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Parenting

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Original poster

Starting swimming with toddler

11 replies

toddlerwrangling · 06/02/2015 12:10

To my shame I've never yet taken 2 to DD swimming (I was ill a lot during the first year; and this past year have been both back at work full time but also had developed a weird and unsightly skin condition on my legs - sorry TMI! - which meant that when I wasn't exhausted from work I really didn't want to brave the pool). Now skin much better and I'm starting to worry that DD is missing out....

What do I need to know about starting to take DD swimming? Do I just need a swimsuit and arm bands? Which swim nappies are best? And is it better to sign up for classes or just to take DD along? (I'm naturally anxious, so I can anticipate being a bit stressed by the whole thing, stopping DD accidentally drowning and so on! Plus I'm about 3 or more sizes bigger than before I had her so v v ashamed of my body, agh, and will need to find a swimsuit that fits!) Any advice at all v much appreciated! :)

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Original poster

toddlerwrangling · 06/02/2015 12:10

Sorry *2 yo not 2 to - autocorrect!

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Mrscog · 06/02/2015 12:37

I'm not sure but watching with interest as we've been very lax over taking nearly 3yo DS swimming (he hated it as a baby as did I) so some tips would be handy!

Lagoonablue · 06/02/2015 12:41

Any swim nappie will do for a quick dip. Don't worry about armbands. Just enjoy it, let the child lead the way if you like, so they don't get spooked. Keep time in water short so he doesn't get too cold. Let him get used to the splashes etc and his face getting wet so it isn't a drama too. Just play and splash and relax!

I used to do a baby swim class, then a toddler session where it was just for little ones, with pool toys and it really helps boost their confidence. When they were 4 they started formal lessons and are both good swimmers now.

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Lagoonablue · 06/02/2015 12:41

Her sorry. Not him.

WhyOWhyWouldYou · 06/02/2015 13:07

As your nervous and already think you'll be stressed, I'd say sign up to some basic toddler swim classes at the local pool. It will give you confidence and ideas of what to do with her yourself. It will also help make sure her first experience is a positive one.

neversleepagain · 06/02/2015 15:34

We use Huggies swim nappies and a swimming costume, nothing else. My sister is a Learn to Swim instructor and she has told me arm bands/floats of any sort are a pain to get rid off as the child becomes reliant on them.

My Dd's are 2.4 and we go swimming every week and it is great! You will son become a pro :)

ireallydontlikemonday · 06/02/2015 15:40

We take DTs every other week. They're 4 in the summer but still get cold very quickly unless we go to the super warm (ridiculously busy) teaching pool at one of our local centres. In the colder pool they still only last 20 mins so you won't be in for long.

We didn't use armbands etc either although they both like to use a noodle now for fun.

Swim nappies are poo catchers, not wee absorbers. Don't put it on her until the last possible moment or you / the car seat / buggy will end up wet.

Change her first after and then bribe with a snack while you are getting changed.

Have fun, try not to pass anxiety off to her even if you feel it.

plipplops · 06/02/2015 17:11

If you're at all nervous I'd sign up for a term of good quality preschool lessons. Once you've paid it will make you go every week, there'll be other mums there who are going through the same as you and it will help you to be more confident and you and DD will be able to get the most out of it. If they're near you Puddleducks are ace

Original poster

toddlerwrangling · 06/02/2015 17:36

Thank you everyone :) I worry that she'll go under without armbands, but is that just parental neurosis? I guess the toddler pools aren't very deep? Worried that if I sign up for toddler swimming that all the other toddlers will all be used to it already!

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PotteringAlong · 06/02/2015 17:40

She won't go under if you keep hold of her! Honestly, just go to asda (or any other supermarket!), pack of swim nappies, cheap cossie and job's a good 'un. It's great fun and will be lovely. Just keep it short and sharp at the beginning.

plipplops · 06/02/2015 17:45

As long as you go to a toddler swimming lesson where you can start at any age there will be as many nervous ones as confident ones :) And Pottering is right, as long as you don't drop her she won't go under! The problem with arm bands (and floaty costumes) is they give a false sense of security, if she only ever swims with them then she'll think she can swim when she can't, and is more likely to just jump in a pool without thinking about it (whether you're watching or not). Something she has to hold on to (like a woggle) would be much better.

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