Swimming Week - Part 4

When I mentioned on twitter that I was doing swimming week I was asked by @muddlebymum for tips on taking two young ones swimming at the same time.  Well, in all honesty I hadn't thought to much about this before as I've not had to do it.  But I promised to do a post for her and have a think about the best way to take two little ones at the same time.

Now some of this may be repetitive from Wednesday's What to buy post but I will also be adding to this list!  For the elder of the two children (muddlebymum will have a 14 month gap similar to my 15 month gap so I'm going to assume the eldest is at least this age) I would have them in armbands and if they're quite small for their age then I would also recommend a Konfidence suit to keep them warm as they won't be able to have your full attention.  As well as armbands having an extra floatation aid such as a woggle may well be a benefit.

For the baby I would also recommend a Konfidence suit to keep them a bit warmer and I would recommend a babyseat too.  This way you will have your arms free to deal with both children.

I would recommend taking a small ball with you when you go swimming.  This will help to entertain your toddler as you can gentle throw it between you (and it will splash a bit which is all part of the fun!), push it between you, get them to push it with their nose etc.  It will be great to have something to entertain them and help build their confidence in the water.

Also think about what to do after you get out of swimming.  I would recommend a hooded towel to go straight over your toddler to start to dry them off and get them warm and for a baby I read about this great product on Toby Goes Bananas.

It's called an Apres Splash all in one.  It's basically a towel and "go home" outfit all in one.  All you need to do is put a nappy on then lie them on it and do up the poppers.  You don't need to wrestle with a wriggly baby or worry about getting clothes on them.  Just put them in this and they will dry off and get warm.  Since you'll have not only a baby but a toddler to get dressed anything that makes this a bit easier will be welcome!!