swimming for the first time

[Onido]

Hi, I will be taking my 18 month old boy swimming for the first time and would really appreciate any tips or inputs on what gear is needed.. one piece swim suits Vs babywarmas (he tends to catch a cold quite easily and gets a runny nose if he isnt wearing a hat)... between back floaters/arm bands/flippers- what works better.. do ineed to buy goggles and ear bands for them or not really required etc.. am feeling excited about it!!

I like the neoprene suits for little ones. Our local pool is freezing. Armbands were the preferred option for mine.

Thanks.. you mean the sleeveless wraparound neoprene suits?

Yes that's what I used. Depends on the pool though. I think ours is particularly cold!

sure, would rather keep him warm than blue! thanks!

I found it helpful to have DD's towel close to hand for when we got out. Also took a snack to distract when dressing them - the cold when coming out of the water can be a bit of a shock!

that is very useful to know.. and what about nappies- just the 'swim nappies' available, right?

Yes. I used a washable swim nappy. Works out much cheaper if you're going to be regulars.

For our leisure centre pool where the water is quite cold we use a disposable swim nappy with a 'happy nappy' over the top. We do Waterbabies where this is required and we've got used to using it. It definitely stops any leakage.

We then put DS (20mo) in a 'shortie' wetsuit. We just buy them on the beach when we go to Cornwall. You can buy them in JoJo and online but they are a bit more expensive. I would recommend this piece of kit as it keeps DS toastie and he is definitely more comfortable in the water than some other shivery babies I have seen.

I would also recommend a poncho towel for afterwards as it stays on while you are getting bags etc.

My other top tip is a tupperware pot to keep nappies for afterwards dry.

Oh and take snacks for afterwards as they are starving! Can you tell we swim a lot??

Thanks so much- that is very useful information. tupperware box was a creative one :)