Mommy FTW

I’ve done many posts about the Wilson Aquatic Center in Tenleytown DC, but I still get tons of questions about it, so I decided to make one super post that will hopefully be very informative for visitors.  And since it’s winter out and the pool is FREE (to DC residents) it’s a great indoor activity for you and your baby / toddler / kids!

Here’s the important info: (If you have other suggestions / tips please leave a comment!)

1) They are currently doing construction on Wilson High School which has caused the regular entrance to the Aquatic Center to be closed.  The temporary entrance is on Nebraska Ave near Albemarle.  There is generally plenty of free parking on Nebraska ave.  There are signs that will point you towards the entrance.

2) You must have your ID – no exceptions!  Of course, your child doesn’t need one.  If you are not a DC resident, you have to pay a $4 fee to get in.  They don’t take cash, so bring your credit card.  You can also use a utility bill to prove your DC residency if you don’t have a DC licence yet (like me – eep!)

3) Your small child needs to be wearing a swim diaper AND a swim suit – they can’t just wear a swim diaper.  I am guessing if they just had a swim suit on there wouldn’t be any way for them to tell if there was a diaper on underneath.  Besides, who is to say your kid isn’t potty trained?!  If you are wondering where you can get swim diapers in winter, check on Diapers.com or Amazon.com.

4) There are men’s, women’s, and family locker rooms.  Both the women’s and family locker rooms have diaper changing stations in them (I’m not sure about the men’s…)  Children over the age of 3 of the opposite sex must change in the family locker room.  AKA, you can’t take your son into the women’s locker room.   I used to prefer the women’s locker room (the showers are generally warmer) but I got a lot of dirty looks for having Cam there (even though he is just 2)  so now we stick to the family locker room.  There they have large private changing rooms – there are 4 or 5 of them available.

5) There is stroller parking available at the base of the stairs that lead from the lobby to the pool – just outside of where the elevator lets you off.

6) Things to bring:

A combo lock for the lockers – they do not provide them.

You might want to bring flip flops / sandals for yourself and your child.  I’m not really a fan of walking barefoot in public places – but maybe that’s just me.

I also bring shampoo, conditioner, and some liquid soap.  The showers have soap dispensers in them, but they are often empty.  I just keep travel size bottles in my swim bag to have on hand.

I always bring 2 towels – one for me and one for Cam.  The pool is very warm, but it feels COLD when you get out!  I also got Cam another bath robe to wear post swim.

Toys – one father I’ve seen there a few times has a great set of bath squirter toys that are a big hit.  They also have a basketball hoop and a few balls, but those are often in high demand – so feel free to bring some of your own things.

The children’s pool itself is a “beach pool” meaning it starts at 0″ depth and gradually gets deeper, just like at the beach.  It tops out somewhere between 2 or 3 feet.  There are several water features – some water jets that shoot up, and some buckets that fill and dump which are often off.  They seem a little scary and loud for little kids, but older kids LOVE them.  You can always go talk to the people in the office and ask them to turn them off or on.  They are very friendly.

Then there’s a semi separate deeper area (5 feet?) that the less serious swimmers do laps and water aerobics in.  There is also a HUGE lap pool if you really want to get your swim on and go without your child.  And, there is a “therapy pool” (gigantic hot tub) that only adults are allowed in.

There is always a lifeguard on duty at the kid’s pool and the main lap pool.  They are very attentive and I always feel safe having Cam there.

Phew!  That was a lot of info – I hope you find it helpful.  I can’t stress enough how great this pool is – especially on a rainy, snowy, or cold day.  And, after you’ve gone swimming, hit up the Whole Foods across the street for lunch.  They have an upstairs seating area that has plenty of high chairs!

The Wilson Aquatic Center is open Mon-Fri 6:00am – 9:00pm; Sat,Sun 9:00am – 5:00pm.  It will be closed December 24 and 25 for Christmas, and December 31 and January 1 for New Years.  You can call them with any questions at: (202) 730-0583.  If you are interested in learning about classes at the Wilson Aquatic Center, check out the DC DPR website.

I know, I know – the idea of reusing a swim diaper might sound a little gross, but – it seems to work well!  Last summer a friend of mine came up with the idea, and gave it a try.  She left her daugter’s swim diaper out overnight to let it dry.  The next day there was no odor, and it seemed perfectly fine to use again.  After all, usually kids are only wearing these diapers for a few minutes, and most of the time there’s no #2 involved (I’ve yet to have Cameron unleash a poo in the pool *knock on wood*)

Save some cash, and make less trash!

So if you want to save a little cash, or you are low on swim diapers, and haven’t had a chance to order more yet, try drying them out and using them again the next day!

Posted from New York, New York, United States.

Lately I’ve been getting lots of google searches for information about the Clermont Pool at PS 20 / Parham Playground in Fort Greene, so I decided to do a compilation post with all the news you can use!

Clermont pool hours of operation – the pool has two main sessions, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm, and 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm.  If there is a line forming (only 30 people are allowed in at a time) the lifeguards will enforce 30 minute sessions, which means after 30 minutes they will clear the pool and let the line in.

Your little one needs to be wearing a swim diaper.  It’s fine to wear a hat, and I haven’t seen them care about what color shirt you, or your little one is wearing.  The only rules I see them really enforcing are “no jumping” and no lounging on the deck of the pool.

There is a shower that you are supposed to use before you enter the pool – and I would recommend after too!  By the way, they clean the pool every morning before it opens.

Cameron and I take a dip

The water is already plenty warm.  Believe me, I am a baby when it comes to cold water – and it’s just fine!

If you bring a stroller, park it on the side where the line forms near the bike rack.

You can bring a bag into the pool area.  I generally leave my phone at home and just bring a bag with sunscreen, a diaper change, a towel, and some water.  I come to the pool already wearing my bathing suit so I don’t have to leave the line to change.

Defend your place in line – there are only 30 spots and lots of the kids will try and cut in line.  Just be sure of yourself and your spot.

If there is a line, and you really want to get back into the pool immediately because you little one is having tons of fun, dash out as soon as you can after the lifeguard blows the whistle for the end of the 30 minute session.  You might get back in for the next session if you are speedy and lucky.

The pool is only 3 feet deep – kids must be 3 feet 8 inches to enter on your own (without a guardian).

Only one adult/caregiver is allowed per child – so 2 parents can’t go in with one child.  If you talk to the security guy at the gate he will let you swap out.

If your little one needs to use the bathroom the security guy will let them leave to use the facilities and then come back.  Don’t worry – you won’t loose your spot in the pool.

There is a small “gutter” area (for lack of a better word) around the edge of the pool that is an inch or two deep, and about 8 inches wide.  This area is great for getting your little one used to the water, for getting in and out of the pool, and for splashing in general.  Cameron loves to jump into my arms from this area, and to have some splash time.

And now – go and enjoy the pool!  If you want more information, check out my other posts about Clermont Pool.

Posted from New York, New York, United States.

Recently Huggies approached me and asked me to be a brand ambassador for their Little Movers line of Diapers.  Those of you who read Mommy For the Win regularly know that I am a true fan of Huggies, so it took me about 1 minute to say “Yes!”  Part of the job description is to write a post about Little Movers.  I was wondering what I would write about – I have already done a Huggies vs Pampers post, as well as discussed my preference for their Overnight diapers and their Little Swimmers.  But, as we were on our way to our Vacation last week Huggies managed to prove to me, once again, how awesome they are.  So I decided to tell my story in case some of you are still not in the Huggies Little Movers Camp with me!

Last Monday we were all set to fly non stop from JFK to Turks and Caicos – a quick 3 hour flight.  The night before I packed my diaper bag with 3 of my Huggies Little Movers thinking this would be more than enough to last me until we were all checked in, and ready to hit the pool.  Well, that morning, the world (and the unhelpful staff at JFK) was conspiring against us, and we missed the check in time for our flight.  After a small breakdown on my part, we managed to rebook on a flight that took us through Miami, and then eventually on to Turks.  We were supposed to arrive at 9pm, assuming everything ran on time.  Our bags were checked, and I suddenly realized that I might have a diaper situation on my hands……

Cameron burns some energy and puts his Little Movers to the test.

After lunch we still had plenty of time to kill.  Cameron had a lot of energy, and I was happy to let him work it off in the hopes that he would snooze on the plane.  He had already had his diaper on since 8am, but I didn’t want to change him until absolutely necessary since I knew my supply was limited.  Cameron must have walked up and down those flat “people mover” escalators in terminal 8 about 100 times.  He was putting those Little Movers to the test!  But there was never a leak, and it sure seemed like they weren’t getting in his way despite being quite full.  I was hoping he would poop before our flight, but when they finally let us on the plane (at a very late 2:30pm) he hadn’t, so I changed him. 1 diaper down, 2 left.

Finally asleep.....

As we departed, I gave Cameron his bottle and he fell asleep quickly.  The flight was full, and he was on our laps.  I can’t imagine how he managed to sleep – he was in every extremely uncomfortable position possible, and constantly shifting.  He was going to have some serious kinks in his neck!  Despite the shifting, and having just downed 9 oz of milk – no leaks.  Go Huggies!  We arrived in Miami around 6:45pm.  I kept Cam’s diaper on hoping still for the elusive poop before changing him.  No luck.  They called for our flight to board, so I changed Cam in the bathroom.  Another extremely full diaper, with no leaks.  2 diapers down, 1 left.

We boarded the plane around 7:30 pm – and waited.  There was a lightening storm, so we were stuck.  Cam took this opportunity to have his poop – diaper change required!  And in a plane bathroom, no less.  Believe me folks, this is quite a challenge.  3 diapers down, 0 left – fingers crossed.

We finally departed Miami around 8:45pm – and arrived in Turks around 10pm.  I gave Cameron some milk to help with the take off, and some water to help with the landing.  Cam was surprisingly peppy, given that it was around 10 when we  landed.  No leaking or sagging as Cameron ran around the baggage claim area.  Eventually we ended up in our hotel room – around 11pm, 8 hours later than we expected to.  Despite my stressing, Cameron, and his Little Movers had held up to the challenge.  I put him in his Huggies Overnights, and we all passed out within minutes.  What a day!  And finally, the vacation could really begin!

Little Swimmers? Check! Awesome fun in the sun? Check!

Our vacation is coming soon and it’s made me think of the 5,000 things I need to do to get Cameron prepped and ready to go!  It’s also made me think about posts I did last summer which maybe some of my readers might have missed:

Baby Sunscreen Thick and Annoying?  Try This! – My favorite sunblock for baby…. check it out!

This is my pick for best baby sunscreen

Hot Baby? Heat Rash? Try a Soothing Bath – A simple home remedy to help deal with heat rash

Swings? Check. Shade? Check. Camel Park – It’s a classic for a reason – Camel Park is small but shady, and great for summer.

Hot Baby in the City – Last summer Cameron was rocking Lucky Wang Kimonos – and I plan to get him more this summer too.

Cute and Cool!

Swim Diapers Get a Second Life – How to reuse your swim diapers, and get more for your money!

Clermont Pool – You MUST go! – It’s not open yet, but once summer is in full swing you have to check out Clermont pool!

Are you ready for the hot days of summer?

Cameron and I braved the snow and made a recent trip back to Washington, DC.  Of course, while we were there we went to the Wilson Aquatic Center (3 times!)  I learned a few new things I wanted to share.

Let's get this show on the road!

1)Babies are now required to wear swimsuits and swim diapers.  We found this out the first day from one of the lifeguards.  He allowed us to stay, but said we should get one for next time.  We were able to find an ugly, but affordable swimsuit at Feline’s Basement in Mazza Gallerie.  Problem solved!

2)The Women’s locker room – which has warmer showers than the family locker room, and is much bigger, and has a swim suit dryer – also has a diaper changing station.  So if you feel more comfortable in there (I like it better, personally) try taking your little one to that locker room instead.

3)Be sure to bring lots of Quarters for the meters outside.  If you don’t have any, you can park at the lot that services Whole Foods.  If you get your ticket stamped it saves you a few bucks.

4)While getting my ticket stamped in Whole Foods (due to all the snow we couldn’t park on the street at a meter) I also got Cameron some lunch.  They have a great salad bar, hot food bar, and soups.  Cameron ate some squash soup, fresh mozzarella balls, peas, white beans, and pesto chicken salad.  Yum!  Upstairs they have a place you can sit and eat, which has 2 high chairs.  Unfortunately I didn’t have my phone with me – so no pics – but believe me when I say, there are lots of choices for mom and baby, and plenty of seating too!

I grew up in the Chevy Chase / Friendship Heights / Tenlytown area of Washington DC, and my parents still live there.  We just went down for the Christmas holiday and my mom insisted we check out the new Wilson Aquatic Center over by the Tenlytown stop on the DC metro with Cameron.  During the summer Cameron really loved swimming at our little local pool on Clermont, so I thought it was worth a try… I had even saved a few swim diapers in anticipation of our trip.

The Wilson Aquatic Center is brand new and is very family friendly.  They have family locker rooms with plenty of room for a few kids and parents to change.  Each locker room has its own shower, toilet, seat, sink, and diaper changing area.  There is an amazing “beach pool” that has a entrance like the beach (goes from 0 depth to a few feet) with some cool water jets and buckets that fill and drain.  This is a great area for babies.  There are basketball hoops, kickboards, and other floating things the kids can play with.  The life guards are very attentive.  There is also an area for the parents to swim lap in the beach pool, as well as a separate “therapy pool” (big hot tub) and gigantic lap pool with diving boards (this was a little advanced for us!)

The beach pool with water jets and other fun stuff

Cameron checks out the main pool from above

For all the moms out there in the Washington DC area, or who will be visiting, you must check out the Wilson Aquatic Center!  It is FREE to DC residents, and 4$ per adult for non residents.  Be sure to bring your ID with you.

It was so much fun!  You can be sure we will be back next time we visit DC.  By the way, if you are wondering where you can get swim diapers in the middle of winter, check out Diapers.com or Amazon – they both have them in stock.

The other day I was at the pool with my friend Yael and her little girl, Noa.  We were discussing the possibility of drying out swim diapers so that they could be used again.  After all, they are generally only worn for  a short amount of time, and not much happens (usually) in that time.  Yael said she would give it a try, and report back.  Here are her findings:

After our great day at the pool yesterday and realizing that the swim diaper we used was the last in our stock – and knowing that we wanted to swim again today and given that I had no patience for a quick morning trip to target – I wrung out the diaper and hung it from our drying rack near a window that gets partial sun.  24 hours later – it was completely dry and ready to go!  No odor -  pool or otherwise. I think drying out used swim diapers works – as long as they are not poopy!!  :  )

I’ll be trying this for sure for the rest of the summer, as I ordered one more pack of swim diapers and I want it to last for the rest of the season!