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These picks are for families who plan to be in or around the water from now until September.

That's exactly why it helps to stock up on the pool safety gear, swim aids, and toddler travel essentials that can make the whole experience feel a lot less frazzled for everyone involved. From helpful flotation picks to ear-protection must-haves for active kids who plan to spend every possible second in the water, these finds are here to help you feel a little more prepared before the splashing even starts. 

A set of three waterproof earplugs if your child is prone to getting water stuck in their ears after a day spent in the pool. They're made with soft silicone and a hooked shape that'll help them stay put a little better while kids splash, swim, and generally refuse to sit still for more than six seconds. It's also nice that it comes in a three-pack, because anything this tiny is basically one distracted afternoon away from vanishing.

Promising review: "I am a mother to two little girls who have ear tubes. Sticking the wax in their ear before every bathtime or pool time was seriously trying to wrangle cats. I’ve searched so hard for something like this. They slide in effortlessly and painlessly; there is no pushing or molding involved! We took these on our family trip to Cozumel in June, and the girls swam perfectly with them with no water in their ears! They are reusable, and I just put them back in case. I will be recommending these to every parent I know who has a child with ear tubes. —Krista

Get it from Amazon for $8.48+ (available in five colors).

A pack of six pairs of moldable earplugs that'll come in very handy if your kid is the type to surface from the pool and immediately start messing with their ears. These soft silicone plugs mold to the outer ear to help create a waterproof seal, and the bright color makes them a lot harder to lose track of. And for less than $3 for the whole pack, this is a no-brainer.

Promising review: "These soft moldable silicone ear putties work really well for swimming, and I like how easy they are to shape into a snug fit. The color is bright orange, making them easy to spot and track. Their moldability is the best feature, as you can press them into the exact shape of a child’s ear. They provide reliable water retention, keeping water out during swimming and helping to prevent ear infections, which gives peace of mind. The ease of use is great, since kids can wear them without fuss, and they stay in place once set. They’re also soft enough for extended comfort, which means they could even be used for sleep quality in some cases if needed. Overall, they’re a practical and well-designed option for keeping ears dry and protected." —Ren

An Ear Band-It swimming headband to help keep water out and earplugs in, which is exactly the kind of tag-team setup parents of kids with ear tubes or frequent swimmers' ear issues tend to appreciate. The snug neoprene band is meant to stay put in the pool, and it comes in a bunch of colors and prints that make it look a lot less medical and a lot more kid-approved. This will be a game-changer if keeping little ears dry is high on your pool day priority list.

Promising review: "This worked perfectly for my kiddo and made my mama heart feel at ease when he would go swimming. Our doc told us not to get water in his ear, but we were leaving on vacation the next week, where we'd be in water daily. So I researched other items, and I paired this with the wax, and this headband held it in place perfectly. I explained to my 4-year-old why we needed to add this to his head, over his ears, and he understood, and it didn't bother him." —Andrea Garcia-Ortiz

Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three sizes and 13 patterns).

A swim vest for making those early pool days feel a whole lot less nerve-racking for everyone involved. It'll help support little swimmers while they paddle around, gaining confidence, and the bright colors will make them easier to spot in a crowded, busy pool. This is a great get for parents who'd like to lower stress levels a notch while their kid has the time of their life.

Promising review: "This was perfect! I needed a comfortable life jacket for my daughter (6). This helped her float way above the water; the weight was accurate to the size, and I love the thick padding covering the bottom strap, which made it comfortable for her — a big design win for this company. The straps were great — she was able to buckle and unbuckle herself. 100% exactly what I needed for our getaway trip and something that she will be able to have for at least another year since the straps are so adjustable!" —Hanna

Get it from Amazon for $33.99+ (available in 10 styles and four sizes).

An inflatable swim vest that'll earn its keep the second you toss it in a beach bag, pool tote, or suitcase without giving up half your packing space. It'll inflate when you need it, buckle in front, and help support kids as they practice kicking and paddling around the pool. Also nice for parents who prefer their swim gear to be useful without being one more bulky thing to lug around all summer.

Promising review: "This was such a great swimming vest for our summer vacation. I love that it's an inflatable option, perfect for traveling while saving space. The fit is also perfect. Instead of sleeves/sleeve holes, it wraps around the body, almost like a backpack. I find that this is better than a swimming vest because it allows for more range of motion in the arms while also staying put, unlike a regular vest that sometimes comes up behind the neck and causes irritation after a while from the potential rubbing." —CRuiz87

Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in eight colors).

A swim vest with built-in armbands and a shoulder harness made for kids who are extremely excited about the pool but still very much in their learning era. It's got adjustable straps for a more secure fit, there's no inflation required, and the prints are cute enough that your child may actually be thrilled to put it on. 

Promising review: "These are awesome!! I have two, one for each of my kids. My daughter has been wearing it since she was maybe two. She is now 5 and has plenty of room to still grow! Love the double straps on the back!" —Melissa

Get it from Amazon for $16.74+ (available in 26 patterns).

Some Speedo inflatable swim arm bands that are about as classic as pool gear gets for little swimmers who want support without a whole vest situation. They're simple and easy to spot in the water, which is never a bad thing when children move like they've been shot out of a confetti cannon.

Promising review: "Perfect for my kiddo, enough buoyancy to help him swim, but not so bulky he can't practice his arm work. My son loves the color green and happily waits for them to be put on and inflated. Inflation on these is super easy compared to cheaper alternatives, as is deflation. 5/5 would absolutely buy again." —Forsaken Chief

Get it from Amazon for $9.22+ (available in nine patterns).

A two-pack of swim goggles because why buy one pair when you can get two for less than $15? These are easy to adjust from the back, which reviewers say makes getting a snug fit way less annoying, and the set includes both clear and tinted lenses for indoor and outdoor swims. Each pack comes with two different-color goggles, so you can split them between siblings and not worry about your kiddos fighting over which pair belongs to who.

Promising review: "These are hands-down my most favorite goggles of all time because almost every child who has come swimming at my house can adjust the size on these independently. They are inexpensive but good quality (some have lasted three years). They are comfortable to wear and super easy to adjust, even for little swimmers." —Brittany

Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 16 color combinations).

Or a pair of Frogglez goggles if a standard goggle strap simply won't do. The soft split strap is designed to glide over hair instead of yanking it. Little hands can put them on and adjust them on their own. Add anti-fog lenses, UV protection, and a watertight seal, and these feel especially great for kids who want something comfortable without a big production.

Promising review: "My granddaughter loves these goggles. They keep the water out of her eyes, and she can easily remove and replace them. They don’t slide down her head to her neck, like the regular goggles do." —Cindy W.

"These are such great goggles. The strap on the back is easy to put on and more comfortable than a traditional strap, and since it is neoprene, it doesn't get tangled in the hair. My toddler can put these on himself." —Whitney

Get it from Amazon for $26.98 (available in three colors).

A float belt that'll give them buoyancy without boxing in their arms, so they can actually work on real swim strokes instead of just bobbing around. This is a good get for lessons, practice, and that long middle stretch between timid pool kid and suddenly way too confident pool kid.

Promising review: "This device was recommended by my child’s swim instructor! It allows children to move their arms freely and support their bodies into a natural swimming position! My 3-year-old uses this as an extra safety aid during swim classes. This has helped her become a great swimmer! I truly think it helped her learn how to swim more quickly! The foam blocks are adjustable to provide the support your child needs in the water. Dries easily and takes up little space in a pool bag! Highly recommend!" —StoFam

A swimming kickboard for kids who are learning, practicing, or just in the mood to feel extremely official in the water. It'll give little swimmers something sturdy to hold onto while they focus on their kicking technique. 

Promising review: "Used this to teach my son to swim this summer. He is 3, and it held him well. It was also able to hold me, an adult. My son always loved bringing his kickboard." —lucas

Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in 16 colors).

A waterproof baby carrier that's meant for parents who would rather not try to hold a slippery infant in the pool with one arm and their entire dignity with the other. It's designed for use in water and on land, with adjustable straps and support for babies and toddlers in that very specific stage where they want to be glued to you at all times. 

Promising review: "This was amazing! It fit perfectly, my baby is completely secure and safe. It’s so fun going around the pool with her and not having to worry about her safety. I’ve gotten tons of compliments with it on and i always recommend people this specific model, it’s way better than the others i’ve tried." —David K.

Get it from Amazon for $99.77 (available in six colors).

A sun protective hat, because there is nothing relaxing about spending the entire pool day chasing down a hat your kid keeps flinging into the water. This one has a wide brim, functional ties, and an adjustable toggle to help it actually stay put. Plus, it comes in a bunch of cute colors and can be personalized for an extra-sweet touch.

Promising review: "This hat is good for sun protection in and out of the water with the strap that keeps it in place. It also comes in a range of colors to match any swimsuit." —Suzy1

Get it from Ruffle Butts for $16.99+ (available in 15 colors and patterns).

A pair of water shoes for babies and toddlers that'll make pool days safer, easier, and just a little less chaotic for everyone involved. The non-slip sole helps little ones get around with better traction on slick surfaces, while the breathable, quick-drying material keeps them comfortable in and out of the water. Add in the easy closure and all the different colors and patterns options, and this feels like one of those rare kid accessories that is both genuinely useful *and* cute. 

My family just got back from a spring break trip to an indoor waterpark, and my kids did not take these off the entire time. I could tell right away that both of them, ages 2.5 and 4, had a much better grip on the ground in the wave pool, and they were able to run around playing water basketball in the shallow end of the big-kid pool without constantly slipping all over the place. That alone sold me, but I also loved the peace of mind of not having their bare feet touching approximately 4,000 damp public waterpark surfaces.

They were easy to get on and off, but stayed put once they were on, which is exactly what you want with little kids who are somehow always one wrong move away from losing a shoe. They were also so comfortable that neither of my kids messed with them, complained about them, or tried to take them off, which honestly says a lot. In the summer, my kids usually wear Crocs to the pool and then immediately ditch them when they get in, which means I'm eventually wandering around looking for a rogue little shoe. I already know these are going to be our go-to instead. They seem durable enough to last all summer, and when my kids size up, I'll buy the exact same pair again. 

Promising review: "I bought these shoes for my toddler to wear to play outside and at the pool. She loves them and doesn’t want to take them off. They are easy to put on as the fabric stretches. The Velcro holds its grip without coming undone too easily. I love that they are breathable so her feet do not get hot." —Rachel

Get it from Amazon for $13.80+ (available in six sizes and 44 colors and patterns).

A set of sunscreen reminder stickers that turn clear post-sunscreen application and get dark when it's time to reapply. An added bonus is that these act as a makeshift timer, which is amazing when you're busy running around doing a million things, all while sorta damp and wearing flip-flops. You will be like, "Have I really reapplied sunscreen three times already? Oh gosh, it must be lunch time! Kids, come get your food!" 

Check out a TikTok of the sunscreen stickers in action. 

Promising review: "These were so easy to use, sheer, and stayed on even through full beach days with sun, sand, ocean, and pool. The best part was that it got my kids WANTING to put sunscreen on and reminding me that they needed to reapply!! I thought the price was a bit high — but given that they can be used for more than one day and most importantly got my kids excited about sunscreen, I think they are totally worth it!" —PV

Get a 16-count from Amazon for $16.49 (available in two quantities and a two-pack).

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BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

This piece is by Sally Elshorafa, the Home and Garden Editor at BuzzFeed Shopping, who’s written hundreds of stories about furniture, decor, cleaning, gardening, and home upgrades, all with one goal: to sift through the nonsense and surface what’s actually worth your money.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.