The past few weeks we’ve really been enjoying getting in the pool and swimming as a family. With local pools and family friends opening up their backyards to us we’ve been practicing almost everyday. Swimming and swimming lessons are now recommended for toddlers starting at one year old. While we started a water babies program at just a few months – the lessons and learning together as a family play a big role in water fun and safety. Following your child’s development is how you can make swimming in the pool an easy experience. I love SwimWays because of their Swim Steps products. They offer various swim devices to match each stage of development (from infant to child) to help parents and kids with swim fun and safety!
Reasons Behind Toddlers Fear of Water
Swimming and being in water involves sensory and fine motor skills. Which is a major reason why many children feel uncomfortable being in the pool or on the beach for the first time. Swimming involves a lot of independence and confidence in your abilities. If a child is unsure of their abilities, easily startled, or has sensory problems, then swimming might be a struggle.
Tips to Get Toddlers in the Pool
Start Slowly – Starting in the shallow end of the water is a great place to start. I recommend having your kid sit in the water and get comfortable with that first. One of our biggest obstacles was getting Logans face wet (he absolutely hated it – even when having a bath too) sitting and playing while slowly splashing helped him get more comfortable with it.
Get in Yourself! – Kids who might be afraid or weary of getting in the water are more likely to feel comfortable with one or both parents in the water. Letting them know that you are there will help put their mind at ease in case of an emergency.
Bring Toys or Games – Whether it be a ball, bucket, floaty, or a game of tag getting their mind off the fear complex can help bring them into a different moment where they want to play instead of worry. One of our pool favorites is the SwimWays Swim Vest. Logan loves to call this his super shark floaty to make him swim like a shark. The Swim Vest helps to build confidence as your child learns to float upright and lean forward to paddle. We play a game of shark and he quickly turns into a confident predator who chases us around the pool!
Don’t Forget!
Repetition and enthusiasm with each visit can overtime help extinguish fear of the pool. Toddlers are still learning – but if we set them up with the right tools and ideas they can be world class swimmers in no time!
Check out my previous post on Teaching Our Toddler to Swim HERE
For over 50 years, SwimWays has been helping families learn to swim and feel safe in the water. A brand I grew up with is now a brand that I trust with my kids. They offer swim devices for every kids skill level starting with baby boats and all the way up to kick boards and masks. SwimWays Swim Steps swimming devices and accessories can be found at Target, Walmart, and on Amazon.
