Introducing Harry’s new Swimologist role & a giveaway
Posted on
We are very proud to announce that we have embarked on a brand new Ambassadors role with Konfidence.
Harry has been chosen as a Swimologist for the swimming brand Konfidence.
Swimming has always been important to me as a parent, I learnt to swim at school however I’m not a great swimmer and Paul isn’t either. We can swim but neither of us are very confident swimmers and I wanted our children to be different. I started taking Emmy swimming at only a few weeks old, and tried to do it weekly.
As a former Nanny I used to take the children I looked after to their swim lessons and soon learnt the skills needed to teach Emmy at a young age, however by the age of 2 I booked her into proper lessons as she just wanted to play in the pool with me. She loves it and has recently moved up classes after gaining after gaining her stage 2 badge.
Harry had a term of swimming lessons with Water babies and loved it however we didn’t keep those up as we planned to take him ourselves as we did with Emmy when she was small – sadly life gets in the way and he doesn’t go as often as we would like.
That has now changed with this new role.
Now there is NO better way to put swimwear through its paces than by actually using it and that’s what Harry will be doing over the next few weeks as for part of this role he has been enrolled into Aqua Babies swimming lessons at our local Marriott hotel.
Infact he started yesterday.
I will tell you a little about Aqua Babies in another post and about their teaching methods as we encounter them.
For now I will tell you a little about Konfidence and how they decided upon the name Swimologist (and as you’ve guessed by the title of this post I’ve also a fantastic giveaway for you).
About Konfidence:
Based in Cornwall, Konfidence is a family run business with three generations involved (4 if you count the little ones testing and modelling the products)
Today, the company is Europe’s largest designer and manufacturer of baby swimming products, buoyancy aids and UVPF sun protection clothing and wetsuits for children up to 14 years of age
The multi-award winning products, which include the Original Konfidence Jacket and Babywarma baby wetsuit are now sold in 22 countries worldwide, including counties in Europe, North America, South Africa, Malaysia, China and Hong Kong.
Founded in 1998, this year marks Konfidence’s 15th anniversary.
Why Swimologist? (written by Konfidence)
There is a brilliant and meaningful fable here www.swaraj.org/shikshantar/swimology.htm which says “You may study all the “-ologies” of the world, but if you do not learn swimology, all your studies are useless.”
This resonates with Konfidence’ ethos and this Swinologist learn to swim journey: “The learn to swim journey from first getting into the water with your baby to their first underwater dive through to gaining independence in the water and achieving their first distance certificate are all momentous and joyous moments in a child’s life. They come with many highs – and their smile when they are rewarded their first swimming certificate is a cherished one.
We understand this at Konfidence; over the last fifteen years we’ve gone on this momentous journey with our own children (and grandchildren) and we want to further enhance all these special family moments by giving you tried and trusted products that will help keep your little one safe, comfortable and warm in the water, and that give them (and you) the confidence to learn how to swim.”
Giveaway Time
Over the course of Harry’s swimming lessons he will be putting the following products through their paces:
I can’t wait for ours to arrive (they weren’t here in time for our first lesson) as the pool was freezing and after about half a lesson Harry started to shiver and then cry.
Konfidence are very kindly offering one of my winners the chance to win 1 of all of the above item (1 x Babywarma, 1 x AquaNappy, 1 x Neo Nappy & a Roll and Go changing mat) – and best of all the winner is able to chose the size and colour of these items.
For your chance to win this fantastic swimming package please fill in the Rafflecopter form below – this giveaway will end at Midnight on 29th May 2014 – Good Luck.
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Clare
Hi, I'm Clare (Emmy's Mummy). A former Nanny and Mother of 2 - Emmy (born February 2010) and Harry (born October 2012). We are Essex based and share our adventures and misadventures of a busy crazy life.
Comments (187)
thanks for choosing me
Even if you're not a great swimmer, appear confident for the children xx
I haven't taken my baby swimming yet so no advice, trying to build up the confidence myself 🙂
Stacey Guilliatt
brilliant giveaway xx
Best advice is to attend for a short amount of time and get gradually longer each time you visit
As someone who used to be a sports centre advisor, I would recommend asking the pool/centre staff about safety and making sure all staff are fully trained in rescue and first aid, then, I would tell the parents to use a swimming/floating jacket on the child if they haven't been before, maintain eye contact with the child (as long as the child is happy for that) and speak in confident, calm and happy tones. Never go out of an arms reach of the child. And most of all, enjoy it!
Don't show the baby/ toddler that you are scared, just have fun!
Be brave
Be confident on their behalf!
Just try to have fun!
don't be nervous as they'll pick up on it
Have Fun… and have a towel ready on the side as soon as you get out to keep them nice and warm!!! take a few minutes before you get in to make sure you can quickly get baby redressed when you get out, have their clothes and fresh nappy easily to hand!!!
Watch them all the time they are in or near the water.
Start swimming at an early age to boost water confidence.
start them young let them enjoy water xxxx
Start as young as possible – I did with my now 9 year old and she LOVES the water but didn't go so much with my now 4 year old and she really doesn't like it – I am hoping to start swimming lessons for them after the half term is over to get Hallie more used to it 🙂
A baby swimming float is great and saves your arms lol
Get them confident with water from an early age – We would gently pour water on Teds face when he was tiny so he wasn't afraid of it going in his eyes 🙂
Would be veryvuseful for our swimming lessons x
Start getting them used to the water as early as possible so they are not frightened
Make sure you have their clothes ready after the swim because they get very cold and miserable straight after!
Take a second pair of hands if possible
take them swimming when they are babies
Take them as soon as you can and make it fun From @catrionanation
if your confident and make it feel fun they will mimic you.if ur scared theyll get hurt they will see it and feel it froim you and then feel it too.relax have fun,no pressure.
Pools can be a daunting experience for a baby – prep work – have a bath with your baby to build confidence
Take them as soon as they have completed the immunisations
dont be scared, chance are they're not!
I need some advice, I can't even swim myself. ;s
choose a baths where the pool is warm and go at a quiet time
Make sure you keep calm remember your baby is trusting you, show the whole experience is fun.
Put them in the swim vests and not just a swimming costume to keep them warmer for longer.
Take them regularly when young to get them used to the water.
Go at a quieter time of day and give lots and lots of encouragement
Mother & baby classes are great & really don't cost that much
Keep calm,
Have confidence and start early
I haven't taken my little one swimming yet as my eczema has been very bad after giving birth, but it's great to read everyones' tips.
choose a quieter time of day, when kids are in school is normally a good time. dont panic or they will, let them do what they want and just support them.
choose a quiet time of the day when there is not too many people in the swimming pool
Just have fun, and they will too!
Have fun and always keep focussed on the little one – it reassures them.
Make sure you are never distracted and never let them out of your sight!
I think starting them at about age 2 is perfect timing and a lot more fun than when they are tiny babies
Start them young and find somewhere with warm, family changing areas!
Start early & make it fun 🙂
Try to join a fun group like Aqua Tots with music and games makes it a fun activity
Start them as young babies.
Take baby from 4 weeks & keep up aqua arrobics mums 🙂
start early and provide lots of encouragement
To start early and support and encourage as much as possible.
best when young
start them as young as you can, then water will feel natural to them
Start early ,give encouragement, make it fun,have a good time x
Took mine to duckling classes, then booked them in for lessons later. I can't swim
Take a friend with you who is confident to show you how to do it and help it – its a great help and confidence boost
Start as early as possible and ideally go with your partner
Just really started going so advice would be good 🙂
@oneisjamie
Take someone with you if possible – much easier to change and easier on the arms if you can take turns when teaching them to swim.
Do not expect to be in there very long the first time!
Start early!
Take them as early as possible so they get used to the water, I did this with my children and all three of them are very confident in the water!
Make it fun, you may be slightly nervous but don't show it
Start young
Take someone else with you to help look after them while you get changed.
Let them build up their confidence slowly x
Start as early as possible, ,think about safety……and make it fun…
Don't push them, slowly, slowly works, if you lucky enough to get by the sea, a few times just paddling in the seawater works wonders. If not try to get to a fun pool, with a very shallow end. I found that 'sport pools' are to scary for the little ones.
Start as early as possible, get them confident in the water! 😀
Start as early as possible and remember have fun
Start taking them early! And as the adult don't show any fear
have fun!
Make sure your confident and be patient
Take them as soon as you feel able too
Take them as early as you can
Start early
Don't let any fear you have be apparent, as this will transfer to baby and they'll be scared. Naturally, babies aren't usually scared of water.
Take 2 towels, one to put on the changing table/mat and another to dry baby with
start as soon as poss with baby,make it fun
Use water wings
Get as organised as you possibly can before you leave the house.
Start as early as possible
Find a warm, shallow pool & have no expectations of what they will do.
Let them enjoy water at home in the big bath with mum or dad
Get your child used to putting their heads underwater
Just let them have fun to begin with.
Paid lessons are unnecessary if you've got time to take the kids yourself every week.
Start young and let their faces go in the water they will become confident much quicker
start young, lots of praise and encouragement make it fun
stay close to them
just let them enjoy themselves, but always be close so they know there's safety there (Spencer Broadley)
Take when very young and make it fun.
Take them to a proper lesson so you get to know how to hold thena and guide them through the water correctly
Take it slowly and choose day when there is not many people in
hi make sure baby has had its first injections and make sure it doesnt get too cold x
Start with shorter periods of time in the water at first
make being in the water great fun then they wont get scared x maria blythin
having fun in the pool
Keep the first few sessions quite short until they gain confidence.
relax and let baby float then baby will relax too
start really young with them
just make it fun! float, arm bands, pool toys! my grandaughter loves a good swim,
Show no fear ! Its contagious
Don't let them drown!
start early and make sure you praise them continually in the water
start as early as possible and keep it fun, avoid nap times and meal times as baby mood will most likely be better
start early x
take your time
Don't spend too long in the water on the first few visits, its easy to forget that they can't do an hour like an adult does! xxx
Show confidence and keep the children calm x
Start when they're babies so they're totally used to the water, avoids fear being an issue in the first instance.
start early and make baby feel comfortable x
Start early and have fun!
Do it asap and try not to panic!
Don't panic! Babies are naturally at home in the water, don't let your anxieties spoil the experience. A little cough or splutter won't do them any harm.
Stay calm and enjoy it x
Take a disposable change mat
Take another adult, if possible.
Persist through the tears
Air bands and floats are great but dont let the kids get too dependant on them.
Gradually increase the time in pool as they get bigger but don't keep baby in too long to start with.
Start them early!
Keep eye contact with them and lots of smiles x
Start early, be confident in what you are doing, start off slow, smile, sing and have fun
Don't panic! Remember all the parents in the pool will have gone through the same thing
Never take your eyes off them!
take a snack in your change bag for them (and you) to nibble on straight after and swimming makes us all hungry!
stay calm don't show any signs of panic as your confidence will rub off on them
Be patient and reassuring.
make it fun, don't expect too much and always be confident around your child so they can learn from you 🙂
have fun
Relax, then they will too!
Start them swimming as early as possible and never show fear in the water, if you are confident your child will be too x
Just have fun. Be organised, when you get out you will both be wet and getting cold, so know where to find everything you need
Make it fun, duck under the water, splash each other, encourage jumping in. Then they will not be frightened of the water.
Take them as soon as possible (@bexallum)
Start early and take them to an arranged mother and baby session as the pool will be heated to a warmer temperature.
do it as soon as possible
Take three towels, two for them and one for you!!
Relax, All kids and babies take to swimming at their own pace and will eventually get there. Every child will learn at there own pace and once they have built up their confidence in the water they are half way there! x
Go as soon as possible and dunk then too – they haven't lost the mammalian diving reflex and it will be fine!
Have an extra pair of hands for the post swimming period the first time – it's difficult trying to get yourself and the baby dry and dressed.
The sooner you get them swimming the easier it will be
I wish I'd taken carson swimming as a baby as he's terrified of water now at 5. So with Finley I would take him asap and remember to be calm!!!
Start early and regularly so they become used to the water. Always stay with them.
Go early when the pool is quiet
I haven't taken my son swimming yet so I dont have any advice. I will keep coming back to this to read other parents' advice though 🙂
Both my boys went swimming weekly from three weeks old and can swim really well independently now. I think that making sure they are warm after swimming and well hydrated before is essential
My advice would be to take a carby snack for you both before hand, it's hard work! We love Konfidence swimwear, the little suits are super! #loveallblogs
I've loved taking all mine swimming as littlies- although I have to admit it was harder with twins!
Follow their lead so as not to put them off
Try to relax and just let them take the lead
keep talking to them so they are more confident with what they do
relax, if they dont like it the first time dont worry, theres always another time
Hold them close to your chest so they feel more confident.
Keep calm and all will come good .x
Keep calm
Give them something to eat when you come out of the pool!
Stay close, stay confident, relaxed. Jacobs first swimming session he stayed in my arms and we just walked around the pool to get him used to being in the water, the second time he held my hands and had a bit more freedom. If you act nervous or panicky your child will react the same.
Go for a short amount of time and get gradually longer each time you visit
keep yourself relaxed!
If you take them to a water babies class the pools are especially warm and the baby relaxes and has more fun.
smile and keep the baby close
toddler sessions are great to start with, the water is always warmer for them (&us) 🙂
The sessions for just parents and babies are best to start with. No older children playing and splashing.
well done hun, hope Harry has a fab time ( and mummy too ) x
Make sure you are confident as they really get vibes off of you
test that the water is warm first
Have fun in the pool with them and make it a time for some good quality time.
make them feel safe and have fun with them and start as early as possible (kim neville)
Start early. Make sure you're well equipped, the pool we go to is chilly so we use a wetsuit. Most of all – have fun!! X
Start early and ensure they know you are they – it is all about them feeling comfortable and confident – as a mummy/daddy, you can provide them with that x
Start right from when they have had their first immunisations! I did with all my four and they have never been afraid of the water!
Keep eye contact with your baby for the first few minutes of your first swim… it's important they know you are there for them!
thanks for choosing me
Even if you're not a great swimmer, appear confident for the children xx
I haven't taken my baby swimming yet so no advice, trying to build up the confidence myself 🙂
Stacey Guilliatt
brilliant giveaway xx
Best advice is to attend for a short amount of time and get gradually longer each time you visit
As someone who used to be a sports centre advisor, I would recommend asking the pool/centre staff about safety and making sure all staff are fully trained in rescue and first aid, then, I would tell the parents to use a swimming/floating jacket on the child if they haven't been before, maintain eye contact with the child (as long as the child is happy for that) and speak in confident, calm and happy tones. Never go out of an arms reach of the child. And most of all, enjoy it!
Don't show the baby/ toddler that you are scared, just have fun!
Be brave
Be confident on their behalf!
Just try to have fun!
don't be nervous as they'll pick up on it
Have Fun… and have a towel ready on the side as soon as you get out to keep them nice and warm!!! take a few minutes before you get in to make sure you can quickly get baby redressed when you get out, have their clothes and fresh nappy easily to hand!!!
Watch them all the time they are in or near the water.
Start swimming at an early age to boost water confidence.
start them young let them enjoy water xxxx
Start as young as possible – I did with my now 9 year old and she LOVES the water but didn't go so much with my now 4 year old and she really doesn't like it – I am hoping to start swimming lessons for them after the half term is over to get Hallie more used to it 🙂
Becci Cleary
rcleary57@yahoo.com
start when there r young
use swimming rings and baby vests
kinseyemma@yahoo.com
A baby swimming float is great and saves your arms lol
Get them confident with water from an early age – We would gently pour water on Teds face when he was tiny so he wasn't afraid of it going in his eyes 🙂
Would be veryvuseful for our swimming lessons x
Start getting them used to the water as early as possible so they are not frightened
Make sure you have their clothes ready after the swim because they get very cold and miserable straight after!
Take a second pair of hands if possible
take them swimming when they are babies
Take them as soon as you can and make it fun
From @catrionanation
if your confident and make it feel fun they will mimic you.if ur scared theyll get hurt they will see it and feel it froim you and then feel it too.relax have fun,no pressure.
Pools can be a daunting experience for a baby – prep work – have a bath with your baby to build confidence
Take them as soon as they have completed the immunisations
dont be scared, chance are they're not!
I need some advice, I can't even swim myself. ;s
choose a baths where the pool is warm and go at a quiet time
Make sure you keep calm remember your baby is trusting you, show the whole experience is fun.
Put them in the swim vests and not just a swimming costume to keep them warmer for longer.
Take them regularly when young to get them used to the water.
Go at a quieter time of day and give lots and lots of encouragement
Mother & baby classes are great & really don't cost that much
Keep calm,
Have confidence and start early
I haven't taken my little one swimming yet as my eczema has been very bad after giving birth, but it's great to read everyones' tips.
choose a quieter time of day, when kids are in school is normally a good time. dont panic or they will, let them do what they want and just support them.
choose a quiet time of the day when there is not too many people in the swimming pool
Just have fun, and they will too!
Have fun and always keep focussed on the little one – it reassures them.
Make sure you are never distracted and never let them out of your sight!
I think starting them at about age 2 is perfect timing and a lot more fun than when they are tiny babies
Start them young and find somewhere with warm, family changing areas!
Start early & make it fun 🙂
Try to join a fun group like Aqua Tots with music and games makes it a fun activity
Start them as young babies.
Take baby from 4 weeks & keep up aqua arrobics mums 🙂
start early and provide lots of encouragement
To start early and support and encourage as much as possible.
best when young
start them as young as you can, then water will feel natural to them
Start early ,give encouragement, make it fun,have a good time x
Took mine to duckling classes, then booked them in for lessons later.
I can't swim
Take a friend with you who is confident to show you how to do it and help it – its a great help and confidence boost
Take them as young as possible
katiethomas1984@hotmail.co.uk
Start them in the pool as young as possible
be relaxed
kay panayi
Start them young
start them as young as possible
Start as early as possible and ideally go with your partner
Just really started going so advice would be good 🙂
@oneisjamie
Take someone with you if possible – much easier to change and easier on the arms if you can take turns when teaching them to swim.
Do not expect to be in there very long the first time!
Start early!
Take them as early as possible so they get used to the water, I did this with my children and all three of them are very confident in the water!
Make it fun, you may be slightly nervous but don't show it
Start young
Take someone else with you to help look after them while you get changed.
Let them build up their confidence slowly x
Start as early as possible, ,think about safety……and make it fun…
Don't push them, slowly, slowly works, if you lucky enough to get by the sea, a few times just paddling in the seawater works wonders. If not try to get to a fun pool, with a very shallow end. I found that 'sport pools' are to scary for the little ones.
Start as early as possible, get them confident in the water! 😀
Start as early as possible and remember have fun
Start taking them early! And as the adult don't show any fear
have fun!
Make sure your confident and be patient
Take them as soon as you feel able too
Take them as early as you can
Start early
Don't let any fear you have be apparent, as this will transfer to baby and they'll be scared. Naturally, babies aren't usually scared of water.
Take 2 towels, one to put on the changing table/mat and another to dry baby with
start as soon as poss with baby,make it fun
Use water wings
Get as organised as you possibly can before you leave the house.
Start as early as possible
Find a warm, shallow pool & have no expectations of what they will do.
Let them enjoy water at home in the big bath with mum or dad
Get your child used to putting their heads underwater
Just let them have fun to begin with.
Paid lessons are unnecessary if you've got time to take the kids yourself every week.
Start young and let their faces go in the water they will become confident much quicker
start young, lots of praise and encouragement make it fun
stay close to them
just let them enjoy themselves, but always be close so they know there's safety there
(Spencer Broadley)
Take when very young and make it fun.
Take them to a proper lesson so you get to know how to hold thena and guide them through the water correctly
Take it slowly and choose day when there is not many people in
hi make sure baby has had its first injections and make sure it doesnt get too cold x
Start with shorter periods of time in the water at first
make being in the water great fun then they wont get scared x maria blythin
having fun in the pool
Keep the first few sessions quite short until they gain confidence.
relax and let baby float then baby will relax too
start really young with them
just make it fun! float, arm bands, pool toys! my grandaughter loves a good swim,
Show no fear ! Its contagious
Don't let them drown!
start early and make sure you praise them continually in the water
start as early as possible and keep it fun, avoid nap times and meal times as baby mood will most likely be better
start early x
take your time
Don't spend too long in the water on the first few visits, its easy to forget that they can't do an hour like an adult does! xxx
Show confidence and keep the children calm x
Start when they're babies so they're totally used to the water, avoids fear being an issue in the first instance.
start early and make baby feel comfortable x
Start early and have fun!
Do it asap and try not to panic!
Don't panic! Babies are naturally at home in the water, don't let your anxieties spoil the experience. A little cough or splutter won't do them any harm.
Stay calm and enjoy it x
Take a disposable change mat
Take another adult, if possible.
Persist through the tears
Air bands and floats are great but dont let the kids get too dependant on them.
Gradually increase the time in pool as they get bigger but don't keep baby in too long to start with.
Start them early!
Keep eye contact with them and lots of smiles x
Start early, be confident in what you are doing, start off slow, smile, sing and have fun
Don't panic! Remember all the parents in the pool will have gone through the same thing
Never take your eyes off them!
take a snack in your change bag for them (and you) to nibble on straight after and swimming makes us all hungry!
stay calm don't show any signs of panic as your confidence will rub off on them
Be patient and reassuring.
make it fun, don't expect too much and always be confident around your child so they can learn from you 🙂
have fun
Relax, then they will too!
Start them swimming as early as possible and never show fear in the water, if you are confident your child will be too x
Just have fun. Be organised, when you get out you will both be wet and getting cold, so know where to find everything you need
Make it fun, duck under the water, splash each other, encourage jumping in. Then they will not be frightened of the water.
Take them as soon as possible (@bexallum)
Start early and take them to an arranged mother and baby session as the pool will be heated to a warmer temperature.
do it as soon as possible
Take three towels, two for them and one for you!!
Relax, All kids and babies take to swimming at their own pace and will eventually get there. Every child will learn at there own pace and once they have built up their confidence in the water they are half way there! x
Jess
http://owlcrazymummy.blogspot.co.uk
start early or they may be scared forever
start at a early age right after there injections
to have lots of fun and be patient
Start them at the earliest age
Start as early as possible
Start at an early age!
Go as soon as possible and dunk then too – they haven't lost the mammalian diving reflex and it will be fine!
Have an extra pair of hands for the post swimming period the first time – it's difficult trying to get yourself and the baby dry and dressed.
The sooner you get them swimming the easier it will be
I wish I'd taken carson swimming as a baby as he's terrified of water now at 5. So with Finley I would take him asap and remember to be calm!!!
Start early and regularly so they become used to the water. Always stay with them.
Go early when the pool is quiet
I haven't taken my son swimming yet so I dont have any advice. I will keep coming back to this to read other parents' advice though 🙂
Both my boys went swimming weekly from three weeks old and can swim really well independently now. I think that making sure they are warm after swimming and well hydrated before is essential
My advice would be to take a carby snack for you both before hand, it's hard work! We love Konfidence swimwear, the little suits are super! #loveallblogs
I've loved taking all mine swimming as littlies- although I have to admit it was harder with twins!
Follow their lead so as not to put them off
Try to relax and just let them take the lead
keep talking to them so they are more confident with what they do
relax, if they dont like it the first time dont worry, theres always another time
Hold them close to your chest so they feel more confident.
Keep calm and all will come good .x
Keep calm
Give them something to eat when you come out of the pool!
Stay close, stay confident, relaxed. Jacobs first swimming session he stayed in my arms and we just walked around the pool to get him used to being in the water, the second time he held my hands and had a bit more freedom. If you act nervous or panicky your child will react the same.
Go for a short amount of time and get gradually longer each time you visit
keep yourself relaxed!
If you take them to a water babies class the pools are especially warm and the baby relaxes and has more fun.
smile and keep the baby close
toddler sessions are great to start with, the water is always warmer for them (&us) 🙂
The sessions for just parents and babies are best to start with. No older children playing and splashing.
well done hun, hope Harry has a fab time ( and mummy too ) x
Make sure you are confident as they really get vibes off of you
test that the water is warm first
Have fun in the pool with them and make it a time for some good quality time.
make them feel safe and have fun with them and start as early as possible
(kim neville)
Start early. Make sure you're well equipped, the pool we go to is chilly so we use a wetsuit. Most of all – have fun!! X
Start early and ensure they know you are they – it is all about them feeling comfortable and confident – as a mummy/daddy, you can provide them with that x
Start right from when they have had their first immunisations! I did with all my four and they have never been afraid of the water!
Keep eye contact with your baby for the first few minutes of your first swim… it's important they know you are there for them!