My Little Swimmer

The wonderful people over at Huggies sent me a great little summer hamper and their Huggies Little Swimmer nappies to try out, I don't need to try out these nappies as I am already a fan and a Huggies Little Swimmer customer. Taking A to swimming lessons twice a week and him always being in the pool at home these nappies are great to stop any accidents from happening and the velcro sides make it easy to take on and off and with great pictures of Winnie the Pooh and Nemo on what more could you ask for.

Most parents are freaked out by water and trips spent out by a pool or on the beach so here are some tips on safe summer fun:

Swimming tips:

• ·        Start young —teaching your child to swim at this early age is a great way to make swimming second nature to them.
• ·        It is important to remember that learning to swim and the swimming pool is foreign territory for your child – don’t force them into doing anything that will cause fear. 
• ·        During swimming lesson time make sure things are kept fun and playful. Children’s attention spans are short, and water toys work wonders for the lesson. Swimming will come more naturally to children who are taught gently, without trauma, and with a sense of fun.
• ·        It is important to remember that a child will learn to swim eventually; just as all children learn to walk, some a little sooner, some a little later, but all do. Enjoy the process, enjoy the child’s achievements. Remember kids learn by playing so always make sure that pool time is fun for the little ones.
• ·        It is best to consult an expert when it comes to swimming lessons as they are trained.  Visit www.kidzworld.co.za to find a swimming school in your area.
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   Making sure you are prepared for your trip to the swimming pool or beach

• ·  If possible, before your first trip to the swimming pool, it’s worth ringing ahead to check if there is pram access and baby changing tables in the changing room.
• ·        Remember to bring a towel, preferably one with a hood to keep the little one warm if it’s cold outside.
• ·        Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat or some other type of covering such as an umbrella to protect your baby from the sun
• ·        Be sure to pack snacks, as swimming and active toddlers get hungry.
• ·        Bring along books or toys to keep the children occupied when they are not in the pool.
•      Also make sure to bring along your baby’s nappy bag that includes all of your baby’s essential items and of course Huggies® Little Swimmers® nappy.

How to stay safe while at the poolside

• ·        As soon as your toddler starts to shiver, make sure you get your baby out of the pool and wrapped up warmly. Start off with swim sessions of 10 minutes and build up to 20 minutes. If your baby is under 12 months, avoid staying in the water for longer than half an hour.
• ·        Your baby might have sensitive skin; check with your doctor to make sure the chlorine won’t irritate baby’s delicate skin. Remember a healthy measure of sunscreen should be applied whenever taking your child for a swim; your toddler’s skin is more sensitive to the sun and gets burned really easily.
• ·        If you have a pool at your house or your neighbours have pools, make sure it’s fully fenced with a latched gate and make sure the gate is securely locked at all times and for extra precaution it is suggested that the pool be covered with a swimming net. Don’t leave any toys in the pool when you are done swimming as your child might be tempted to go in to get them

Travelling Tips:

• ·        The pressure of take-off and landing when flying can hurt your baby’s ears.  It is important to remember to pack something that your baby can suck on.  It can be anything from a pacifier, to a lollipop or a bottle. 
• ·        If you're formula feeding, pack more formula than you think you'll need (keep in mind that there are restrictions on how much liquid you can carry on board a plane, so you might want to bring dry formula you can mix up)
• ·        When travelling on holiday expect delays. Whether travelling by car or plane, be sure to pack extra finger foods and bottles.
• ·        A bottle of water can be your best friend when travelling. Not only does it help with plane dehydration, but it's handy if you need to clean up spills.
• ·        Don't forget to pack plenty of diapers (including your Huggies® Little Swimmers® for swim time) and extra clothes for your baby; you never know when there will be an extra-messy diaper or meal. Be sure to make time for naps in between
• ·        If you're travelling in cold and/or potentially hazardous weather, be sure to pack emergency supplies, food, water, and blankets in the car.