First time mum taking her dd swimming....

[deeno]

I hope I don't sound too daft and knieve, but I want to take my 5mth old dd to the local swimming pool. Are there baby armbands or inflatable rings that I need to buy???? Obviously I will be holding her all the time, but I am assuming that she should have some kind of inflatable safety protection?? We are going on holiday abroad in several wks so could do with something for then as well.

When I took DS swimming the first time at 6 months I didn't have any inflatables or anything but he absolutly loved it. As you said, you'll be holding him the entire time so at this stage I wouldn't worry too much. But don't stay in too long because little kids can get cold very quickly in the pool. Now, at 4 years old, DS has a ring but often prefers just to use the square float things at the swimming pool.

we really loved the thing that ds could sit in - a sort of ring with a seat. But a nuisance to blow up every time - only any good if you can leave it inflated. We also discovered 3 local pools with beach areas and baby pools.

ds and I love swimming. He is totally fearless (I made it a real strategy never to panic if he went under water - which he did regularly - I just carried on as normal, well maybe a big hug)

Thanks albert. I have just had a quick search through google and there are quite a few products on the market. I will take your advice and not worry about it for the moment as I will be tight hold all of her all the time. But I found some inflatable seats that look really good - I might purchase one of them for our holiday.
DD really loves her bathtime in baby bath, but a little bit anxious about taking her the swimming pool for the first time in case she screams!!

ime young babies don't really do much with armbands. We used them when they have got older but with dd we used a baby seat by Floaties which supports them but leaves your hands freer than if you have to hold them all the time yourself. She might just prefer being cuddled by you anyway to begin with. I always feel very clumsy getting them in and out of the pool safely.

at 19 mths I still hold my dd rather than use inflatables, she loces it and is so relaxed she can actually float on her back!

You don't need any inflatables but a swim seat is nice - both mine seemed to enjoy it. I think they blike the freedom of kickig away by themselves. Apart that, we used no inflatables at all. The swim seat is quite useful for getting them in and out of the pool actually - I used to put it on the side, lie little DS on it and then I could get in/out easily whilst keeping an eye on him. It got tricker when they got bigger though!

Literally just got back from swimming with my 2 (now 5 and 3) and it always reinforces how glad I am I took them swimming and dunked them under from a young age. They're completely fearless, full of confidence and, above all, happy. I can't recommend baby swimming lessons enough