swim stuff for a 2 year old

newcook

I am looking after my friends children for a few days and plan on taking the youngest (2 year old) swimming while the other child is at school. He has never been swimming before so I want to get him a swim seat and swim pants but don’t want to spend a lot of money - can anyone recommend where I can get them from?? I have had a look in Boots but they are £10 for the seat and £9 for the pants!!!!

mummy_Jay

Is he in nappies still? if so get a packet of little swimmer (swimming nappies) about £3-4.
Go to your local supermarket and pick up a cheap pair of swimming trucks and if you want a swim seat or floatable toys they should have some a more reasonable price. But you might not need a swim seat or floats as little one may only want to be in the paddling pool.
Also look at your local pool timetable a lot do special parent & baby sessions, where they have lots of floats and water toys available for all the kids to play with.

Hope this helps some.

newcook

thanks - unfortunately the swimming pool's mother and baby session seems to be either in the morning or on a wednesday (Im only looking after them Fri-Mon). I cant do the morning session as the older child is only at school for the afternoon sessions (3 1/2 years) and Im not brave enough to take 2 small children swimming on my own!!!!
the pool doesnt have a paddle area - just a few steps into the pool!

I might nip into town later and try Primark

onlyroz

Swim nappies and arm bands shoud be sufficient - and the pool will often lend out arm bands as well.

Apricot

I would say at two he is probably going to be a little big for a swim seat so perhaps armbands and a rubber ring would be better? My local pool has a vending machine where you can buy individual swim nappies for about £1 each - depending on how many times you are planning to go to the pool this could be the cheapest option.

fernliebee

I agree that the swim nappy would be fine, no need for trunks over the top if he is still in nappies and it's a one off. As mentioned you can buy these individually from most swimming pools, either at reception or in a vending machine.

My DD has a rubber ring rather than a swim seat, she has used it from about 12 months and is fine with it, though only stays in it for about 10 mins so she can swim on her own, the rest of the time she stays in my arms, so I can hold her out to kick. Depending on the child chances are if it's his first time he may well just want to cling on to you anyway. You can normally pick up a rubber ring from poundland/ home bargains type shops for very cheap, or even from the swimming pool for £3-£4ish. HTH.

newcook

Lol!!! I never thought he might be too big - he's quite a well built lad (not fat but looks like he might take up rugby when he's older)!! Cant you tell Im not a parent?!?!?!?!

Will have gander in primark - they should have something cheap and cheerful!!!

daska

If it's his first time you might be lucky to get him to get his toes wet - a full size swimming pool can be rather daunting to a pre-schooler. I would suggest a swim nappy and lots of cuddles and hand-holding. Take it at his pace, he might just want to stand by the entrance watching for a while. Don't be disappointed if he doesn't make it to the water.

Dormouse

My 2-year-old just has armbands, and he would definitely not fit into any type of seat (a rugby player-type toddler as well ) nor would he agree to being stuck in one.

Supermarkets sell trial packs of Little Swimmers swim nappies for 79p I think.

keys_2

As stated earlier swim pants in home bargains a pack for less than a pound they also stock the floaties costumes and trunks : whick acts as a float for only a few pounds
Arm bands : supermarkets , and pound shop [ not sure about ages thow }
Ebay have very cheap ones on
Primark
Matalan
Your best bet is to ask on Freecycle : Im sure someone will have the accessories you require and costumes / trunks
Maybe try on mumsnet and gumtree also { free to post }
I got mine from woolworths before it closed so maybe try there online

money_saving_diva

Hi, I have a 2 year old that loves swimming so hope I might be able to help.

You should be ok just putting him in a swim nappy but if you can get cheap trunks to go over the top with a character on he likes it might make it more exciting for him.

Supermarkets usually have trial packs of one swim nappy for 79p (they also have coupons in for money off next purchase). If you have a Home Bargains they have unbranded disposable swim napppies 6 pack for 99p - I use these because my ds goes swimming lessons every week.

I think you will find he will be far to big for a swim seat and you will have a job to get him in it. I stopped using one with my ds at about 8 months old. And he never did really like it. Armbands are better. But if this is a one off I wouldn't bother with any aids because you will just hold him - he is not likely to want you to let go unless he can touch the bottom, even if he is arm bands if it is his first time in a pool. Make sure you make it a really postive experience as imo he is quite old for his first visit to a pool. Well done you for taking him .

You can get a bit bored with a toddler in the pool if you haven't thought about what to do. I would suggest lots of splashing and singing songs to splash, kick too. Have fun