Taking a toddler swimming

[duckling3]

Just wondering what kit people have for when they take their toddlers swimming.

My ds is 14 months and we've been taking him with nothing and just holding him in the pool. We had a floating thing he could sit in when he was smaller but he doesn't like it now.

Was wondering about arm bands , but not sure if that's more for older kids..

Not sure if there is anything for this age and just holding them is the norm, so wondering what others do/use?

I use Zoggs arm bands for 1-3 year olds.

Defo get some arm bands, he'll love being able to propel himself around and keep warm on his own!

My dd is 2, but since she turned 18 months, we've been using a zoggs swim vest when swimming.
She also has a weekly swimming lesson which has helped with her actual technique in the pool, as she has zero fear in the water!

I don’t and didn’t use anything for my 2.5 yo. I hold her. I’m going to get her a proper float to use though to learn how to swim properly.

Arm bands and a backfloat, then they get used to them. When older remove armbands.

We go to a pool which is shallow enough for her to stand in some areas, which makes it a lot easier. I never used arm bands for mine, they don't actually support their weight, so you still have to hold on to them - they're just slightly more buoyant.

@DockOTheBay

We go to a pool which is shallow enough for her to stand in some areas, which makes it a lot easier. I never used arm bands for mine, they don't actually support their weight, so you still have to hold on to them - they're just slightly more buoyant.

I've always used arm bands that support the child's weight so you don't have to hold them.

I was advised by a swim instructor not to use arm bands but to use a swim vest that has a strap between the legs or a pool noodle.

We had little float jackets. I always thought arm bands looked really uncomfortable and restricting.

Swim vests are good. Much easier for them to learn to use their arms than arm bands.

Is also (if possible) sign up for baby swim sessions/lessons.

We use a float suit like this: www.splashabout.com/float-suit-zip-navy-stripes.html

I can completely and safely let go, which 3yo DC loves.

Pool noodle is much better than armbands in terms of learning to swim.
Neoprene vest is great for keeping them warm.

We used arm discs and a pool noodle. Honestly once mine got to about 18m-2yo the noodle was the most versatile and practical.

Pool noodle is great! Not as easy to store as armbands but more fun to use I think.

We used a swim vest or pool noodle. The swim vest is better for allowing them a bit of independence once they get the hang of it, the pool noodle was better for teaching them how to swim..