What age did yours doggy-paddle ?

[poppy2133]

When could yours doggy-paddle ( with arm bands )?
Our 18 mo loves the pool and I'm just curious what to expect & when ! Thanks

I think about 2 they can begin to move themselves around on their tummy

All three of my children had swimming lessons from 6 months old. My two year old can "fall" into a pool and kick back to the side and safely climb out. He will also kick to bottom and pick up a pool toy. He is now starting to use his swimming arms but they wouldn't get him anywhere yet. This is normal for australian kids who have frequent access to water probably 9 months of the year.

we took our 2 swimming from babies, so got plenty of confidence, but didn't start proper lessons until 3. I think they were doggy paddling from 2ish with arm bands. now both doing well with no arm bands and learning strokes at 5 and just 4 (d2 very competitive with d1!!)

DS is 2.5mths, and we have just started taking him with armbands - he's been doggy paddling for the last couple of months.

There was a two year old in our local paper who's dad had taken her swimming 4/5 times per week almost since birth who could swim about 5 metres WITHOUT armbands . My dd is just over two and she can swim about half a width unaided with armbands, but she only does her legs really, we are just encouraging her to do her arms.

With armband - from about 2yo; without armbands - from just over 3yo.

We just don't go swimming enough. DD loves it and gets more and more confident every time we go - we need to go more to encourage her further I know.