What swimming aid for a 2 year old on holiday

Spendless

I held mine but they also wore a swimming jacket. Neither of mine got on with tots swimming lessons and I tried them again when they were 5-6 when they were a lot happier. But every child is different. Enjoy your hol.

BAGGY

Mine have armbands when they go (they are 5 and yes, I know they should be swimming by now but it's hard and expensive with twins). Teach her water confidence first. Jumping into the water from the side, sing humpty dumpty, and as soon as she is in point her to the wall so she recognises if she falls in she must turn tail and find the edge. Also not to be afraid of water in her face. Aslo try to teach her how to get out at the side of the pool. Dont be tempted to push her bum, let her try to lift her knee up and wriggle out on her tummy. My two learnt this at baby swim (which was £10 for a few sessiosn through a childrens centre). It has satyed withthem and although they cant swim they love the whole jumping in and getting wet thing. I am hoping by this summer they will've cracked it.

jellyhead

jackomdj wrote: »

We used these. We tried other stuff but it tipped them forward.
http://www.sportswarehouse.co.uk/products/Delphin-Swimming-Aid.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=googleproductsearch&gclid=CK-91Lyo27YCFXMctAodIVIADg#.UXOftsu9KK0

They will use these in swim lessons. As your lo is small they will need less discs. Our youngest wore these from about 6 months and only ever needed two per arm as she grew being used to that, often the older ones start with 4.

I agree with baby lessons, if nothing else it helps their confidence. Also as games get her to blow bubbles in the water and jump her up and down (going under too!), it all helps them with swimming later on.

The council pool near me uses those floaty armband things in your link in the classes for under 5's. My youngest didn't start lessons until the over 5's lessons, and there they only use floats and woggles, but those bands look good for little ones to have fun with parents and stay afloat.

I tried armbands with both of mine but they didn't like them and wanted to be held instead.

My youngest had a swim ring. It was bought from a hotel pool where they sold different diameters/sizes. Supermarket swim rings were too big for him at that age. The downside to the rings is that they can tip out of them. My youngest went down a slide at a fun pool - I helped him at the top and my sister was supposed to catch him at the bottom, but she didn't. He fell forward and slipped out of the ring, and just lay there on the bottom of the pool. I went down the toddler slide and got to him at the same time as the lifeguard. He was fine, but if you were in a busy pool, for example with a wave machine, it would take longer for you to get to them. He was only around 12m old though, so perhaps an older child would stand themselves up, assuming that they hadn't hit their head. I'd say only use a swim ring if you'll both be watching her like a hawk.

gibson123

If don't like armbands at all, if you are not going to teach her to swim then a rubber ring the one's with the seats so she doesn't fall through or swim vest is the best option. If you are trying to get her confidence in the water then I recommend a pool noodle and supervision. At that age they learn to swim really quickly, as long as they are not forced or frightened. I would try to fit in a few lessons, for you not her - but see if there is a mummy and baby class. Even if you learn to float before your holiday you will feel more confident.

JemmaM91

http://www.tesco.com/direct/speedo-sea-squad-floatsuit-2-3-years-blue/211-7187.prd?pageLevel=&skuId=211-7187

My son who is 14 m/o is in that.

He weighs just under 11kg. So hope that helps

Moominmamma

Just wanted to second jackojmd's vote for Delphins, my son had them from 18 months and they're fab

Make-it-3

Swim classes beforehand aren't a practical option - my local pool has a long wait list. We're also trying to potty train before the holiday so that and a public pool would not be good bedfellows at the moment!!

I read one review of the delphins that said they were too big for a 4 year old. I guess each aid has its pros & cons. I've seen something called a swimfin http://www.swimfin.co.uk/ anyone used this?

I agree, I do need to improve my own confidence in the pool, I'm happy to float and swim in the shallow end but won't go out of my depth. Luckily my OH will probably take charge of her. I've no idea whether she will take to it like the proverbial duck, and be kicking around in no time. I hope so.

Tigsteroonie

I used a Swimtrainer (it's a horse-shoe rather than a ring and comes with a body harness) with Andrew last year (when he was 2y) but I think he'll object to its bulkiness this year. I suspect I'll have to find some armbands, preferably ones he won't pull off ...

skintchick

We use Swim discs, like armbands but not inflatable. you can get them on eBay, they come in different colours but the colours are just for show, they don't indicate flotation levels, so just get six in total of any colour.

But always hold her if that's what she's used to. My DD did swimming lessons from 14 weeks old, and we only this term stopped them (cos she wasn;t learning anything due ot messing around) so last year we let her swim with the discs and us nearby obviously, she did two pool lengths on her own!

I'd be inclined if I were you not to bother with flotation devices at all, and just to ensure you hold her at all times as she has no knowledge of swimming.