Swimming aids 18mb

[CharlotteLiza]

Recommendations for swimming aids for 18m daughter.
If we’ve been to the swimming pool locally, I just hold her as she’s still learning to like it, but we’re going on holiday and we have a pool and I’m optimistic that as the week goes on she’ll be more confident and would like to splash on her own a little (obviously I would always be with her). But just wondered what others have tried and worked?

Thank you!

I honestly don’t like them. They are uncomfortable, give a false sense of safety to the child and parent. Does the pool on holiday have graduated entry or baby pool where she can walk around?

It’s literally just a pool at the house where we’re staying, so it doesn’t look gradual.
I know what you mean, but just thought the option could be good.

We use armbands

Mainly nothing day to day as with them. But at friends small pool it’s all one depth and I find it nice he can wear and kick around with the others sometimes, or ‘swim’ from me to next adult ( I’m obviously still in pool with him)

The Arms bands were only a few pounds and fold small and flat.

I use a swim vest as DS likes to swim properly. It isn’t a life vest. All it does it get him in a good enough position that he can float when I hold his hands or support his belly.

With lots of experience around water safety (especially children), I wouldn't be using armbands. They very easily slip off, give you false sense of security and hold the babies / toddlers in a completely unnatural way. I personally much prefer the blow up Baby Floats (baby boat) type things where you can sit them in. Gives them more independence as both arms and legs are practically free to flap around and gives you freedom too to play with them rather than having to actively hold them (as I definitely would with the arm band on). I definitely consider them safer and more practical for such small children. Obvs if there's a shallow end, you can let them play freely in a swim west whilst also supervising. Hope you have an amazing time

We used to use a pool noodle when in the pool with DS.

Whilst we didn't routinely use a swimming vest when visiting our local pool, we made it a non negotiable on holiday. Whilst constant supervision is essential, the swimming vest gives an extra layer of security if a child topples in the pool unexpectedly or strays out of their depth.

*vest 🤣

@dannydyerismydad

We used to use a pool noodle when in the pool with DS.

Whilst we didn't routinely use a swimming vest when visiting our local pool, we made it a non negotiable on holiday. Whilst constant supervision is essential, the swimming vest gives an extra layer of security if a child topples in the pool unexpectedly or strays out of their depth.

In my experience all swim vests do is make the child lean forward in the water. They don’t keep them afloat and DS has sunk over his head even with them on.

Thanks so much everyone, it’s been really really helpful x