What type of Floatation for 5 yo?

[pbharris4]

Since my DD was 2 or 3 we had one of those vests that Disney has for her to swim with (we bought one). It will still fit her this year, but we were thinking she should start swimming a little more on her own. Would it be good to move her to those arm floaties or something else? She is 46lbs.

 

[JerJan]

At age 5 I would like to suggest that she start swimming lessons. Try your local YMCA or community recreation center. It will give both of you peace of mind and they learn much more quickly when they are younger.

 

[bumbershoot]

I've read repeatedly that the floatation devices actually make kids less safe. Time for some lessons, and constant vigilance and closeness when he's in the pool.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

My DD started lessons at almost 2 and still takes them. They have repeatedly told us that arm floaties are the WORST things you can get. If you must use a floatation device for your 5 year old, get a bubble that ties around the waist. Pool stores or your local YMCA should sell them.

I would absolutely put her in swimming lessons. At 5 she has the upper body strength not to need floatation devices...she just might need a little confidence so she doesn't panic.

Good Luck!

 

[nessz79]

Another one for swiming lessons and then extreme vigilance after that point. My 6 year old knows basic swimming now, but I would never keep my eye off him in the pool.

My 4 year old is up next- we're waiting until summer to do his lessons and I'm very exicted about it. I just feel soooooooo much better once they know how to swim. Here in Florida, with so many pools, we hear about toddler/preschool drownings all the time and it's so, so sad.

 

[pbharris4]

I've read repeatedly that the floatation devices actually make kids less safe. Time for some lessons, and constant vigilance and closeness when he's in the pool.

I am a totally over protective mom anyway and especially in the pool. I almost drowned once myself when I was around 9 or 10. The life vest really kept her above water and she didn't have to do too much work, but we want her to start learning (with our help of course) to swim. We are going in April. And just need floaty suggestions.

I am not sure if me & my husband will teach her to swim or will sign her up for lessons. We taught my older DD13 to swim, my dad taught me to swim (after I took lessons and hated it because they tried to force me to do something I wasn't ready for) and I learned how to swim and learned all sorts of dives etc. but I may look into it anyway.

 

[Bren's Mom]

If you're unwilling to teach your dd to swim confidently before your trip then I'd suggest continuing to use the life jacket, assuming she is still within the weight requirements of it. Arm floaties are not a good choice.

 

[pbharris4]

Not getting her the arm floaties. Unwilling? What the heck? I simply asked a question. Either me and my husband will teach my DD to swim or she will receive lessons just not before April and we teach her every time we are in the water thank you. She has learned some things I just want to be extra safe. We could still use the vest, but I'd like her to start to branch out a little with supervised help. Not sure if you meant that in a mean way, but that's how I took it.

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Not getting her the arm floaties. Unwilling? What the heck? I simply asked a question. Either me and my husband will teach my DD to swim or she will receive lessons just not before April and we teach her every time we are in the water thank you. She has learned some things I just want to be extra safe. We could still use the vest, but I'd like her to start to branch out a little with supervised help. Not sure if you meant that in a mean way, but that's how I took it.

Definitely use the around the waist floatation device. As I mentioned above, you can get them at the store and/or the YMCA. It works the best and will give your DD the freedom to move her body more so that she will get more comfortable in the water. Plus it starts with 3 and you can take off a block as she gets stronger.

Here is what I'm talking about

 

[pbharris4]

Sounds good. Thank you..that's what I need. Do you know what it looks like or is just called a bubble float?

 

[Bren's Mom]

Sorry, definitely not trying to be mean. Just staying my opinion matter of factly. Perhaps I should have phrased it 'unable', I understand that your trip is coming up soon.

I would either have her in a life jacket or have nothing on her. There really isn't anything else that will keep her safe if she can't swim independently. A pool noodle, or a kick board, or arm floaties or an inner tube...those kinds of things are ok for non-swimmers in your own pool if you're standing right there but there are generally way too many kids at a public (or Disney) pool for them to be of any real good.

Whatever you decide I hope you have a good trip!

 

[Tnkrbelle565]

Sounds good. Thank you..that's what I need. Do you know what it looks like or is just called a bubble float?

I added a pic above so you can see! I call them a bubble. Don't know what the official name is! My DD used 3 at age 2-3, 2 & 1 at 4, and now does not need it at all. It's a great strengthening tool. AND it's easy to pack in your suitcase!

 

[pbharris4]

Ok I get it now! I saw those on the website that I got the vest from. I was thinking you meant this:

I'd definitely have to be extra careful.

Brensmom...it's ok. I'm sorry if I took it the wrong way. The problem with written words it's hard to know if someone's being nice or not since there is no emotion with the words. I've had other times when people jumped on me for not agreeing w ith them. To each their own. Hope I didn't offend you either.

 

[Bren's Mom]

Oh gosh no...I don't offend that easily! We both want our kids safe...we're on the same team here!

 

[tanyaandallie]

I agree with Bren's mom. I'd continue to use her life vest or use nothing at all. Really none of the other flotation devices are truly safe. I'd use the vest while you are there and then start working on her swimming. Try it out while you are there. Just let her try and swim to you. My guess is she will take to it very quickly!!

 

[tmarquez]

Walmart has bathing suits with built in floatation on the chest and back. They aren't too bulky like some of the suits with rings.

We always keep a couple different sizes around for DD's friends. You'd be surprised how many parents will send their kid (that can't swim) over to swim and not any type of floatation.

DD learned to swim wearing these at 3. The floatation seems to be in a more natural place than arm floaties. Kids have a full range of motion. And they aren't so floaty that the kids can't go under if they really want to...which taught DD she needs to be aware of keeping herself afloat.

 

[nessz79]

Walmart has bathing suits with built in floatation on the chest and back. They aren't too bulky like some of the suits with rings.

We always keep a couple different sizes around for DD's friends. You'd be surprised how many parents will send their kid (that can't swim) over to swim and not any type of floatation.

DD learned to swim wearing these at 3. The floatation seems to be in a more natural place than arm floaties. Kids have a full range of motion. And they aren't so floaty that the kids can't go under if they really want to...which taught DD she needs to be aware of keeping herself afloat.

Be careful with those. My DH once plopped my DS when he was about 3 into the shallow end of the water, thinking that he'd be fine. He lost his footing and his head still went under the water. We saw him and picked him up, but he was scared. Not sure if it's a fluke or what with those things, but it took us over a year to get him to not be terrified of the water.