I once read that with fussy babies, you should either take them outside or put them in water — and the fussiness would pass.
Only one of my three children is still a baby, yet that little saying still rings true. There’s something about water that seems to reset the day, calm big feelings, and bring a sense of peace that nothing else quite manages.
Swimming has become a really positive experience in our house. It’s one of the few activities that all three of my children genuinely enjoy — and that’s no small thing when you’re parenting kids with very different needs.
Swimming offers sensory pleasure, physical movement and — let’s be honest — a really welcome dose of tiredness afterwards. But I know that for many SEND families, the idea of swimming can feel a bit daunting. The logistics, the changing rooms, the noise, the water, and all the what-ifs around toileting and meltdowns.
So this is our experience. What works for us. Not perfect, not prescriptive — just one family’s honest take on swimming with autistic children.
Why swimming works for our family
Two of our children are autistic and each of them experiences the world differently. But swimming is something they both genuinely enjoy. It’s full of sensory input — the feel of the water, the way it moves, the pressure and lightness — and it physically tires them out in a way few other activities do.
We don’t go with any particular goals. We go because it works.
Getting ready: our pre-pool routine
1. Dress at home
I get my kids changed into their swimwear before we leave the house. It makes everything easier once we arrive. For the youngest, I pop a nappy on over the top of the swim gear to protect the car seat, and take it off when we arrive at the pool.
2. Nappy covers for peace of mind
Accidents happen, and if your child isn’t toilet trained (or not reliably), it can feel like a real worry. I always use Splash About nappy covers, which are designed to help contain any accidents in the pool and reduce the stress. They’re soft, reusable and give me a lot of reassurance.
3. Onesies for after
Coming out of the pool cold and wet is tough, and getting dressed isn’t always smooth. Instead of full outfits, I bring fluffy onesies. They go on quickly and keep everyone warm without any fussing with socks, jumpers or layers.
4. Crunchy snacks for calm
Swimming makes my children hungry, and trying to get everyone dressed while they’re tired and starving is a challenge. I always pack crunchy snacks — things like breadsticks, rice cakes or crackers — to help regulate and distract while I get changed myself.
In the pool: what we use
1. Swim vests
We use Splash About swim vests in the pool. They add buoyancy without being bulky, and they seem to give the kids more freedom to move their arms. It’s a nice balance between safety and comfort.
2. Quiet sessions or SEND swims
During school holidays, our local pool runs SEND swim sessions, which are quieter, calmer and more structured. At weekends, we try to go early or late to avoid the busiest times, especially in the changing rooms.
Why it’s worth it
Swimming isn’t always easy. Getting everyone ready, managing the transitions, dealing with meltdowns — it can be a lot. But when it works, it really works. It’s one of the few activities that offers connection, calm and genuine enjoyment for all three of my children.
And that’s reason enough to keep going.
What we use and recommend
- Splash About Nappy Covers – secure and comfortable for pool confidence. The covers are called Swim Jammers for older kids and they even do adult sizes too.
[Amazon affiliate link] - Splash About Swim Vest – gentle buoyancy, great for SEND children. I’ve linked one for 4 years and above as it is less common to find these. A great investment as they last years and can be handed down too.
[Amazon affiliate link] - Fluffy onesies for after – warm, fast and stress-free
- Crunchy snacks – to help with post-swim regulation
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