Toddler Swimming Tips & Garnet Hill Kids

We are so excited that swimming lessons are starting again for our daughter. She started going to swim lessons when she was about 8 months old and she loved the water from the beginning. I swam competitively in high school and college so my family often jokes that she received the “swimmer gene.” Many kids are afraid of the water and unsure of it when they first start swim lessons. Today I’m super excited to share our favorite new bathing suit from Garnet Hill Kids as well as tips for toddler swimming lessons.

Garnet Hill Swimwear

We were super excited to review this adorable girl’s bathing suit from Garnet Hill. I was initially drawn to the 2015 swim collection because of the bright and vibrant colors. The patterns are so playful and it made me excited for summer. When we received the bathing suit we were very impressed with the quality of the material. Chlorine can do a lot of damage to bathing suits, but it seems like this suit will hold up in the water. I also liked that the suit had UPF 50+ sun protection. Our 18 month old daughter is somewhat big for her age and size 2T fit perfectly. It was difficult to choose only one bathing suit as I loved all the patterns and styles. I may have to buy just one more when summer finally comes around!

Toddler Swimming Tips

• Keep it fun and lighthearted: Swim lessons should be fun! Many aquatic centers have toys for young children. If you decide to teach your child yourself it may be helpful to invest in a few swim toys. Our daughter loves throwing a rubber duck and swimming after it. She also loves to play with watering cans or cups with holes. Keep it fun for your toddler by singing songs and playing games in the water.

• Give them choices: Our toddler is becoming more and more independent as the days go by. Get children involved in the swim lessons and give them some easy choices. Do you want to wear this bathing suit or that one? Our daughter seems to prefer the brightly colored Garnet Hill suit. You can also offer some choices when it comes to toys. Do you want to play with the ball or the watering can? It will give them some sense of control and allow them to be part of the process.

• Understand fear: In my experience with teaching and taking swim lessons, I’ve noticed some older children are afraid of the water. Overall, I think 8-9 months is the perfect age to start swim lessons. Any younger, they may not understand the water and the concept of swimming. Any older they may understand too much and start to fear. If your child is afraid, take it slow. Don’t pressure them to do anything they don’t want to do and slowly introduce them to the water.

• Consider Environment: Some kids do not like cold water. Many aquatic centers that offer swim lessons are aware of this and keep their pool at a warmer temperature. It may also be helpful to get to swim class a few minutes early to let your toddler survey the environment. Give them a chance to explore and get used to the water on their own terms.

• Practice: If the first swim lesson doesn’t go exactly as you planned don’t give up. It may take time for your little one to fall in love with the water. Be consistent and give them time to get used to the new environment. Our daughter also loves to practice in the bath tub. Recently, she has been putting her face in the water all by herself! We were surprised, but she felt safe enough to explore the water at home.

Has your toddler taken swim lessons? What have you found helpful in getting them used to the water?

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Disclosure: I received free product from Garnet Hill for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are 100% my own.