Hellobee Boards

It's probably all water safety and comfort, with the ultimate goal of teaching them how to float on their backs so they can breathe if they get into a jam.

DD did swim lessons when she was a little over two, but she was in a class with infants. We just sang songs and got the kids use to the water so they wouldn't be afraid of it. There were a few things where the kids heads would go under water, but that's about it.

We did ISR lessons at 13 months. LO learned to reach for and hold on to the side of the pool and to float.

We started at 4 or 5 months, it was mostly playing in the water. Back floats, belly floats, songs, kicks and eventually dunking under water. It was all about getting comfortable being wet and with water on their faces mixed in with games. We did 'jum offs' from the pool edge (I held her on the ledge, counted to three then launched her up and into the water with me). The older kids held their parents hands and jumped to them.

@T.H.O.U.: They concentrate on back floating a lot in LOs class. All the kids somewhat struggle with it.

I went with my nephew for his first swim lesson, at 26 months, and he was pretty scared, so I think just getting them in the water early is a good idea so they won't develop a fear. The teacher tried to get him to climb out on his own but he was too scared and just clung to his mom (and he isn't that fearful of a kid). Having seen that, I'll take LO earlier just for the comfort in water factor.

Even though he was scared, when he came out I asked if he had fun and he said in the tiniest voice ever, Yes. Such a trooper.