Swim aids for a 1 year old

[Thurlow]

I've got a rubber ring which I used to put her through and then tip up a little, so it was under her arms and she was lying on her front, but 15mo doesn't particularly like this now. Does anyone know if armbands or those flotation vests are appropriate for a baby her age? She's happy in water, but not yet trying to let go of me too much, which I'd like to encourage.

My boy is 18months old and we used armbands for the first time this week. He seems to like them as they are helping with his confidence and he is braver and smiling! I got him some from Argos which are zoggs and are for 1-3yrs. You could always try them and then if they don't work you can try again when she is older?

Once past the rubber ring stage I used a combo of armbands ,floats and noodles for mine.

I don't like the flotation vests at all.

Very, can I ask why you don't like the flotation vests?

You're right about the armbands, they can always be put away until later. I just have visions of putting them on and then watching her sink like a stone

I think they hold the body in a particular position,and not necessarily the right one!

I would use armbands and hold your baby yourself gradually decreasing the amount of support needed from you,and then gradually decreasing the amount of air needed in the armbands.

Once your baby can grip a float they can be used effectively as additional support particularly when encouraging them to lay on their back (they can 'cuddle' the float to their chest).

Noodles are also good for fun and encouraging confidence.

But don't push any of it.If your baby is reluctant to let go,then go at their pace.
I think it is an essential grounding that they feel safe,secure and happy before moving anywhere else.

Remember that the armbands will not alone keep your baby afloat or in a correct swimming position. They are a swimming aid.

It is all a very gradual process and it will be very hands on from you for quite some time yet.

Oh yes, I don't let go of my son totally. I tried it once and his mouth went under the water. He is jumping in without holding my hands now which is cute!

My 2 year old uses these in the age 1-6 years and has been doing for a few months. They are fantastic, we tried the float vest and couldn't get on with it either but her confidence in the water is great since getting the armbands, she wouldn't put her feet up before but now will swim halfway across the pool on her own (with an adult within arm's reach obviously) as they really make her float in the water.

Thank you! There aren't any lessons at the moment that DD can go to so I am making this up as I go along - I'm just assuming that getting her in the water often will keep her confidence up until she starts to learn properly. But these are really good tips. I'll get some of those Zogg armbands and then very gradually start encouraging her to hold on less.

Hi in looking into taking my grandson age 13 non walker swimming, any suggestions to what if needed swim AIDS, will also have my granddaughter age 6 non swimmer with me

Please do not take 2 non swimmers alone. 1 swimmer needed with each child particularly as they are both older non swimmers they will need an adult each.

Look at noodles to support body weight and float for them to grab and gain some comfort from. Would really suggest some one 2 one swim lessons, even if you can afford just a few then you would probably pick up a lot of tips on how to encourage and teach

Do you mean a 13 month old? You might find the pool will not let you take both children. Our local pools specify 1:1 for children under 4