Last week was the first time the twins had been introduced to water. Not as in they have never had a bath (obviously I do clean my children and allow them to quench their thirst from time to time so they do know what water is), but I mean in terms of swimming on our Center Parcs holiday. The twins will be 2 in September and up until this point had not even dunked a toes in a pool.
BB on the other hand went to swimming classes with me as a baby until he was 9 months old, then I returned to work, was already pregnant with the twins, got ridiculously sick and swimming just went out the window.
Then the realism of three under three came into play.
Most swimming pools do not let you in if you have more than one under 5. They like you to have an adult per child. So even with my husband available we have not been able to go.
The first family moment together in the pool!
Even with enough pairs of arms organisation is key! We learned a lot.
Little Madam proving she is a natural water baby!
So here are my swim tips (that will probably assist if you have one or 500 kiddies!) for under 3’s.
1. Take them already in their swim stuff!
The less layers you have to take off when you get there the better. Ensure you already have your costume on (otherwise you may forget it like my SIL did – bless she rolled her trousers up and went in the kiddy pool anyway!) but don’t forget to pack your pants to put on for after swimming other wise it might be a bit chilly on the way out!
2. Ensure you take some extra swim nappies just incase!
3. Consider the all in one towels that include sleeves and hood
I found that stripping off the swim nappy and costume, putting this on, and then a new nappy meant they could go home like that! Warm and snuggly and no fuss with dressing – you can do that at home without stress!
4. Try to find a big family changing room
You can all go into this together and this then means you are not worrying too much about where one has gone to while you are getting another one dried and dressed.
5. Watch the locks
For some reason they know how to open the door at your most naked moment! *blush*
6. A coin!
Have a pound coin out and ready for lockers!
7. Armbands
Take arms bands in if your swimming centre does not provide – if you can have these already blown up then this help greatly! If not, blow them up in your changing room or you will have kids running in all directions with no aids on!
8.Timimg
Time it well – not just before a nap, as they tired and niggly and get cold quicker and not straight after food otherwise risk of cramps. Bonus is they will be exhausted and sleep well after regardless of whether they have had a nap!
9. Adult to child ratio!
Issue children out to each adult – get in the pool and have fun!
10. Underwater/waterproof camera!
If on holiday treat yourself to an underwater camera – it’s the only time your allowed to take pictures in a pool, must local ones forbid it so treasure the memories!
BBbraves the water!
The outcome was just my favourite part of the holiday – no tears and three kiddies that have the potential to be real water babies! They wanted to go everyday. I am only sad that we can’t go more often now we are home.
Multiple Mummy multi tasking for a short while!
As for the photo’s can you please take in account that I have no makeup on and that my hair has gone frizzy from the humidity! Yes it is not a pretty site, which is why I usually wear make up – but a mascara smudged version would not be any better on this occasion!
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Awww, it’s lovely to see more pictures of your family enjoying the water after the great one you posted for Silent Sunday. I’m glad you all enjoyed it so much.
x
We really did. I just wish we could go more often!
Great family photo’s you can see they love it
yay! family snaps
looks like fun x
Looks like a fab time was had on their firstbtrip into a swimming pool. your tips are great – it’s wonderful that you can take photos in a pool on holiday, as you cannot over here in leisure centres which is such a shame. I took my pool photos secretly! X
It is such a shame no photo’s as it is such a key mile stone in their lives. How did not manage a sneaky shot? That is very Special Agent Oso of you! x
It looks like you’re not going to have any problems getting them to learn how to swim!
Here in Japan kids under 3 aren’t allowed in the pool, that’s the standard rule
It looks like you’re not going to have any problems getting them to learn how to swim!
Here in Japan kids under 3 aren’t allowed in the pool, that’s the standard rule
Really? What is the reason behind that? By the way your blog is beautiful…I just went over and had a little look! I hope they don’t get scared with swimming being to far apart each time. x
Great tips there. Our 13 week old is starting swimming lessons this month and I know my wife is worried about the organisational aspect, so I will pass this on.
Oh she will be fine! Is she doing a water class? I did that with Noah and it was just brilliant! Don’t worry about swim wear that young, I would just go for a swim nappy!
Yeah, she’s going to something called WaterBabies. I’m sure she will be fine, but as with most “firsts” we’re a bit nervous!
These are fantastic photos Kerry- I love love love the one of you all as a family and I didn’t realise you needed an adult per child but it does make sense. I hope you had a fantastic time at Center Parcs x
Oh we loved it Katie! It was such fun…we hope to rope everyone in to go swimming more often now! x
You look lovely in the pictures Kerry don’t be silly
x
P.S I would help you take them swimming anytime
Great – maybe you guys can bring your swim suits when you come to us! x
What a cracking post! Lovely happy family pictures and some great tips!
Great post! Having recently found out I am expecting twins and having a 2.5yo already, I was feeling slightly sad that I wouldn’t be able to take them baby swimming at 5 months as I did with DD. Glad they may turn out to be water babies anyway as yours have!
Do you have any family or your other half that could help? If you can rope someone else in to come with you it could be possible. Plus the term after you older one is 3 you will get 5 free pre-school session so could time the swimming around that so you are not worried about childcare. when are you due?
Due mid-Feb (though expecting they will come earlier!). My toddler is 3 at the end of December and already in nursery full time so am hoping while I am on maternity leave I can rope OH into coming baby swimming with me and the twins!
Thanks for the tips! You all sounded like you had a fab time and it is so nice you have some precious pictures capturing the moments. Unlike these pesky local pools, grrr. Kerry no one looks glam in a pool but you look lovely! xx
Ahh bles you! Yes they are precious moments and you would think if you were saying I just want a pic of my child, then it would be ok. Oh well. xx
They really looked like they were having fun. And you look lovely!! Great advice too. x
Great photos, hopefully it tired them all out so they had a long nap?! x
You look like you’ve had a fab time…
I hate the rules on swimming ratios – I had three under five too (4,2&0) and it was one of the main reasons we kept our gym membership – the four year old could easily swim 25m yet the local pool said we needed an extra adult…
I know it makes it so hard and the longer they are out of water the more fearful they get. Hoping that somehow I can keep the swimming going.
Great memories of a lovely holiday together, love your little swimmers
Lovely tips – I have nothing to do with swimming – thats OH department – they go every week, have done since my son was 8 weeks old. Is he a water baby? sort of!
That is lovely…I am hoping my hubby will keep taking Noah! x
Great tips! Lovely photos too, looks like you are all enjoying the pool. My 2 love swimming.
lovely photos, glad you ggot a chance to take them all swimming
Love the photos – the children look really confident and are obviously loving the water.
Think the rules vary for each pool – around us it is a bit more relaxed so I can take a 4 year old and a twin with me.
I agree that it’s sad not being able to take them all more often. It’s so much fun.
I am going to do some more investigating but actually I don’t think I would feel safe on my own with three yet anyway so maybe it is a good thing. it you take two you still need childcare for the other! x
Love this! Next month will be the first time retake LO swimming… At centre parcs! Very apt for me, fab tips!!
Oh you will just love it! Which Center Parcs are you going to? x
Fab post Kerry and great pictures – I adore the family shot. Great tips too xx
p.s. You look gorgeous as always!
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