Toddler plus swimming for the first time - tips?

[Ilovenannyplum]

I've googled but everything seems to be about taking babies (tiny ones!) swimming for the first time.

I literally cannot remember the last time I set foot in a swimming pool, I'm taking my very nearly 2yr old today just him and I because I like to make things difficult for myself
Any tips to make it easier or etiquette I should know about? There's a lot of threads about changing rooms on here and I'd rather not do the wrong thing in RL....

Can I leave a towel on the side to bundle him up as soon as we get out? Can I take a small ball for him to play with?

Literally any advice appreciated

I have taken DS swimming since he was quite tiny. I have found it much, much easier with a toddler.

The pool we use has a unisex changing areas that leads directly to the pool. There are changing cubicles and cubicle showers so it's so easy as DS can just toddle around the cubicle while I shower/change (he's 20 months).

I get both of us ready before we leave the house, so it's just a matter of clothes off and into the pool. I don't take toys but others do (although the pool is very child friendly so you might want to have a trial run first!).
M

I haven't found a need to have clothes immediately ready, your DC is old enough to withstand a few minutes walk from pool to changing without being wrapped up.

I then take him into the shower with me. In the changing cubicle I put him in a towelling dressing gown while I get changed (I usually also give him a drink and a banana...!) then I get him ready.

Easy peasy!!

It's a flipping nightmare with a young baby so you haven't missed out believe me!!

Thanks Lucky - that's really helpful

Yes, take a towel. DS always gets very cold after swimming so I like being able to wrap him up. I have a hooded / cape style towel which is good because it doesn't fall off

Lots of people take small bath-type toys

Take snacks for afterwards. DS is always STARVING after swimming and wants to eat ASAP. In fact I wrap him in the hooded towel & he eats his body weight in snacks while I get dressed. He is then almost completely dry & ready to get dressed

Have you got a swim nappy? Our local pool was recently closed for 24 hrs & had to be drained after an unfortunate liquid "code brown" incident

We survived!

Was mostly a success, we 100% need to take some toys or a little ball next time as the pool was lacking in anything to even buy to use.
We managed around 1/2 an hour before he wanted to leave, his favourite part though was the showers strange child

Glad I left the towel on the edge as he was cold when we got out and also glad I took snacks as he was starving after

Glad it went well. I always use a pull up for after swimming in case there's nowhere to lie them down, yes to snacks! And going In the morning if you want a good long nap.

DD wears armbands and loves the freedom it gives her, but not all kids like them.

We did indeed go this morning and he had a lovely 2 & 1/2 hour nap after lunch. Was lush, I ate biscuits and binge watched Say Yes To The Dress

I like swimming I've decided

Swimming is great! Make sure you wear clothes than are really easy to change into afterwards so you can be quick too.

I'd disagree with arm bands or any kind of buoyancy aid/floaty suit that's stuck to him. If your child alway wears one they're given a false sense of security and assume they can 'swim' because they're used to just bobbing along. There's no substitute for a woggle/noodle and close parental supervision, he needs to learn that if he lets go of everything (or just jumps in) he's going to sink. If he gets used to holding a woggle he will be much much safer.