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Original poster

what gear do i need to swimming with 2 children

16 replies

hermykne · 06/01/2006 22:44

have to get them into the pool, 2006 resolution, they havethe togs but what bouyancy aids would be good?
neither have been in pools bar a hotel stint last year.

they are 3 and 17mths

what arethe best aids
advice much appreciated

OP posts:

roisin · 06/01/2006 22:50

Firstly you need to check whether the pool will allow you to take them. Many UK pools insist on 1:1 ratio with U5s now.

Generally IMO the fewer swimming aids the better, but if you are taking two non-swimmers, then you need to have one with good floats - a swim jacket is fab.

Finally, I would recommend taking a bathrobe for yourself, so that you can keep warm and dryish whilst getting the kids sorted out afterwards!

Have fun.

CaptainDippy · 06/01/2006 23:01

At least sixteen pairs of hands!! Probably a bit young for swimming aids (perhaps a big blow up float thing to stick the youngest in, although they may hate it, and scream a lot!!) Arm bands would be good for the oldest in about a few months time - did you mean three months and seventeen months or three years and seventeen months????? If 3 years - arm bands!! (And about 22 pairs of arms and eyes in the back of your head!!)

WestCountryLass · 06/01/2006 23:03

Arm bands and swim suits and youa re good to go

WhoopsADaisy · 06/01/2006 23:04

Big blow up float not good for my only DS. He tried to eat it and kept on capsizing it...

MarsLady · 06/01/2006 23:04

vodka!

Milge · 06/01/2006 23:14

dressing gowns with hoods for all of you, to reduce shivering in changing rooms. Go to the pool with your swimming stuff underneath clothes, so you only have to undress and go. Juice for afterwards, always makes my 2 very thirsty - must be the chlorine.
I got the kids dressed first, then put them in playpen area whilst I got changed. Now they are older, they both go in the shower whilst I get dressed first.
If you are going to a leisure centre etc, check you can take them in on your own. My area insist on 1;1 for under 5's, and you don't want to get there and be turfed out of the pool.
My dts are 3 now, and have been in arm bands only since they were about 18m, but they are both very confident swimmers/jumpers/paddlers. Maybe a blow up seat for your 17mo, and a buoyancy jacket for the 3 year old?
Don't forget to put the wine in the fridge for your return, irrespective of the time of day.

ZebraInCA · 06/01/2006 23:26

I highly recommend the floating suits/floaties/vests... they are wonderful. This is the sort I mean, from Argos . My 18m old has just mastered his & 4yo is working on getting used to it, too.

Original poster

hermykne · 07/01/2006 11:43

thanks all

roisin does a swim jkt get worn over togs?
any links as where to get
tia

OP posts:

NomDePlume · 07/01/2006 11:45

what on earth has happened to this thread ? It's all centre-aligned

Lonelymum · 07/01/2006 11:46

Ooh cool layout!

Lonelymum · 07/01/2006 11:48

Anyway, to answer the question, a someone who has been known (once!) to take all four of her children swimming at once, if they can't swim at all, the safest way to take them would be with rubber rings or those rubber seats which they can't fall out of. Good luck though. It is a nightmare. Even though my two oldest are now competent swimers, I still baulk at the idea of going with them and my two non-swimmers.

roisin · 07/01/2006 12:55

Yes, swim jacket worn over togs.
this sort of thing

roisin · 07/01/2006 12:59

also available here

Personally I found them easier to put on than the swimsuits with integral floats - which always seemed a HUGE faff, and also the kids grew out of them quickly.

roisin · 07/01/2006 13:01

ELC also stock them now

Original poster

hermykne · 07/01/2006 13:11

thanks roisin

OP posts:

Pixel · 07/01/2006 15:09

Our pool has a place in the changing rooms where you can leave your buggy chained up until you get back. I can't tell you how much easier it makes things when you can quickly dress the youngest and have them in the buggy with a drink/snack while you help the other one or dress yourself. It used to be a nightmare when dd was small trying to get myself ready without her falling on to the hard floor or crawling through a wet patch. (There was a playpen but it was so vile I wouldn't put her in there. I did complain to the management but the improvement was short-lived).
It might be worth finding out the arrangements for buggies at your pool so you don't end up struggling with armfuls of children and bags for no reason.

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