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How do you manage it? Is there any way to do it on your own?
DD1 currently has lessons on a Sunday morning. One of us goes in with her and the other looks after DD2. Ideally I'd like to do the classes during the week, not only is the pool quieter, but it frees up a weekend day. Is there any way to manage this on your own (DH will be at work)?
DD2 will also be able to start lessons next term....that's a whole other issue!
I didn't in end because couldn't get class I wanted but the plan was made with another parent of two children that I would look after e.g watch in pram her youngest while she went in and then vice versa for mine. As lessons only half an hour we thought would work fine. I could see the baby at all times so would have been able to get out if got mega distressed etc. To be honest I didn't really understand why someone had to be poolside with pram as baby restrained often asleep etc. But that was not encouraged.
What I did was have dd2 in the pram with toys linked to it with the plastic chains she was a calm baby and would be able to see me. When ds came he was cranky but the staff on reception watched him. Now with three kids I go twice a week dd2 swims in one lane, ds and I are in the other them we go after school for dd1. It's a juggle but we manage.
My DD1 goes in on her own, has done since about 17 months. When DD2 hit 5 months, I started going in with her. It's a bit of a juggle, but the other mums are really helpful and thy both love it.
Thanks for the advice. DD2 is pretty calm and I think she would possibly just sit in the pram - you can always have bad days though! At our pool I think patents are in the water until at least 3.5 (that's when the current level ends anyway...)
There are baby carriers available that can be worn in the water. Now sure of the brand though or if it would work for you.
We did the weekend thing and in the end boys were not enjoying and I hated it as well as they were crying during lessons and not wanting to do things etc so we stopped and have not yet managed to go back.
I don't like idea of another child sitting in pram while parent in pool as worry about breaks failing or them leaning and tipping pram.
Now both of mine are over 3 so would be fine as would be in on there own.
Until about 6 months DD2 would just sit in the pram poolside. The edge of the pool goes up (so not a chance of the pram just rolling in) and when I took DS on Tuesday mornings there was rarely another sole even there.
Obviously it's not the same everywhere, because I still have to get in with DS at 4, and yes he can swim perfectly fine on his own. We have to until they're 5.
Now a GF watches DD2 for me while I take DS. She loves going there, and I get some time with DS.
Some mums in other classes have their littler babies in a float thingo while they are in with their toddler lessons, only I'm not a fan of that as it's too hard to give attention to both.
Our pool has a step / raised edge too and is totally flat. I found other mums would happily sit and watch them too. I would never have them in the pool in a carrier or floaty thing as you need your hands on the one having the lesson.
Are there crèche facilities?
Ah, swimming lessons, the bane of my existence!
I've been taking DS1 and had to make sure my sister was there to look after DS2. It hasn't been ideal as my nephew finishes his lesson 15 minutes after DS1's lesson starts, so sister had to help nephew get dressed etc while holding my Ds2. I think she's started resenting it a bit so, happily, from next term DS1 is in on his own and we are all going at the same time - DD, DS1 in on their own and I'll be in at the same time with DS2.
Thanks for the replies.
Unfortunately there are no crèche facilities at this pool.
I didn't realise you could wearisome carriers in the pool, but I don't think it'd work for us as DD1 needs lots of hands on.
It would be great if I had someone to help, but all my friends who are home during the week have kids too...
I see my only option as DD2 in the pram if I am to do during the week....it'll work if she's happy, but not otherwise lol.
i had to stop swimming lesson when i had #2. As DD is now 3, she can go in by herself and so we can start up again but i haven't yet.