This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
The hot days of summer are almost here and we are ready to stay cool in the pool! We are working to help our little ones be confident in the water all summer long right now.
I have a passionate love for the water. Growing up in Hawaii meant swimming year round.
The beach, the pool, the lake… it does not matter to me. I just want to be near the water!
Playing with all of my kids in the water is the best part of the summer. We have made some awesome memories in the pool, at the beach, and the lake together as a family.
Spending time in the water is not only a great way to stay cool in the heat, but another fabulous opportunity to make memories as a family and let children explore their world through water.
Each one of my babies approached the water differently when they were little. I have found that there are several ways I can help them be confident in the water.
When your little one is confident in the water it’s almost magical! I love the smiles, giggles, and silly things my kids do in the water!
Start Young
When our oldest was born 9 years ago, I could not wait to take him in the water! As soon as we got the okay from the pediatrician we began introducing him to the pool.
Even though he was still an infant we stood in the shallow end and gently put his feet in the water letting him experience the sensation of the pool.
As he was able to sit up and stand we ventured more and more into the water.
Go at their Pace
We did not want our little ones to be fearful of the water. Some days they were confident and easily went into the pool with us with no hesitation.
However, there were many times the water seemed overwhelming and they refused to put a toe in.
That was okay with us. We kept a positive tone and kept encouraging them to at least put their feet in at the steps.
Every one of our six kids went back and forth with loving and hating the water from one time to the next.
We just rolled with whatever mood they were in and let them explore at their own pace.
Jimmy, my second born, was really nervous in the water. He felt out of control and he took the longest to be confident in the water. But now he is jumping in and learning to swim with no help and no fear!
I am so proud of how brave and confident he is.
Create confidence with SwimWays Baby Spring Float Canopy
The best tool to have in the water is a great baby float!
SwimWays makes my favorite baby swim float. It supports babies from 9 months old!
Allowing my babies to use the Baby Spring float helped them become comfortable in the water. The float is balanced and keeps her back supported.
I love that it folds flat into a compact circle for easy portability and storage. The girls love carrying the bag on our way to the pool.
You can find your SwimWays Baby Spring Float at Target or online.
Get in the water with them
Lead by example and get in the water with your kids!
Too often, we as moms sit on the side of the water, hiding under our swimsuit cover up!
Get in the water and enjoy it with your little ones!
Who cares if someone sees your momma belly… You have little ones who want to splash you and get your hair wet!
Bring water toys to play with
I always pack a few water toys the kids can play with. They may not want to spend the entire time in the pool.
Be prepared with a few buckets, boats, and squirt guns to keep little one occupied.
The mesh play space on the Baby Spring Float is also a perfect place to put toys to occupy little ones in the water.
Experience the water with other children
Watching other children enjoy the water often is one of the best ways to give your little one confidence. There is something about seeing another little person attempting or doing what they are fearful of that inspires bravery and excitement.
May 20, 2017 is the 6th annual National Learn to Swim Day. SwimWays is a leader in helping children learn to swim and promoting water safety.
As parents, we should be educated in water safety. I know that teaching my children to swim early on is an important part of water safety.
Make sure to use the canopy on your Baby Spring Float and a good sunscreen to protect all your little ones when you are out in the sun and have tons of fun this summer!
Happy Swimming!
Keikilani
Tell Me: Do you love the water?
These are great ways to help the kids get comfortable in water. We started teaching our son to swim at 9 months old and we couldn’t keep him out of the pool in the summer.
Umm, I love sitting in it and putting my toes in the water it I’m Not really a swimmer. My hubby got me snorkels so I’m learning to swim this weekend. Eek!!
I used one of those with both my kiddos when they were little. Now they are dare devils jumping into the deep end!
They definitely need those water toys. The toys alone will give them the gumption to be in there and enjoy the water. I love the little float. So cute.
I really like your tips! Specially about going with the child’s pace. My Mother was having none of that when I was little. She tossed me and we didn’t get to get out till I learned to float on my back to save myself. Your way is so much better!
I am not very comfortable in the water because I slipped under when I was little. Thankfully my son swims like a fish!
I love, Love, LOVE the water. We were much the same way with our kiddos. Being confident in the water is so important. The float looks like a great tool.
🙂
Traci
These are great ideas! I think starting early with kids and getting them comfortable is key. My kids spend almost every summer in water, either a pool, lake or ocean since they were babies. It has made all the difference in their skill and comfort level around water.