For the pool, do you plan on using a lifejacket or swimmies...

momtoRaegan041008

or something else? 

MargieMom

we just stand really close to him and let him roam around in the baby pool...we're doing swim lessons right now - but we're comfortable with him just being in a bathing suit and close.  HTH!

Max'smom

We are using an infant inner tube thing. I am thinking about getting a lifejacket.

franciscaz

We did lessons last year and next year we will do them again next year (he is passed the tadpole stage but not ready for guppies).

We float him on his back we do dunking games etc w/no floaties.  Practice holding breath, etc.

When not in our arms we keep him in a baby floater boat.

Warning about Life Jackets and Floaties: our swim teacher said these give parents a false sense of security.  They require a tot to balance.  The reason why the boxes say 2+ is b/c to balance they have to have focus.  Life jackets are great if you are on a boat or something but if you get them remember you have to be there all the time ready to hold up at any moment.

NewlywednOhio

This floaty from Target.

 

Happy2beMrsT

We do not use anything. Right now she plays very well in the baby pool and we just hold her when she wants to get in the big pool.

I was a lifeguard & swim coach for several years. I feel very strongly that swimmies (and similar products) dramatically increase the time it takes a child learn to swim. They also provide a false sense of security for child and parent. We won't be using them and I encourage others to consider avoiding them as well.

Jessibell

Happy2beMrsT:

We do not use anything. Right now she plays very well in the baby pool and we just hold her when she wants to get in the big pool.

I was a lifeguard & swim coach for several years. I feel very strongly that swimmies (and similar products) dramatically increase the time it takes a child learn to swim. They also provide a false sense of security for child and parent. We won't be using them and I encourage others to consider avoiding them as well.

I agree with this but I was not a lifeguard

I did work at an athletic club in HS and college and this is what we were told as well.

JDB3358

DD is little miss independent and pitches a holy tantrum if I hold her constantly in the pool and has outgrown her baby boat we used last year.  But she always tries to stick her face in the water, which scares me a little.  So I got her an infant life jacket and she loves it.  It has the floatation behind the head, so it keeps her head out of the water, but allows her to float on her back.  Obviously I am right there with her, but not constantly holding her.