Pool with 2?

celiabwatson · May 2012

My mom was an angel and bought us a membership to our neighborhood pool for the summer. It's a smaller pool but it does have a baby pool, lanes, diving area and regular swim area.

Anyway, I've been getting excited about going but now I'm nervous. How in the world does one manage going to the pool with 2u2? My older one had a random irrational fear of water last summer so we didn't do much swimming at all. He's over it now but has no swimming skills to speak of. He's also somewhat impulsive (duh, he's two). I'm worried that I'll be in the baby pool with both of them and he'll go jump in the big pool. Obviously the listening thing is something we'll practice etc but it still scares me. Also, I'd love to teach him to swim but obviously can't with my arms full of baby.

Any brilliant ideas?

kcisthebombdotcom · May 2012

We also have a similar arrangement--we have a membership to a private club with a kiddie pool/adult pool. Not going to lie--this was HARD last summer! My 2u2 were a lot younger last summer (my oldest was only 1 1/2 in the summer) so it might be easier for you. It was well worth it because it tired DS out and we all enjoy the nice weather, but still hard nonetheless.

First, I got one of these for the baby: https://www.amazon.com/WaterTot-The-Original-Watertot/dp/B0007CXHRO (found it at a consignment store for half this cost). It was immensely helpful for having my hands free for DS. Unfortunately, DD took a while to warm up to the idea of the water, so there were many tears before she actually started having fun.

Next, I tried to plan as much of the trip around DD's nap. I'd park the stroller next to the kiddie pool and let her sleep while I played with DS.

If you fear that he may run off and jump into the bigger pool, something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Stearns-Puddle-Jumper-Deluxe-Jacket/dp/B003648OQY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

or like this

https://www.swimoutlet.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=19790&Click=2013638

would help. DS was still too skinny last summer for stuff like this, and I think it would have been a lot easier if we could do something like this.

GL and have fun!

Daisy22 · May 2012

Last summer I took both (ds1 turned 2 last june and ds2 was 9-10mth) to the pool almost daily. Our baby pool is about 10-15 yards from the big pool. DS1 knew and I remembered him constantly that we stayed in the baby pool unless daddy was with us. The 1 or 2 times he started off going towards teh big pool I'd remind him and if he didn't come back we left for the day. It didn't take much for him to get it and he'd rather be in the baby pool then no pool at all. I just sat next to ds2 the whole time.

Now they both have had swim lessons the last few months and at least can float so if they did jump in then they know how to get to the side of the pool. I will still have a rule that we stay in the baby pool unless daddy is with us.

12bailey18 · May 2012

I tackled the pool by myself with both and I was soooo proud of myself. LOL. I thought it would be impossible but it really does work out. What helps with me is going with another mom who has kids too. It's nice to be able to tag team together. If she needs to tend to the baby I can watch and vice versa. For awhile we brought the stroller and DD just slept and I was able to play in the water with DS. (It's a very small area.) Now that she's older she would want to be in too. DS isn't a runner so I never have to worry about him escaping or running off. He's quite content just staying in the area and playing with the pool toys.

Bride2b2004 · May 2012

I am a little nervous about this too... we have a pool and I would love to let DS1 swim as much as he wants, but I know it is going to be tough with the little ones. I plan on having a babysitter come during the afternoon so I know I will have someone to help in case I can't stay out and let DS1 swim... but I am hoping to make it work.

I plan to have an assortment of baby items at the pool (PNP, bouncer, exersaucer, tummy time blanket with toys) to rotate baby. We have a baby pool that I would love DS2 to play in while I sit with him or nearby with DS3, but I know he is going to be running for the regular pool... that's what he did last year. So I will have a place to quickly put down DS2 so I can go after him. Last year, I had no real options because he was too young to understand, but this year I plan on bringing him directly inside immediately following poor listening like that and I am pretty confident that will work after a time or two (though it will be a PITA at the time). In your case, I would make sure you bring someone (babysitter, grandparent, etc.) the first couple times, act like you are alone (don't split the kids) but have the help if you need to chase your toddler... and if your toddler runs, maybe you could end the outing and see if that helps for next time. Or you might find that your toddler is happy to stay with you.

CandT · May 2012

Yikes, this scares me too. We just joined a pool and I wasn't really thinking of the logistics. DD1 would never leave my side, but I just worry about handling them both in the water. I think I'll take help the first time or two and see how it goes and then decide if I can manage alone. I am actually more worried about my 9-10 month old because I can't contain her (she is very active) and she doesn't quite 'listen" yet.

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