Swimmy Monsters for your Monsters
For the past two years we have had the boys in Sterns Puddle Jumper Life Jackets which you can find on Amazon or Leisure Pro for $15 -$18.00 +shipping (best price on the web). More sweetly named “The Swimmy Monsters” in our house. The swimmy monster fits comfortably over the child’s chest, then they slip their arms in the connected arm pieces and it buckles in the back. It is fully adjustable and is for children 30-50 lbs. My 2.5 year old and 16 month old both wear one. They are light weight, dry quickly, impossible for the kids to take off and pack easily.
Having two kids so close in age but so far apart in stages puts a whole new meaning to “eyes in the back of your head”. And going to the pool for me is honestly an exhausting, terrifying with a dash of fun- kinda trip. Day one at the pool this year I did not have the swimmy monsters and I totally regretted it. Even in shallow water they can stand in, even with me sitting right there with them…they go under and get really scared and it is one second but it is horrible. Day two we strapped on their swimmy monsters and I actually enjoyed being at the pool with them.
If they are on their tummy it keeps them up but their mouths will touch the water. It has helped my boys learn to keep their heads up. If they end up on their back it keep them afloat. Example from last week…I looked over and Henry was calmly calling Mommy, Mommy, Mommy because he ended up on his back, head was out of water but he could not figure out how to get his feet down yet. I will take him calmly floating on his back over him getting his face in the water and not knowing which end is up any day.
Worth mention that it is US Coast Guard Approved and has that stamped on the back…which is super important if you plan to be swimming at any of the (cover your ears my suburban parents) city pools. They only allow U.S. Coast Guard approved life vest and this qualifies. The lifeguards at the Northern Liberties Community Pool actually loved this lst year because the design enables the kids to still be able to use their arms and legs to practice swimming.
Great post thanks for sharing. It always seems that I went to the last minute to grab all the swimming gear for my toddler. Not this time just ordered his ” swimming monsters” on amazon for $23. Thanks for the suggestion.
I can be pretty last minute these days too. My pool bag is about the only thing I am on top of these days since I feel like I have to be ready at the drop of a hat to hit the pool. Hope you like the “swimmy monster!”
I think they sell those at walmart for cheaper… maybe $15 or $18.
thanks so much for the reminder. our vaca is in 6 weeks and i just ordered mine today as well …
I love all your posts and always crack up when you mention suburban parents, because I am one but I went to school at Temple and take advantage of all the great opportunities the city has to offer….most of my mommy friends eyes pop out of their heads when I talk about going into the city for family fun!
I do rag on the suburban parents a little. But it is only because I know that when it comes to activities what is available is sometimes a world apart. I actually feel more safe in the city…it too dark in the burbs. I may eat my world with all this Philly School nonsense. We shall see.
It is truly amazing how so many people who live in the suburbs so close to a city like Philly do not take advantage of what it has to offer. That is part why I love your site, since you honestly review the locations/events I think it helps people feel more comfortable stepping out of their comfort zone and trying something new. I say suburbs but really we are a stones throw from south Philly, in DelCo, and there are very limited options for kids activities that are good quality. I go everywhere with my daughter and thanks to you we have added a few new places to our rotation.