A Time Out for Mommy

NYC Mom Blog

Learning to Swim Taking Baby Steps With #SwimWays + Enter To Win a Baby Spring Float #IC #AD

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The summer after my second daughter was born was a busy one for us. My cousin had recently purchased a house with a gorgeous pool and we spent many hot lazy days cooling off and BBQing. My oldest daughter grew more comfortable in the water, and my fears grew too. Just a year before that, my oldest threw in the towel when it came to swimming lessons. She had a terrible experience with her instructor and refused to ever get back in the water. I was most upset that my daughter, at only 3 years old, already had a fear of water and wouldn’t allow herself to learn how to swim, or at the very least, know what to do if there was an emergency in the water. So, watching her gain some independence that summer was exciting, but I was also fearful  she could get hurt.

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My youngest daughter was a year old when we placed her in her first SwimWays BabySpring Float. As opposed to my older daughter, she had no fear in the water and needed constant supervision. She insisted on not being held, so the Baby Spring Float provided a safe, comfortable place for her to enjoy the water while an adult was still with her, but not holding her. She was able to splash and play, truly enjoying her time in the water.
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Why did we choose SwimWays?  Before the Baby Spring Float, we purchased a bulky boat-grade swim vest my little one despised. She wanted to sit, not roll over on her back, so we started looking for something else. At the time, SwimWays had what I was looking for- a simple float my daughter could sit in. Not much thought was placed beyond that, but I did learn something after we started using the float. SwimWays is a big name in the pool products industry and can be purchased at Toys R Us. They have developed a system where children can start off with a product as they learn to get comfortable in the water, and gradually move up at their own pace with the rest of the SwimWays product line, until they are independent in the water. Their product line features fun characters and colors the whole family can enjoy, with relaxing pool lounge products for adults too! You can find out more about SwimWays by connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter. Also, you can join SwimWay for a Twitter Party on Friday, May 15 from 1-2 PM ET. Follow the conversation using hashtag #SwimWays.
This summer my girls will both be using SwimWays products as they move up in age and comfort level in the pool. The fourth National Learn to Swim Day is May 16, 2015. I know it seems soon in the season to start off swimming in NY, but it is a great way to remind parents early in the season to start off the summer safely by going over expectations in the water, safety measures, and also make sure you are properly stocked with everything they will need to enjoy the water. Just like me, SwimWays believes that swimming is an important skill that can be enjoyable but also life saving. To celebrate, we are kicking summer off with a Baby Spring Float giveaway! Enter below-

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Comments

  1. We started swim lessons with our son around 9 months. They would allow him at 6 months. I think under a year is good but would probably wait at least 6 months old. Our son loves the water and I think introducing him early helped.

  2. I think as soon as you feel comfortable too. Babies and kids in general needs lots of attention around water though! We have our own pool and my boys love to swim. I think training them early is helpful.

  3. I would say that between 1 year to 18 months, depending on the baby.

  4. I think it is a good idea to introduce babies as infants.

  5. I think about 6 months is a good age. I did my oldest daughter and she loves the water!

  6. I think about a year old is a good age.

  7. I think about 6 months is a good age, let them play and get used to the water.

  8. I commented on the post Give Mom What She Needs- More Storage Space from WD.

  9. I think having them around it while growing up is important. I just watched a video of a baby, about 4 months old, in a deep tub of water and she was flipping over from back to stomach and kicking. Alot of people liked it but it was scary to watch for me. Water safety is a must, I think.

  10. I think having babies in water is good so they get used to it early!

  11. I think 6 months is a good age to get started. At 6 mos they are not afraid of things — it’s a great time to get them used to getting in the water and learning to float.

  12. I think the earlier you introduce them the better! At birth if you can!

  13. I think the sooner the better, or atleast by age 1!

  14. I commented on the new trends in Hasbro toys post.

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