Baby Swimming FAQ
Why teach your baby to swim?
Taking baby swimming is as much about them as you! It is the perfect moment out of a busy day when you and baby can relax together, supported in the water and enjoy each other.
The earlier you start the better. Your baby had 9 months cocooned in water so knows and likes the environment.
In baby swim classes babies are taught to enjoy and feel confident in water for fun and also if they do fall into water they will have the knowledge and instinct to rise to the surface and float or move to the side, or to an object, and hold on.
A child who is comfortable in water is safer if they ever have a water accident, a child who loves playing in water regularly will be fitter, healthier and better co-ordinated than one who just sits in front of the television or computer! If you watch children in a pool or the sea they are likely to be smiling and laughing, jumping and moving around, having fun, exercising their muscles, lungs and heart and using both sides of their brain - a great plus for the years ahead!
Is baby swimming safe?
Yes, supervised baby swim classes by qualified teachers are safe and fun. Taking baby swimming yourself in the right conditions and playing in the water with your little one is also safe. Submersion should only ever be carried out under the supervision of a qualified teacher.
What do I need to consider?
You need to consider hygiene, health, comfort so make sure you and your baby are healthy, if either of you feel unwell it will not be pleasurable and is not healthy for anyone. Use a proper baby swim nappy that doesn't leak, the revolutionary Splash About Happy Nappy is obligatory in most baby swim schools, and check that the pool or class ensures those in the pool with you do too. Faeces in the pool is a serious health risk. Look at the temperature of the pool, ideally it should be 32° or over, use a baby wetsuit if needed in these temperature and especially if the pool is cooler. Check the qualifications of the swim teacher and make sure they are insured.
Where can I find a school?
You can look at the list or reputable swim classes on our site, or do an Internet search for "baby swim schools" in your area, look on the STA and ASA websites for schools in your area - ask around, recommendations are always helpful.
What equipment do I need?
If your baby is going to swim classes, or to the pool with you, you must use a swim nappy that limits leaks as much as possible such as the Splash About Happy Nappy. You should check that the swim school or pool ensures those in the pool with you use effective swim nappies too. Although pools are treated to deal with urine, faeces in the pool is a very serious health risk. Most baby swim schools insist upon our Happy Nappy or Happy Nappy system for this reason. The sizes range from birth up to toddler and older for those with special needs.
A BabyWrap, BabySnug or WarmInOne are ideal to keep baby warm and make them easier to grip, they also deal with pool to changing room chills.
A big absorbent towel, preferably with a hood such as our Apres Splash hooded towel, made of cotton and bamboo charcoal, not only ensures baby is dry but also prevents the spread of most fungal and bacterial infections.
A drink for afterwards for you both (warm, treated pools cause dehydration) and a feed for baby to have afterwards.
Our poolside mat is ideal for use at the side of the pool during swim classes (most baby swim classes have baby sitting on the side of the pool at some point) who wants to sit in a cold puddle? The poolside mat reflects heat back to the baby for comfort AND is ideal for you to stand on in the changing room afterwards - don't you just hate standing in someone elses puddle?!
If your baby has eczema a good barrier cream will be needed and the BabyGrip will keep the cream in place and gives a better grip - barrier cream on skin means a slippery baby!
Which baby wetsuit should I choose?
A BabyWrap, BabySnug or WarmInOne is ideal to keep baby warm in baby swim classes or at any time in and around water. All the mini wetsuits make baby easier to grip in water, they also deal with pool to changing room chills.
The difference between the three mini wetsuits is partly a matter of cover and partly choice. The BabyWrap is made of 3mm neoprene and is the most adjustable of the three. It opens completely flat so is easy to put on and adjust to fit as well as growing with your baby swimmer! The BabySnug is made of a finer neoprene and has an integrated Happy Nappy and sleeves. The top part opens completely for ease of dressing and to give some adjustability to the chest size. The WarmInOne is the latest addition to our baby wetsuit range and gives maximum coverage. It is a fleece product rather than neoprene. Very soft on babies skin and has a deep back opening for easy changing. It has long, ribbed sleeves and legs for extra warmth for those baby swimmers who need it.
