We are getting ready to go to the beach for vacation and I am looking to buy some sort of swimming aid for my son that turned 2 in June. I need advice on what you think is going to be the best for him. There are so many different ones to choose from so I thought I would get some opinions. I know they have the swim vests, tube trainer, etc, but I want something that is going to keep him afloat and not tend to tip him over or make him feel insecure or uncomfortable feeling. Please help.
About 2-3 weeks ago we found a swimming vest/life jacket that we liked. It's kind of a stretchy fabric, but has the crotch strap, so it wouldn't slip over his head. It was about $7. I know you can also find them at Academy, but TJMaxx had a better price. We wanted something for our son at the river and it worked great!
Life vests for $18 at Wal-Mart. I have all my Day Care kids in them. One 2 yr old would not get in the water. When you take a toy that floats like a ball and let him throw it from the edge then gently jumpe him off and let him fetch it. Then hold on to the vest for awhile. This little guy got braver and braver. He now is putting his head in the water and floating. He is jumping off the edge and I feel very safe with the kids. I just really have to watch that he does not jump on top of kids now but he is jumping in. My step son used to use a vest and jump off the dive then later he would throw it in and swim to it and soon he did not need it again. It also gives you peace of mind. G. W Be sure to use swimmer diapers.
Whichever you decide on make sure that it is US Coastguard approved-it will say it and have a seal if it is. If it's not US Coastguard approved many places with lifeguards will not let you use them. HTH.
I would get a life preserver. I bought one for my son (3 1/2) when he was the same age as yours for our annual lake trips. It's perfect. I bought is at Costco and love it. I am hoping it will fit him again this summer.
L.
We have tried many things, but I HIGHLY recommend the tube trainer by swimways. I think you can find it at Target and maybe Babies R Us. I am not sure what it is called-maybe a swim shirt?
It looks like a tank top with an inner tube built in. The tube sits around the waist/belly. it is inner tube material, so it is very sturdy. Since it slips on like a shirt or tank top, they cannot get out of it. It is VERY sturdy in the water. Unlike many things we tried, my daughters (3 and 20 months) do not tip over in this and they are able to move about the pool like little champions without us having to be right next to them every second. Highly recommended! Good luck!
