid” option)
• Cheese sticks + hard-boiled eggs (if we’ve got the cooler)
• Seaweed snacks and veggie chips
• Dried fruit and grainy crackers
• Clean-ingredient protein bars
• Bell pepper strips and baby carrots

Throw Hiya Hydration sticks in your pool bag all summer long!

Hiya Kids Hydration Sticks are a staple in our pool bag this summer, and they should be for you too! The best part is I don’t even have to remind my kids to drink them!

✅ ZERO added sugar + electrolytes for hydration + extra nutrients 

✅ Third-party tested and Clean Label Project certified 

✅ No artificial ingredients, dyes, flavors, GMOs, gluten, or dairy

✅ Kid-approved and delicious taste 

✅ Convenient single-serving packs 

Get 50% off your first purchase with code NMM50

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