Hi everyone

We're going on holiday in Jan to a resort with 4 swimming pools (including a kids wading pool) and also across the road from the beach so will be doing heaps of swimming. My DS (18 months) really loves swimming now and has just got to the stage where he gets frustrated being 'carried' by us all the time while in the water .. ie. he tries to reach out and swim by himself even though he doesn't realise he can't yet! (he's only been in lessons for approx. 2 mths).

So was just wandering what people think of swimming vests? Do you have one/used one? At what age did you use it? Where did you buy/approx how much?

We have one of those zoggs inflatable rings that he can sit in but soon gets annoyed with that too!

I guess my main concern is that once he starts using the vest he'll think that he can always 'jump' in the water no probs and not sink! But maybe as he gets older he'll be able to understand that the vest makes him float ..? It would be nice to have him in the wading pool and give him some freedom (of course one of us will always be in there with him) but at least he could explore a bit without us constantly holding onto him!

Sorry if this was really long! Thanks in advance for your help!

We got my son a vest just recently. Its a waaho (don't know the spelling, its not here to check) brand. It goes from 12kg-25kg and my son is just on the bottom cuff for size (I'm pretty sure hes 12kg now ). I don't find its a great fit, well not yet, i don't think we have it set just right to snug his body properly. Its also not great at boyancy. It does help him float don't get me wrong, I just wouldn't rely on it to keep his head out of water. But in saying that it is reasuring to have. My son isn't one of those children that listen. He runs as well. So having this on gives me the reasurance that it will help keep him up if something was to happen and I would be right there grabbing him before he had much of a chance to sink. With it on also gives him the confidence to let go and learn kicking and practice floating. So all though I'm not 100% happy with the product I'm still happy to have one.

For us we have found it great in particular for Milly as she is miss independant. Im still strict on the fact just cos she has it on she cannot just go hop in the pool she must wait until me or DH is with her.

I have been using it since she was prob 10months. I have the Wahu swim vests - you can get the from Kmart, Target, Big W, toy stores etc usually around the $30-35.

I still make my 5yo wear one. He is a excellent swimmer but I am super vigilant
He knows he must wear it at the beach and when we go on holidays. I make him wear it when he is playing on the edge of the water as I worry about strong currents ect

We have had 3 wahoo (sp) ones and I am happy with all of them. They are by no means a life jacket but they just make it a little bit easier to keep him safe.

Thanks Ladies, I might have to check out Kmart or Big W for the Wahoo ones then .. I'm pretty sure I've seen them in the swimming section.

DS is over 13kg now (and has a big belly) so hopefully it will fit ok. Will give me extra peace of mind too as he's a runner also!

Has anyone tried this one or this one?