Advice needed for taking 2 year old swimming

[chuckeyegg]

I looked into lessons here but they are just to expensive, so I've decided to take the plunge and take him myself. I feel a bit nervous about it unfortunately none of my friends are keen to join me. Can anyone give me any advice to make the experience a good one. I have now got all the times I can take him to our local pool for toddler splash and have a new swimming costume so there's no excuse.

just go for it, its our favourite family activity at the moment, ds1 is 2yrs9mo and ds2 15 mo and I'm 28wks preg (so it beats clambering around soft play on a wet day!)

Hints and tips if you've never been before

1. you'll need arm bands or float jacket for ds so he'll have more bouancy
2. take a towel each to the pool side, I usually strip both boys off at the side and put their towel ponchos on so they don't get too cold
3. is he potty trained? if not swim nappy and then trunks over top (for extra security) if he his toilet trip before going in pool and staright after
4. mine aren't too keen on showers so we don't bother just have bath that evening
5. go at time of day that suits ds, meals naps etc
6. I get boys dressed first and then sit them down with snack and drink whilst I get changed (roll trouser legs up so they don't get wet if he goes on a wander)

best thing is take it easy getting him into water, my neice didn't go swimming till she was about 2 and first time screamed, we sat on side for ages, kicked legs in, dabbled hands then got it and she clung to us all the time but now loves it

We usually go fo 45 mins max as both boys tired and getting cold by then too

hth and not patronising - swimming is great fun I hope you both enjoy it x

Thanks so much I have written all this down. I really appreciate it.