I have twins that are almost 16 months old. We will be at the pool quite a bit this summer with my 5 year old son and also have a week long beach trip planned. I always "plan" on having an adult per child and holding the babies in the water but I need to have them wear something so they can play in the baby pool unassisted and I don't have to worry if they fall etc. It's too scary with two of them to have them not wear something! What, in your experience, is the safest option but something not too cumbersome so they keep it on! My oldest always wore arm floaties but I was always with him so I felt it was safe. Also, the trip is in a few weeks so we really don't have time for swim lessons although I would have loved to do that!! As an update, I obviously never plan on leaving them alone, but there are two of them, three if you count my oldest, and one of me so I need something in case one gets out of my reach. But I don't necessarily need to put them in something so they are safe in the water while I take a nap or something!! Thanks for any advice!!
My eldest daughter has always recommended the swim suits with the floating foam sewn in. It's not a replacement for a life jacket but it does give them enough buoyancy while their swimming with you.
I understand your need to protect your twins while at the pool with a 5 year old, as well. I'm in the same situation as you, only I have an "almost 6yr old" son who is a fairly confident swimmer, a 4yr old son who is a novice swimmer & a 21 month old son who wants to be everywhere his big brothers are! My husband is deploying this summer and realizing that I would have to be at the pool, by myself, with my 3 boys was causing me heartache. We've tried numerous floatation devices with our middle son in the past and nothing seemed to work well (life jacket, floaties, buoyancy suit) for various reasons. We are not big supporters of floatation devices in the pool because they can give kids a false sense of security and an opportunity for kids with very limited skills to be in way over their head. But I needed something I could trust so if I had to turn my back from our toddler for a couple of seconds, I can feel confident he isn't going down. I discovered a Puddle Jumpers vest from Stearns and it's so great for him! I just cannot say enough about this life jacket. It's Coast Guard approved, it's a life jacket, and it gives them the freedom and mobility that a traditional life vest doesn't provide. If you google "Puddle Jumpers", you'll see many options. Read the reviews on amazon.com and many other websites. The weight limits are 30-50lbs. but I read one mom say that her son was below that and it fits just great. My son is 30lbs and it fits him perfect and he's loving it. It has taken about a week for him to get used to it. He was resistant at first since he was used to just playing on the steps with mom around, but we just insisted and now he's jumping in from the side of the pool! He's learned to balance himself using his legs so that he doesn't tip over but it's designed to roll them onto their back if they lose their footing, etc. I found ours for $8 at Walmart, all the other websites have them for significantly more, so shop around.
I also must say that in a perfect world, we all would have 1 adult for every child and not have to use floatation devices for any of our children in the pool. But, unfortunately, that's not realistic. I, too, would never dream of leaving my children alone in a pool or in the care of anyone who isn't responsible, but it's just smart parenting to secure your children's safety everywhere you are. And if that means that child #3 has to wear a life jacket because your other children are demanding your attention to see them dive for that ring, then so be it. It's also not fair to limit my 2 older boys to playing in the baby pool all the time just because their youngest brother can't swim yet. Yes, there are those "mothers sitting on the edge of the pool in conversation" who aren't closely watching their child/children in the pool. And I don't agree with that either, but when you have multiple children at the pool, you need to provide security to both yourself and all your children, too. Check out the Puddle Jumpers...they're great!
Ask an experienced life guard and they should tell you that floaties are not suitable for children. Despite the fact that many people use them they are not safe and are not recommended for children. They are fun toy but have no real life saving value. If you really want to be safe buy a certified life jacket. Yes, they come small enough for 16 month old. My children had them when they were that young. Besides some pools, (the one near my house) does NOT allow arm floaties for safety reasons. Children who cannot swim must wear a Coast Guard certified PFD. If you plan on doing anything offshore they children will also need for wear this type of flotation device.
arm floaties are VERY dangerous. THe only thing that is safe would be a life jacket. Please do not leave your kids alone even in a baby pool. EVER! You should always be within INCHES of them the whole time. THey aren't even 2 years old yet!!
I have this for my daughter and I absolutely LOVE it. It's not a life-saving jacket like on boat rides, but great for beach or pool. My girl wears this and it gives her such independence and relieves my stress!
Ok so I tried to post the link, but it's not working. So, go to www.toysrus.com and search for Swim School Deluxe Swim Tot Trainer with Pants. :)
You could always look into private swim lessons. They usually accomidate your schedule and can begin asap.
life jackets!! only thing i trust
Try Puddle Jumpers. Don't know the sizes, but they are wonderful and recommended by many moms on here!
A coast guard approved vest would keep them floating should something happen. We got my daughter one with cinderella on it and she loves it. They sell them at Target, Walmart and other stores. Just make sure it is coast guard approved (it should say it right on there). Have fun!
I have always used the full suit type floatation device. They are very difficult get off, but they work well. You will find your child can bob around in the pool at free will and just kick their feet to get some where. The county's swim school uses the same type preserver, but it buckles at the crotch.
When my child was younger I asked these type questions of multiple Lifeguards. I always got a similar response. Outside of a Life Jacket, arm floaties and suits w/ flotation materials is NOT recommended. It gives your child a false sense of security in the water. Basic they said it was better for your child to learn about water safety and be a little fearful, and know their limitations when entering water. So, I've taken my child water/swim classes since she was in infant.
The safest option is to be in the baby pool with them. They will love that you playing w/ them. And/or recruit another adult to be in there as well. They should never be playing in a baby pool with close supervision (that doesn't mean sitting on the side in conversation w/ friends - I see that so often at public pools).
