What do I need to take a 1 year old swimming?

[riotlady]

I haven’t taken DD swimming since she was about 6 months and really want to get into the regular habit! Which (if any?) of arm bands/ float vest/ floatation ring should I get?
(She can’t walk yet, if that’s relevant)

We swim every week. I just take her swimming costume with inbuilt nappy and a towel for her. A baby grow to put on after and snacks and drinks on hand too.
We go to a designated parent and toddler swim so they have toys like balls and watering cans. They also have floats. I don't take anything but if I had to chose I'd go for a little boat or bath toy and a ball. Something to try and get as it floats away from them.

The baby mainly enjoys being bobbed about. I also sit her on the side and sing Humpty Dumpty then she jumps in (by that I mean I pull her in a dunk her very briefly).
She likes crawling up the steps and she likes to try and hold onto the edge and attempts to pull herself up.
We sing and laugh and go home.

You don't need any float device, just swim nappy and swimsuit and hold your child. Then you can bounce her, sit her on the side, take her under water etc all normal swimming activities.

Your dd will stay warmer being kept in the water as well

Armbands are for when she's a bit bigger and her centre of gravity will keep her upright and floating.

We go swimming twice a week to a ducklings class. (No dunking in our classes, really doesn't help babies swim any quicker according to the instructor of 30 years )

We take
Swimming nappy
Swimming costume
House coat for pool side
Towel for changing room
Dress DS in baggy clothes and I go with costume already on.
You can also get the wrap around tops that go over the swimsuit to keep them a bit warmer which we used until about 14 months (can not remember name of them !!!)

At 1 yrs old I started using armbands so he can feel the buoyancy of the water and start floating a bit independently.