If you have followed for a while, then you'll know that we are currently Child Swimologists for the fantastic swimwear brand Konfidence. We previously worked with them a few years ago, testing out their baby swimwear range during baby swim lessons. But this year we were given the task of testing out their Konfidence Swim Jackets, plus other items from the older swimwear range. To test them to their full potential, we headed off to the amazing Splash Landings Waterpark at Alton Towers, for a weekend of swimming, sun, and lots of fun!

Although the littles absolutely love swimming, we don't nearly go as much as we'd like to. And when we have been in the past, Indiana and Parker have been a little nervous heading into the pool. But I can honestly say that since having their Original Konfidence Swim Jackets there has been such a positive change in them.

First released back in 1998, the Konfidence Swim Jacket is the bestselling buoyancy swimming aid! It's made from high-grade soft neoprene, making is soft and comfortable for your child/ren to wear - plus giving it a lovely snug fit too. The jacket incorporates eight 'float pockets' which are what help your little one to float, while still giving them the freedom to swim. These are then removed in pairs as your child becomes a more confident swimmer, and eventually all floats can be removed as your child can swim independently!

Indiana is 5 and Parker is 3, and both of them really enjoy wearing the swim jackets. Indiana can independently put hers on and do it up thanks to the chunky zip, and I love all of the fun and bright designs you can buy the jacket in. The jacket also features a high-vis yellow back (to increase visibility in crowded pools), as well as being 100% UV protective when worn outdoors!

Both Littles usually complain of being chilly not long after getting in the pool, so while in the Splash Landings Waterpark we teamed their jackets with the Konfidence Warma Wetsuits. These not only kept them warm while splashing about in the interactive water features and pool, but also protected them from the sun while we were in the outside pool, as they provides 100% UV protection to all covered areas. These will definitely be perfect for future trips to the seaside too!

Of course Lilah didn't miss out on any of the fun though, as she had a Konfidence Floatsuit to wear. Combining a traditional swimsuit with the principal of the Original Konfidence Jacket, it was perfect for Lilah as it was easy to put on and super comfortable too. We swear by the Konfidence Swim Nappies too, and have used them since Indiana was a baby!

With the help of our Konfidence swimwear we had the most wonderful time at the Splash Landings Waterpark. The littles were splashing and swimming with so much confidence; even Indiana who was too scared to jump in a few months ago was in her element! I just know that with time and lots more swimming practice, we'll have three confident independent swimmers. So thank you Konfidence for taking us to Alton Towers, we had an amazing time!

We were gifted our visit to Alton Towers and the Splash Landings Waterpark (plus our Konfidence swimwear) as part of our role as Konfidence Swimologists. However all opinions are honest and my own.

Toddler Swimming Essentials

Going swimming with your little ones can be one of the loveliest experiences... but only if you are prepared. They can get chilly quickly, be slippery little things, and don't even think about going for a dip without a proper swim nappy.

So I've put together my list of toddler swimming essentials, to hopeful make your swimming experience a positive one!

This year we're thrilled to be working with Konfidence, as one of their Baby Swimologists. Parker recently finished his term of swimming lessons with Puddle Ducks, where we got to test out some fantastic Konfidence products.

We've used the Konfidence Aqua Nappies since Indie was a baby, and have recommended them to almost everyone. They're made from a soft polyester outer layer, a PVC middle barrier and then a soft inner mesh. They grow with your little one as they can be adjusted with poppers and velcro, and when you're done just wash and reuse!

A post shared by Emily (@emilyandindiana) on Mar 5, 2017 at 11:52am PST

Most swimming lessons have a double layer policy when it comes to nappies, so we used the Konfidence NeoNappy nappy cover on top. It provides that extra security (no one wants a poop explosion mid-swim!), by creating a soft, stretchy, impermeable shell.

If you've ever changed in a public changing room, you'll know they're not the nicest of places. The Konfidence Roll & Go Changing Mat is great for this. It's made from soft cushioned neoprene with a non-slip back - creating a more hygienic and warm spot to change / dress your child. It rolls up really easily too which is a little bonus.

A swimming bag probably isn't an essential, but it's pretty handy! We love our Trunki Paddlepak as it's waterproof, full of handy little features, and the designs are just adorable. You can read more about our experience here.

A post shared by Emily (@emilyandindiana) on Apr 23, 2016 at 6:13am PDT

If your little one gets cold easily (or you're going abroad where you know the pools with be freezing), the Konfidence Babywarma Wetsuit is brilliant. It's essentially a baby/toddler wetsuit - it's a lot easier to use those as it is completely velcro adjustable. As well as keeping your little one warm, it also offers 100% UV protection on all covered areas, it provides additional grip and it looks pretty cute too!

Although showering after swimming isn't always easy, you can make it a more enjoyable experience with lovely products. We love Childs Farm and their 3-in-1 swim not only smells absolutely amazing, but I know it's gentle on our two's skin. This travel set is perfect for swimming as the bottles are smaller, and it includes a hair detangler and moisturiser too.

Finally, you of course need a snuggly towel to wrap them up in! We love our poncho towel from Cuddledry, although any hooded/poncho towel would work. The poncho design means they're covered, but they have their arms free - perfect for holidays too.

Disclosure - We received the Konfidence products as part of our Swimologist role. All opinions are honest and my own.