Swimming Safety?

hopefulmom81 · July 2013

I apologize in advance for a dumb question.

We have a 27 pound 14 month old and are going on a pool/lake vacation. Is the only thing I need that floaty thing where you sit her in it for the pool? She is too little for that swimmy vest with the floaty arm bands right?

This post makes me giggle when I read it back, floaty and swimmy, good God my language has regressed since becoming a mom

mexicolombiana · July 2013

I use a simple ring flotation device that goes around their bodies like the one below, so it helps keep them above water. Anyway you're going to be right next to them the whole time in the water, so the flotation device at this point is more for your convenience to help keep them above water more easily instead of holding them the whole time.

If they're on a boat just use a small life vest.

hopefulmom81 · July 2013

mexicolombiana:
I use a simple ring flotation device that goes around their bodies like the one below, so it helps keep them above water. Anyway you're going to be right next to them the whole time in the water, so the flotation device at this point is more for your convenience to help keep them above water more easily instead of holding them the whole time.

If they're on a boat just use a small life vest.

Yeah, we have something just like this. I don't anticipate any boating, but might grab a small life vest just in case

Thanks, you two!

lkm2006 · July 2013

LalaMama81:
Are you staying on a lake and boating? If so, I'd get a life jacket that's approved by the coast guard.nbsp;We don't really use swimmies or other PFDs. nbsp;

This. I would only use a life jacket on a boat. No floaties otherwise.

hopefulmom81 · July 2013

Darbie914:
Have you looked into a puddle jumper? I've heard they have good reviews.

Can you use those on a 14 month old? That was my confusion.

EMOmamma · July 2013

hopefulmom81:
Darbie914:
Have you looked into a puddle jumper? I've heard they have good reviews.
Can you use those on a 14 month old? That was my confusion.

Size-wise you could use it but I wouldn't recommend it for a 14mo. We use one for my toddler.

Really for my 14mo we just hold her in the deep pool and sit with her in the kiddie.

hopefulmom81 · July 2013

EMO-mamma:
hopefulmom81:
Darbie914:
Have you looked into a puddle jumper? I've heard they have good reviews.
Can you use those on a 14 month old? That was my confusion.
Size-wise you could use it but I wouldn't recommend it for a 14mo. We use one for my toddler.
Really for my 14mo we just hold her in the deep pool and sit with her in the kiddie.

I am a highly anxious parent (unfortunately for me) and don't trust myself to be the only line of defense between her and water--I am a terrible swimmer myself, so I would use the puddle jumper in addition to holding her. Is that overkill?

Sorry for all of the questions, I am not a huge water person and never really thought about all of this.

gracefulruby33 · July 2013

We have one of those baby floats that they sit in with the canopy you snap on, but she hates being confined so it isn't much use anymore like it was when she was smaller and not mobile. For the boat, definitely get a life vest. For the pool, just hold her.

eyenigh · July 2013

mexicolombiana:
I use a simple ring flotation device that goes around their bodies like the one below, so it helps keep them above water. Anyway you're going to be right next to them the whole time in the water, so the flotation device at this point is more for your convenience to help keep them above water more easily instead of holding them the whole time.

If they're on a boat just use a small life vest.

This swim ring is nice because (though you can't see it in the photo), they aren't hanging straight down. They're more on an angle, like a natural swimming motion so even little tiny babies can kick with their legs and move around.

morganhamilton516 · July 2013

This is my 14 month old in his puddle jumper. It took a little while for him to get used to but then he LOVED it. I'm also a freak mom and can't turn my back even for a second because I'm worried he'll hurt himself, but with this he could jump in the pool, climb up the stairs and jump in again. The freedom was great.

emberlee3 · July 2013

A puddle jumper is approved for 30-50 lbs. There are vest-style PFDs made for infants <30 lbs. I would definitely get one if you plan to take your LO on a boat.

hopefulmom81 · July 2013

LalaMama81:
hopefulmom81:
EMO-mamma:
hopefulmom81:
Darbie914:
Have you looked into a puddle jumper? I've heard they have good reviews.
Can you use those on a 14 month old? That was my confusion.
Size-wise you could use it but I wouldn't recommend it for a 14mo. We use one for my toddler.
Really for my 14mo we just hold her in the deep pool and sit with her in the kiddie.
I am a highly anxious parent (unfortunately for me) and don't trust myself to be the only line of defense between her and water--I am a terrible swimmer myself, so I would use the puddle jumper in addition to holding her. Is that overkill?
Sorry for all of the questions, I am not a huge water person and never really thought about all of this.
I wouldn't take my kids swimming if I couldn't swim decently. It could be dangerous even with life guards.

I am being a tad dramatic. I just am not a huge water person. DH will be there and is a great swimmer. I am just kind of a freak when it comes to water. I am terrified of dry drowning so I want to make sure that DD has a few levels of protection against any form of drowning or getting water in her lungs. I think I am going to stick with the circle floater and then just have him hold her in the water. I do see the point about the false sense of security and needing toddlers to be able to understand they can't just jump in water and float.

Thanks everyone!

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