to take a toddler swimming on my own?

[ardenjones]

He's 21 months. Would be just me and him on my day off work. Too stressful? Any useful hacks?

Why would it be too stressful? I've only ever taken my kids swimming by myself, except on holiday! You'll have great fun.

It would be fine, better than fine , it will be lovely.
Take snacks for after so he can eat while you get dressed.

Unless you can’t swim or are uncomfortable in the water I don’t get why it would be a problem?

It’s perfectly normal to take babies and toddlers swimming with a 1:1 ratio. Many pools allow 1 adult to 2 under 5.

No hacks needed, just take him and enjoy.

What are you worried about? I do this all the time. Pull up nappy for afterwards is my only real tip. A poncho towel to take poolside is nice.

I've never had any problems. Just be organised when packing bags so toddler's stuff is top of the bag so you don't have to dig around.

I always takes toddler's swim costume off then wrap her in a towel and give her a toy to preoccupy her. Then I'll quickly get dry and dressed. Usually means by the time in dressed my toddler is dry.

Snacks for while you get changed.

Absolutely fine. Have fun!

I never go swimming, ever. I haven't been for years. Would only use the kids pool. My son is a complete nutter and I struggle to get him dressed at the best of times. Hates having his nappy changed. Just wasn't sure how stressful taking a toddler swimming is re getting sorted after.

Giving myself anxiety.

I've only ever taken mine by myself. It's fine! Take some bath toys with you(if they're allowing it at the moment) to keep them entertained.
Mine always wore pool shoes at that age as well because it was my biggest fear that they'd start running on the slippy floor and fall over and crack their head open!
For afterwards, I always took a snack and drink and sat them in a towel while I got changed. By the time it came to dress them, they were practically dry so could just dress them.

First thing to teach him is to blow bubbles if his face goes underwater. Make a game of it. I suggest going slowly and getting yourself comfortable in the water before doing too much with him. Try to keep calm! Should be great fun 👍

Before lockdown I regularly took a 4 year old and a 2 month old. Used a water sling. Shower with your toddler afterwards, wrap in towel, give him a soreen!

Whilst I'm here, do I need armbands for him? Or just hold him?

He's been swimming before but always goes with grandparents and hasn't been since he was 10 months.

If you're taking him by car & it's really near the car park just dress him afterwards in a pull up nappy and dressing gown. You can get him into proper clothes when you get home. Save the battle over getting dressed for when your home.

@Timesdone fantastic idea thank you!

@Timesdone

If you're taking him by car & it's really near the car park just dress him afterwards in a pull up nappy and dressing gown. You can get him into proper clothes when you get home. Save the battle over getting dressed for when your home.

That's a great idea!

OP I'm not sure what you're concerned about. You are lucky to be able to have one on one time with your child.

I had three close together (incl twins) and wasn't legally allowed to take them, or able to. It's put them way behind in swimming and water confidence so go for it now!

Have fun.

I would just hold him as armbands are such a pain to put on.

Take a dressing gown to pop on so you can be drying whilst getting toddler dressed

Armbands are more of a hindrance than a help. You can get those swimsuits with floats around the middle if your concerned he may make a bid for freedom but I wouldn't recommend armbands for any age child. Hope you both really enjoy it!

Put your swimMing costume on underneath your clothes which makes it easier on arrival.

Depending on pool set up take towel and shampoo to side of pool so it’s right at hand.

Plastic bag for wet costumes

Snacks for afterwards

I usually get wee ones dressed then whilst they have snack I get ready.

Money for locker if required

Sing a few songs quietly, which can help calm them.
Humpty Dumpty is a food one when they are sat on side and can help them splash into water when he has a ‘great fall’ eventually building up to them sliding in themselves.

Good luck and have fun

These tips are genius
Single mom here

Best of luck op your little one will love it
Do not worry

Def big plus for the dressing gown
And for maybe a dress or stretchy trousers for you to change into so much easier oh and flip flops instead of faffing with socks ?

Love swimming now

Some of my youngest sons earliest memories are toddler swimming. He is a total swimming nut now. I always took a snack and a drink. Fastest I ever got changed tho

I think at the moment you have to arrive in your costume, as no changing allowed. Maybe just check first with the pool?

Costume under your clothes, not just your costume

@ardenjones

Whilst I'm here, do I need armbands for him? Or just hold him?

He's been swimming before but always goes with grandparents and hasn't been since he was 10 months.

No armbands as they make for an unnatural position in the water. Just hold him.

I had him all signed up for swimming lessons I was so excited. But then lockdown happened. I never went swimming as a kid because I have thick Afro hair that wouldn't fit under a swimming cap without a lot of hassle and tears. Crazy I know. But it is what it is. So I'm rather inexperienced! Not a good swimmer at all.

You’ll be fine. Before lockdown I regularly took my 4 year old and 1 year old. Swim nappy and costumes on under clothes then when you get there you can just strip everyone off and bundle clothes in a locker. Take a towel to the poolside when they are little to wrap them in after swimming.
Shower together when you get out. Go straight to the family changing room. Wrap yourself in a towel get the kids out of their costumes and into a dry nappy. I normally give the baby a snack while I help dd1 get dressed so she sits still. Quickly get dressed myself. Take baggy clothes because realistically you will still be damp and it’s not the time to be battling into skinny jeans. Straight to the car and then when we get home get the kids properly bathed and hair washed and into pj’s and it makes for a proper chilled afternoon