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When you take a young child into the water, safety comes first. That’s why many parents search online for the “best swimming aid” for their child. But what’s truly safe? And what helps your child most in learning how to swim?

In this blog, we compare the most common swimming aids for toddlers, explain their pros and cons, and recommend which type fits best at each stage of development.

Arm Floaties

Pros:

• Widely available

• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Restricts arm movement

• Can slip off or deflate

• Encourages an unnatural swimming position

Summary: Suitable for short play moments under supervision, but not ideal for learning to swim.

Swim Vests with Back Support / Float Seats

Pros:

• Supports torso and arms

• Comfortable to wear

Cons:

• Limits self-initiated movement

• Child "hangs" in the water without engaging muscles

Summary: Great for recreational splashing, less effective for active swim development.

Buoyancy Swimsuits (e.g. EasySwim)

Pros:

• Promotes a natural horizontal body position

• Full freedom of movement

• Adjustable buoyancy (removable floats)

• Encourages active participation from the child

Cons:

• More expensive than basic floaties

Summary: Best option for children aged 3 and up who want to actively learn to swim. Used in professional programs like EasySwim.

What’s the Safest Option?

The safest swimming aid is the one that best matches your child's developmental stage, motor skills, and learning needs. A buoyancy swimsuit offers the ideal combination of safety and freedom of movement.

Important: No swimming aid replaces the active supervision of an adult.

If you want your child to be not only safe but also truly learn how to swim, a buoyancy swimsuit is the best choice. It encourages movement and builds confidence in the water. Floaties and inflatable toys are fun but offer little support for real swim progress.

As a parent, you naturally want your child to learn to swim safely. But how do you know when it's the right time to start swim lessons? Not every child is ready at the same age — it depends on their development, confidence, and previous water experiences.

In this blog, we’ll provide clear signs, practical tips, and advice on how to best prepare your child for a successful start.

What is a good age to start?

In the Netherlands, most children start swimming lessons between ages 4 and 6. But age is just one factor. Some children are confident in water by age three, while others need more time — sometimes until age seven.

It's better to look at development than age alone.

Signs your child is ready for swim lessons

• Your child is likely ready for swimming lessons if they:

• Are comfortable in water: not afraid of splashes or getting wet

• Can listen and follow instructions

• Show some independence in group situations

• Have basic motor skills to follow simple movements

• Are motivated (“I want to learn to swim!”)

Still unsure? Ask your child how they feel about swimming. Children who are curious and associate water with fun are usually more relaxed during their first lessons.

How can you prepare your child?

You don't have to wait for the first swimming lesson to get started. In fact, a bit of preparation can speed up the learning process.

Here’s how you can help:

• Play in the bath or under the shower: practice getting their face wet

• Swim together during holidays or at the local pool

• Use a buoyancy suit to support movement and floatation

• Talk about swim lessons and how fun it will be (“You get to splash and play!”)

At Senor Swim, we’ve got everything you need to get started at home — from official EasySwim buoyancy suits to helpful tips via our blog.

What if my child isn’t ready yet?

No worries. Every child develops at their own pace. If your child shows resistance or fear, it’s okay to wait a little longer or start with water familiarization. Keeping the experience positive helps build long-term water confidence.

Conclusion

Your child is ready for swimming lessons when they are comfortable in the water, understand basic instructions, are motivated to learn, and show some level of independence. By preparing your child in a playful and gentle way before starting formal lessons, you set them up for a positive and safe swim experience. Learning to swim becomes not just educational, but fun too.

Learn more

Explore our EasySwim buoyancy suits for a strong start

Also read: [What is water familiarization and why is it important?]

Kind en Gezin – tips on learning to swim (NL)

VeiligheidNL – swimming and safety (NL)

Many parents wonder: Does my child need to be able to swim before starting swim lessons? The answer is no — but good preparation makes all the difference. Water familiarization is the first and most essential step in helping every child become a confident swimmer.

In this blog, you'll learn:

• what water familiarization really means,

• why it’s so important before swim lessons,

• and how to get started at home through play.

What Does Water Familiarization Mean?

Water familiarization is the process of helping young children feel safe and comfortable in the water — in a playful and relaxed way. It’s not about technique yet, but about confidence and comfort:

• Getting used to splashes on the face

• Opening eyes underwater

• Climbing in and out of the pool independently

• Floating and moving in the water without fear

Children who are familiar with water feel more at ease in a swimming environment — a crucial foundation for successful swim lessons.

Why Is Water Familiarization So Important?

A child who doesn’t feel comfortable in the water is often nervous or tense. This can slow down learning and lead to negative experiences. When you start with water familiarization before formal lessons:

• your child can focus on learning technique instead of managing fear

• your child feels stronger and more independent in the water

• the transition to actual swim lessons becomes smoother and more enjoyable

Swim instructors immediately recognize children who are water-confident: they’re relaxed, listen better, and progress more quickly.

How to Start Water Familiarization at Home

Even without a pool, there’s a lot you can do at home to help your child get comfortable in water:

• Bath time = play time – Let your child splash, blow bubbles, and look for toys under water.

• Practice with the shower – Let water run over their head and teach them to rinse their own face.

• Look under water together – Use swim goggles and make it a game.

• On holiday? Take a buoyancy suit! – Perfect for safe, free movement in the water.

At Senor Swim, we offer official EasySwim buoyancy suits designed exactly for these playful learning moments — whether at home, on vacation, or in the toddler pool.

Summary: Start Early, Build Confidence

Water familiarization isn’t a luxury — it’s the best investment in a safe and positive swim journey. You don’t have to be a swim coach to help your child: patience, play and a little courage are all it takes.

Want to Learn More?

EasySwim Method

Pediatric Physiotherapy – Development and Water

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EasySwim is a household name in the Netherlands. For years, it's been the go-to name in innovative swim lesson methods. And with good reason: thousands of children have learned to swim safely, happily, and effectively with EasySwim. But did you know that Senor Swim and EasySwim work closely together?And that, as a parent, you benefit greatly from this partnership?

Why This Partnership is So Strong

Senor Swim was born from the same vision as EasySwim: teaching children to swim through play, with a focus on safety and fun. While EasySwim provides the methodology and swim schools, Senor Swim ensures that parents and children can also get started at home, on holiday, or at the local pool. With buoyancy suits, swim tools, and educational materials that align 100% with the EasySwim method.

Senor Swim = the Squla of Swimming Lessons

Just as Squla makes learning fun for schoolchildren, Senor Swim makes water confidence fun, safe, and effective for young swimmers. Our mission: to help every child feel confident and comfortable in the water – curious, happy, and full of trust.

• 🎓 Learning through play

• ✅ Fully aligned with the recognized EasySwim method

• 🌊 For use at home and as a supplement to swim lessons

The Power of the Buoyancy Suit

At Senor Swim, you’ll find the official EasySwim buoyancy suits (the FUN and PRO lines). These are the same suits used in EasySwim swim schools. The difference? At Senor Swim, you can order them directly for home use – including tips, exercises, and inspiration to get started right away.

Who is Senor Swim For?

• Parents with young children (from 3 years old)

• Families who want to practice swimming while on vacation

• Parents who want to prepare their child for swim lessons in a fun way

Together We Build a New Generation of Water-Confident Kids

Whether you're starting with water confidence or just beginning swim lessons: Senor Swim is your partner in the water. Thanks to our collaboration with EasySwim, you can be sure you're using a proven method – safe, playful, and effective.

Want to know more about EasySwim? Visit the official website: www.easyswim.com

A day of swimming with your child is a wonderful adventure, but it can also be stressful if you’re not well-prepared. There’s nothing more frustrating than realizing you forgot something important or that your child is cold because you didn’t bring a towel. With the right preparation, you can enjoy your swim time with peace of mind, knowing your child is safe and comfortable. In this blog, we provide you with all the tips and a handy checklist so that you’re fully prepared and won’t be caught off guard.

What you will learn in this blog:

• What essentials you should never forget.

• Handy tips to make swimming safe and comfortable.

• How to be prepared for unexpected situations.

1. Start with Good Preparation

A great swimming day begins at home with the right preparation. Make sure you pack everything you need the night before, so you’re not rushing last minute. Start with the basics: swimwear for you and your child, towels, and of course, the Senor Swim float suit. This float suit ensures that your child can move freely in the water while staying safely afloat. This gives not only your child confidence but also you as a parent.

Essential items to bring:

• Swimwear for you and your child

• Towels (one large and one extra)

• Bathrobe or poncho to keep your child warm

• Water shoes for around the pool

• Senor Swim float suit for safety and freedom of movement

Don’t forget to bring some snacks and a water bottle. Swimming makes you hungry and thirsty, so an apple, some grapes, or a granola bar are perfect for an energy boost. And of course, bring a plastic bag for wet clothes to keep the rest of your belongings dry.

2. Handy Tips for a Relaxed Swimming Moment

• Dress your child at home: This saves time in the changing room, and you can head straight to the water once you arrive.

• Plan your visit smartly: Try to go outside of peak hours. Early in the morning or later in the day is usually quieter, giving your child the space to move freely.

• Bring some coins: Many swimming pools use lockers that require coins. Some extra change is also useful for a warm shower afterward.

• Use a float suit: The Senor Swim float suit provides extra buoyancy and freedom of movement, allowing your child to learn to swim naturally without restrictions.

• Pack everything the night before: This prevents last-minute stress and ensures you don’t forget anything. Place the bag by the door so you can leave without hassle.

3. Be Prepared for Unexpected Situations

Of course, you want everything to go smoothly, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. That’s why it’s smart to be prepared:

• Rain or bad weather: Always bring an umbrella if you’re heading to an outdoor pool. A raincoat for your child is also a good idea.

• Cold water: Bring an extra towel or bathrobe to keep your child warm if the water is a bit chilly.

• Busy pool: If it’s crowded, try to find a quiet corner or go earlier or later in the day.

• Minor accidents: A small first aid kit in your bag is always handy, along with some extra diapers and a set of dry clothes. This way, you’re ready for anything.

Enjoy the Water with Confidence

With the right preparation, a day of swimming with your child becomes a stress-free outing. By packing ahead of time, thinking about safety with a Senor Swim float suit, and being ready for small surprises, you make sure your day goes smoothly. That way, you can both enjoy the water, without stress and with big smiles.

Swimming in open water is a completely different experience than swimming in a pool. The environment is larger, the currents can be stronger, and the depth is often unknown. Nevertheless, it is incredibly fun and educational for children to be able to play and swim in open water. In this blog, we discuss how to safely teach your child to handle open water such as the sea, a lake, or a river, and how a float suit from Senor Swim can help.

What you will learn in this blog:

• What dangers exist in open water.

• How to safely prepare your child for swimming in the sea, lakes, and rivers.

• Which tools, like a float suit, can contribute to safety and confidence.

The dangers of open water

Open water brings unique challenges that are different from a swimming pool:

• Currents and waves: In the sea and rivers, strong currents can occur. These are not always visible but can easily carry your child away. Waves can also suddenly become higher.

• Depth and bottom conditions: In a swimming pool, you know exactly how deep the water is, but in open water, it can suddenly become deeper. The bottom can also be muddy, slippery, or filled with rocks.

• Temperature differences: Open water is often colder than a swimming pool, which can cause hypothermia if your child stays in the water too long.

• Limited visibility: In lakes and rivers, the water is often murky, making it hard to see where you are walking or swimming.

Practical tips to teach your child to swim safely in open water

• Start in shallow water: Let your child first play in the shallow part. This can be done with a float suit from Senor Swim, so they can move freely without fear of sinking.

• Teach your child to handle currents: Practice together what to do if you get caught in a current. Teach your child to always stay calm, turn onto their back, and float with the current instead of fighting against it.

• Always stay close: Make sure you are always within arm's reach, especially with young children. Situations can change quickly in open water.

• Use the right tools: A float suit from Senor Swim provides support and freedom of movement while your child becomes familiar with the water. Combine this with the online swimming lessons from the Senor Swim Academy to prepare your child for open water in a playful way. This provides extra confidence and safety when it's time to swim in the sea, a lake, or a river.

• Pay attention to the surroundings: Always look where you are swimming: are there lifebuoys, is there supervision, and what are the weather conditions? This helps to minimize risks.

Why a float suit is ideal for open water

A float suit from Senor Swim provides extra buoyancy without limiting freedom of movement. Unlike water wings, your child remains in a natural swimming position, making it easier to move and play in open water. Moreover, it gives you as a parent peace of mind, knowing your child is supported while becoming familiar with the environment.

Swimming in open water with confidence and fun

Open water does not have to be scary if your child is well-prepared. With the right guidance, practice, and a float suit, your child can safely and joyfully learn to swim in the sea, a lake, or a river. Give your child the confidence to explore the adventure of open water with Senor Swim.

Fear of water in children is more common than you might think, but fortunately, it can be overcome with the right approach. For many children, the step into the water can be intimidating. They feel insecure, are afraid of splashes, or are hesitant to put their heads underwater. In this blog, we discuss why water fear develops, what parents can do to overcome it, and how a float suit from Senor Swim can help build confidence in the water.

What you will learn in this blog:

• What water fear is and how it develops.

• Practical tips to help your child get comfortable with water playfully.

• The role of a float suit in overcoming fear of water.

What is water fear and why does it occur?

Water fear is a fear of water, often caused by a lack of experience or a negative experience in the past. This can range from mild anxiety to real panic when seeing or touching water. Children who are not regularly exposed to water, for example, because they do not go to a pool often or are afraid to put their heads underwater, tend to develop more fear.

Practical tips to overcome water fear

• Start with playful water experiences: Make sure your child discovers water in a playful way. This can be in the bath, with water games, or in a shallow pool. Make it fun by splashing, using colorful water toys, and letting your child explore the water independently.

• Build it up gradually: Do not force your child to go underwater right away. Start by wetting their hands, then the face, and finally, gently introduce the head. Give your child time to get used to it.

• Use a Senor Swim float suit: A float suit ensures that your child feels safe in the water. It provides enough buoyancy to stay afloat independently while allowing free movement. This helps to build confidence without the fear of sinking.

• Stay calm and positive: Children can sense when parents are tense. Show confidence, smile a lot, and make every swimming moment a fun experience.

• Make it a routine: Regularly visiting the water helps your child get used to the environment in a playful way. Schedule a fixed swimming moment every week. This can be perfectly combined with Senor Swim's online swimming lessons, allowing your child to learn to swim safely and playfully.

The role of the float suit in overcoming water fear

Using a Senor Swim float suit not only provides support but also confidence in the water. It not only provides the right buoyancy but also allows children to move freely without restrictions. Unlike traditional water wings, which often block the arms and force an unnatural position, a float suit gives freedom of movement and confidence. Additionally, it promotes a natural swimming position, making the transition to independent swimming much easier.

Into the water without fear with Senor Swim

Fear of water does not have to block the way to a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. With the right preparation, every child can enjoy the water. With the right approach, some patience, and the support of a float suit, every child can learn to enjoy the water. Let your child discover the water without fear and build confidence step by step. With Senor Swim, swimming becomes not only safe but also fun and educational. Give your child the confidence to enjoy the water without worry.

Learning to swim is an essential life skill that you want to teach your child as safely, effectively, and enjoyably as possible. Yet, we often see the same mistakes being made during the learning process. Mistakes that can lead to insecurity, delayed swimming development, or even water fear. In this blog, we discuss the five most common mistakes when learning to swim and provide practical tips to avoid them.

What you will discover in this blog:

• Which mistakes many parents (unintentionally) make during swimming lessons.

• How to recognize and avoid these mistakes.

• Which tools really help with safe and quick swimming development.

1. Starting too early without water familiarization

Many parents want their child to learn to swim as soon as possible but sometimes forget that water familiarization is the foundation. Without first getting used to the water, the learning process can take longer. Children who are afraid of splashes or water on their faces have more difficulty mastering swimming techniques.

Solution: Start water familiarization at a young age. This can be done in the bath, under the shower, or in a shallow pool with a float suit from Senor Swim. This allows your child to become comfortable with water in a playful way, without fear.

2. Relying on water wings instead of a float suit

Water wings are still often used, but they are not an ideal tool. They limit freedom of movement and keep the body in a vertical position, which does not align with the correct swimming technique.

Solution: Choose a Senor Swim float suit. This helps your child stay horizontal in the water, which is crucial for learning swimming strokes such as front crawl and breaststroke.

3. Wanting to transition to independent swimming too quickly

Sometimes parents want to transition to fully independent swimming too quickly, while the child has not yet built enough confidence. This can lead to anxiety or even dangerous situations.

Solution: Ensure a step-by-step build-up of independence in the water. The Senor Swim float suit Pro has removable float elements, so you can adjust the buoyancy as your child becomes more confident in swimming. This allows for a smooth and safe transition.

4. Lack of structure or consistency in practice

Learning to swim is like learning to ride a bike: without regular practice, it takes longer to master the skill. Irregular practice makes it difficult for a child to get used to the water.

Solution: Schedule regular swimming sessions, for example, once a week. Make it a fun and recurring ritual so your child not only learns faster but also continues to enjoy swimming. You can perfectly combine this with the online swimming lessons from Senor Swim. This allows your child to practice safely and in a structured way, both at home and in the pool, at their own pace.

5. Focusing on speed instead of technique

Some parents want their child to get their swimming diploma as quickly as possible but forget that the right technique is just as important. A child who swims fast but incorrectly develops bad habits that are harder to correct later.

Solution: Focus first on the basics: floating, proper water position, and swimming strokes like front crawl and breaststroke. With a Senor Swim float suit, your child learns the right swimming techniques safely and playfully, without fear and with maximum freedom of movement.

Learn to Swim with Confidence with Senor Swim

Teaching your child to swim is a beautiful process, but there are pitfalls that you can easily avoid. By focusing on water familiarization, the right tools (like the Senor Swim float suit), regular practice, technique, and the right support, your child will learn to swim faster, safer, and with more fun. Avoid these common mistakes and give your child the best start in the water!

Choose the security, quality, and expertise of Senor Swim so your child enters the water with confidence, joy, and safety.

As a parent, you naturally want your child to learn to swim safely. Many parents therefore choose puddle jumpers: those colorful flotation aids that keep your child afloat. But did you know that puddle jumpers can actually be a pitfall when it comes to learning to swim? In this blog, we explain why puddle jumpers are not the best choice and why a float suit is a much better alternative for a child who wants to learn to swim quickly and safely.

Why puddle jumpers are not ideal

Puddle jumpers look cheerful and seem like a safe choice. However, there are several reasons why they are less effective when learning to swim:

• Incorrect body position: Puddle jumpers keep the child's upper body upright, disrupting the natural swimming position. Children get used to staying upright in the water, while real swimming requires a horizontal position. This makes the transition to independent swimming more difficult.

• Limited freedom of movement: The straps around the arms and chest limit freedom of movement, making it harder to practice swimming movements. As a result, children develop the right swimming techniques, such as breaststroke and front crawl, more slowly. These techniques are essential for independent swimming.

• False sense of security: Because puddle jumpers always keep children afloat, they do not develop a sense of buoyancy or water balance. This can be dangerous when they are in the water without an aid. In addition, children do not learn how to move safely in deeper water.

Why a float suit works better

Float suits, like those from EasySwim, are specially designed to allow children to move naturally in the water. Here are the benefits:

• Natural water position: A float suit supports the child in a horizontal swimming position, stimulating the natural posture in the water. This helps children learn to swim effectively faster.

• Optimal freedom of movement: The float suit fits snugly around the body without restricting the arms and legs. This makes practicing swimming strokes easier and ensures a faster learning curve.

• Gradual independence:The buoyancy elements in the suit can be removed over time, allowing the child to move more independently in the water. This boosts confidence and swimming skills.

• Safe swimming at home or on vacation: With a float suit, your child can practice safely not only during swimming lessons but also at home in the pool or on vacation. This makes it a versatile swimming aid that contributes to faster development of swimming skills.

Experiences and feedback

Many parents who switched from puddle jumpers to float suits immediately notice a difference. Their children feel freer in the water and become familiar with real swimming movements more quickly. Moreover, the float suit allows them to master the first swimming skills in a playful and safe way. Because of the freedom of movement and the natural water position, children are not limited and learn to swim faster and safer.

Why a float suit is the best alternative to puddle jumpers

Although puddle jumpers may seem like a convenient solution at first glance, in practice they actually hinder learning to swim. The unnatural posture and limited freedom of movement mean that children learn the correct swimming techniques, such as breaststroke and front crawl, more slowly. In contrast, a float suit provides exactly what you want for your child: natural support, complete freedom of movement, and a swimming position that matches real swimming technique. This allows children to develop confidence and water safety in a playful way, which is crucial for good swimming skills. Choose a float suit from Señor Swim and give your child the best start in the water! Whether you choose to learn to swim in the Netherlands, at the pool at home, or on vacation, a float suit is always the better choice. It is not only safer but also helps your child learn to swim faster and more efficiently than traditional swimming aids such as puddle jumpers.

Many swim aids are only temporary. Armbands leak, floaties get lost, and after a few months, they’re too small. At Señor Swim, we do things differently: our float suit is designed to grow with your child. One purchase gives you everything you need for your child’s entire learn-to-swim journey.

Thanks to removable buoyancy elements, you can gradually reduce the level of support. In the beginning, your child gets maximum flotation, but as they become more confident, you can take out elements one by one. This way, they progress step by step towards independent swimming.

Durable, practical and comfortable

Our float suit isn’t just functional – it’s built to last. The materials are strong, resistant to chlorine and salt water, and stay in great shape even after repeated use. The fit is comfortable and flexible, so your child enjoys moving in it.

And because the suit supports multiple stages of learning, you don’t need to keep buying new gear. No more armbands, floating boards or vests – just the Señor Swim float suit that does it all in one.

A smart investment in safety and development

Swim safety isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. And with this float suit, you’re giving your child a head start in the water. It’s fun, educational and incredibly practical. One purchase delivers years of water confidence and learning.

Sun, water, and children – it sounds like the perfect recipe for a great summer day. But too much sun exposure can pose risks, especially for young, sensitive skin. That’s why all Señor Swim float suits come with built-in UPF50+ sun protection. Your child is protected not only in the water, but outside of it too.

A float suit with sun protection means no more soggy T-shirts, no constant stress about applying sunscreen, and most of all: more freedom for your child to play carefreely. Whether you’re heading to the pool, spending the day at the beach, or enjoying a lake nearby – with a Señor Swim float suit, you’re always prepared.

What is UPF50+ and why does it matter?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and a rating of 50+ means that only 1/50th of UV radiation penetrates the fabric. That’s equivalent to a very high SPF sunscreen – but without the need to constantly reapply.

For parents, it means peace of mind: knowing your child is well protected, even during a full afternoon of swimming and running around in the sun. And for kids, it means comfort – no burning eyes from sunscreen, no sticky skin, and no clothing getting in the way while playing or learning to swim.

Practical and stylish

Our float suits are designed with both function and style in mind. They fit snugly, feel comfortable, and stay looking great even after repeated use in chlorinated or salty water. The UV protection is fully integrated into the fabric, so there’s nothing extra you need to do – just suit up and go.

It’s how you combine safety, convenience, and a great look in one product. And that’s exactly why thousands of parents across Europe already choose Señor Swim.

Learning to swim should not only be safe – it should be fun. At Señor Swim, we know that children learn best when they can move freely. No restrictive armbands, no inflatable wings – just a float suit that moves with their body and builds trust in the water.

Our float suits feel like a second skin. They provide just the right amount of support so your child feels secure, while allowing full freedom of movement in the arms and legs. That means more control, more independence, and a much more natural way to learn how to swim.

Why natural buoyancy works better

Unlike armbands, which often keep children in an upright, unnatural position, our float suits support the body in a horizontal posture – exactly how swimming is meant to feel. This helps kids develop water awareness, balance, and movement much faster.

Many parents notice the difference immediately: once their child puts on the float suit, the tension disappears. No more tears, no resistance – just excitement. Your child feels safe and free, and that’s exactly what leads to faster, more joyful learning.

From playful fun to real swimming skills

Thanks to the removable float elements, you can adjust the level of support as your child gains confidence. In the beginning, you use all the floats for maximum stability. As they grow in skill and comfort, you remove a few at a time. This creates a smooth transition from floating to independent swimming.

And the best part? Your child barely notices they’re learning. Because when something is fun, they’ll want to keep doing it – and that’s what leads to real progress.