This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

Packing for a Staycation

Have you ever stayed in a hotel near your home just for fun? Sometimes it’s nice to get away without having to go too far. Last month, my family decided to leave our distractions at home and spend some quality time together at a new hotel that opened 10 minutes from our house. May contain affiliate links.

Since we weren’t traveling very far, we didn’t want to over-pack. But, we wanted to bring items that made sense for what we wanted to do on our Seattle staycation.

The main thing is we wanted to hang out in the pool area. We don’t have a pool at home. And, with both kids learning to swim, they were very eager to get more pool time.

So, we grabbed our baby pool float and hit the road!

SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy

The most important thing we brought on our staycation was a SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy available at Target. This baby pool float is really portable and folds up into a carry bag. That makes it easy to throw over your shoulder while carrying your baby or toddler.

The Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy is geared for babies ages 9-24 months. It’s quick to blow up and has safety valves and dual air chambers for enhanced security. When it’s fully inflated, the large circumference and patented inner spring around the outside edge of the float makes it very stable.

I think my toddler’s favorite part was the mesh play space on the float itself. We brought some bath toys with us and he liked having a place to set them while he picked up another toy.

But, the thing that cracked him up the most was using that area to splash his brother!

For this trip, we used the Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy in an indoor pool. However, we’ve brought it to Hawaii and the sun canopy was immensely helpful. It’s adjustable, removable and has 50+ UPF sun protection. That’s a big deal, especially for summer travel with kids.

It’s really no wonder that this is the #1 selling baby float in the U.S. Families consistently rate it 4 & 5 stars for their family travel. And when you are all done with it, you can fold it right back up into the carry bag.

Tips and Tricks For a Safe Summer in the Pool With Your Family

1. CHOOSE THE RIGHT BABY POOL FLOAT

It’s really important that you buy the correct products for your child. Make sure you understand the age and weight limits correctly.

We chose the Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy because my son fit the age and weight requirements. SwimWays is also an industry leader in promoting water safety, so it was a brand I trusted.

Do your research and make an informed decision.

2. GET IN THE POOL WITH YOUR BABY

The safest way for your baby to be in the pool is if you are in the pool with them. Plus, it’s a great way to bond.

My husband does swim classes with our toddler every Saturday at our YMCA. They sing songs and my toddler gets comfortable in the water. These songs and games encourage parents to have a physical connection and eye contact with kids.

This is really important to keep babies and toddlers safe in the pool.

And NEVER leave your baby alone near a pool!

3. SUPERVISE YOUR OLDER KIDS

While it’s tempting to read a book by the pool while your kids play, make sure there’s a designated adult supervising your children. And don’t rely on the lifeguard to be the only supervisor.

The more eyes on your kids, the better. Go with another adult and trade off watching the kids. Or, listen to an audiobook so you can keep an eye on your kids in the pool.

4. REMOVE ALL TOYS AFTER USE

When you are all done playing in the pool, remove all pool toys and pool floats from the pool. That will prevent kids from reaching for them and falling in.

Find out more pool safety tips by following SwimWays on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Hyatt Regency Lake Washington

My family has been traveling a lot this past year. We were in Paris, Waikiki, Disneyland, Disney’s Aulani Resort, Kauai, and so many other cool places. Those were fantastic trips and we had a blast exploring as a family.

So, we thought it would be fun to do the hotel experience a bit closer to home.

Last Fall, the new Hyatt Regency Lake Washington opened at the South end of Lake Washington. The whole area is being redesigned and this hotel is perfect for families.

The rooms are quite spacious and they have the coolest concept for connecting rooms. They are connected by a private hallway so it’s really like having a 2 bedroom suite. Totally genius for families traveling to Seattle with kids.

But, what my kids love most about the Hyatt Regency Lake Washington is their pool! They keep the temperature warm enough so families can spend a long time swimming around. And they have the largest hot tub I’ve ever seen!

When families are done swimming, there are cushioned lounge chairs (and even a mock cabana) available to just relax. Oh, and there’s “spa water” to hydrate!

Fun Family Summer Vacation Destinations

Aulani Tips to Maximize 2 Nights at Disney Aulani Resort in Hawaii
Why You Should Go to Disneyland with a Baby
Baby Friendly Activities and Experiences on Kauai
Things To Do in San Juan Island, WA with Kids
10 Tips for Traveling Solo to Maui with a Toddler
Semiahmoo Resort & Spa in Blaine, WA Review
10 Things To Do in Seabrook, WA with Kids