Floatation vest/buoyancy aid things for swimming (4yo)

[MyOtherNameIsBetter]

I bought DS a floatation vest (make is "Fitness") with removable polystyrene inserts.

The problem is that he seems to hang really low in the water and struggles to keep his chin out of the water which is denting his confidence. I have started giving him a rubber ring as well but would rather not.

I think the problem may be that the vest 'rides up' so is sitting round his chest rather than tummy but even when I pull it down he's not floating right. He's average to chunky build btw

Doe she just need to learn to hang low in the water or should I try another brand - if so any recommendations? Maybe one that can be tightened?

good old fashioned arm bans, he is unlikely to go lower than his shoulders, then as he gains more confidence you blow up less and less :)

Or try one of these:

www.swimshop.co.uk/Swimfin-Training-Aid-Shark-Fin-PSWIMFIN/

My DS has been using one at swimming lesson, seems to really encourage 'lying on tummy' position. He is 5 so similar age to your DS.

We tried arm bands a while ago but he just couldn't get the hang of them and panicked every time he moved his arm as his centre of gravity was off. He's not a natural in the water!

Swim fin looks good (and how cute!?) but I suspect looking at the pic of the girl that his chin will be too low in the water again

I think a tummy band with arm bands and once he gets his confidence lose the arm bands. The tummy bands get them in the best position. I bought a vest and it was a waste of money and went back to tummy bands. The shark fin looks cool but you can buy a normal tummy band for about £7.

We used foam ring armbands for dd when she was little. Swimming teacher recommended them above vests.

Could you describe or link 'tummy band' please? I can't seem to find it on google. The foam ring armbands look good but not cheap. Would he get on with these if he didn't like regular armbands?

maybe it's time to get the normal armbansds out of the loft and try them again with the flotation vest

here Our local swimming pool sell them for £7. You can take the floats off one at time as they get better.

sorry wrong link!! here

ds (5) used a swim noodle for a while and it supported him under the arms helping to keep his chin out of the water. Before that we used arm bands and now when we are in the deep pool he uses a blow up ring thing. He can swim a bit but still needs support when he cant touch the bottom of the pool