I bought the cute little swimsuits, the swim diapers, and the life vests. I packed the towels, the snacks, the sunscreen, the bottles and blankets. I brought lots of patience too for a new experience. Needless to say, it didn't go quite as I planned.
First, our swim club won't allow the disposable diapers, only the sturdy, washable ones. No problem. Then the twins hated the bulky life vests...they were almost as immobilizing in the water as snowsuits can be in the snow. The zippers rubbed against their chins.
The water in the baby pool was too cold. One cried and cried. The other just fell over from the weight of his vest.
So a kind mother came over to watch Zeke while I comforted Hunter and the vests came off. (This week I went back to the store to find new options for safe 1-year-old swimwear. I bought them swimsuits with the built-in flotation devices sewn in the shirt.)
The pool we go to has a baby pool that is large and about 5 inches deep. But, it has an edge around it that Hunter slipped off of while crawling and did a face plant. I was right next to him to scoop him up and wipe him off. Fortunately, that was while Zeke was sleeping so I could give Hunter my full attention. But if I had been trying to split my time or glance back and forth between twins, it might not has been as good of an outcome.
That's when I decided both twins need constant individual supervision while they crawl in and around the baby pool and pool deck. That means I will need a helper or my nanny will need an assistant to make sure they're 100-percent safe. It's just not worth the risk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Drowning prevention Alliance have some great tips as well on the website babyswimming.com.
Here are some of their rules of thumb:
1. Never leave children under 4-years-old alone in or around the water.
2. An adult should be within arm's length of infants and toddlers in or around the water (even if they're wearing a flotation-equipped swimsuit.)
3. Educate caregivers and neighbors about water safety. Adults should learn baby CPR. (Or there should be a trained lifeguard on duty.)
4. Adults supervising should not be distracted by cell phones, reading, socializing, cooking or other activities.
5. Water wings and other inflatable swimming aids do not replace adult supervision.
6. Rigid pool covers and pool alarms do not replace fencing around pools - all are recommended.
7. Keep a phone by the pool for emergencies.
8. Check drain covers to make sure they're not loose or broken. Replace old drain covers with ones that meet standards of the VGB 2008 Pool and Spa Safety Act.
9. Keep approved life jackets, life preservers, etc. by the pool.
Also keep an eye out for hypothermia - that's when small children get too cold from the water temperature...and hyponatremia or swallowing excessive water. Both are harmful to little swimmers.
As my swimming introduction continued, I tried the baby pool again after my little ones napped. They woke up at separate times, so that gave me a chance to let Hunter sit by the edge and touch the water, feel the spraying mini fountain and crawl around the baby pool playing with toys. He grew to love the water after he tried it a second time. Zeke took an immediate liking to it.
But the key is NOT to force your child or dunk them in and frighten them. Not every child loves the water immediately and the fear you create if you push it can be long lasting. Trying the water in small segments over a number of visits is the best way to slowly introduce young children to a love of aquatic fun. Experts say to focus on what your child can do and be patient. Eventually through a trusting, secure environment, with playtime and perseverance, they'll learn to relax and enjoy the water.
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