Baby swimming aids

[minipie]

We're taking our dd (7.5 mo, 6 corrected) on holiday to Spain in a couple of weeks. There's a pool and I'm wondering about getting a swim float of some sort for her and possibly a baby wet suit.

Any recommendations on a good swim float? do babies actually like them or do they prefer being held anyway...?

How warm does a pool have to be for it to be ok for a baby to swim in? I doubt the pool there is heated and the weather will be warm but not hot by the looks of it. I suspect the pool will be too cold for my preference, does that mean it'll be too cold for DD...?

forgot to say, thanks

More importantly you are going to need some decent swim nappies. any "accidents" mean that the pool will be closed for cleaning and this would make you really unpopular! we always used the little blow up floating seats. make sure also that you smother with cream or cover up in a sunsuit because the water reflections mean they burn super quick. have to say mine were a bit wussie about it all and only swam when the water was like the bath.

thanks, yes I already have a happy nappy and a boden swim nappy (prettier!) on order.

yes a sunsuit is a good idea, thanks. and a blow up seat... how much luggage space is this going to take up??

will check with the hotel about pool heating as it may be so cold there's no point in spending lots on pool kit!

mini the water will be cool for the first 30seconds of your swim because your body will be all nicly warmed by the sunshine.. grin and bear it for a few seconds and your DD will love it. a great way to keep her cool. i would also wait until you get out there as the shops are always full of little inflatable boats and floats etc with little seats in and will only cost a few euro.

We had a splash about wrap for DD. She loved being hold and kicked the water, I found that these blow up things were far too boring.

In the wrap DD was toasty and was still happy in the water when DH turned blue.

thanks, I have asked the place we are staying and guess what they have baby wetsuits available to borrow ( suspect they may well have the floating rings too). I love this place already...