Baby Swimming Class 101: What to Expect (0–18 Months)

There are so many things to consider when you think about swimming with little ones. When should they go swimming for the first time? What do I need to pack? What do I do if they hate the water? Stop, take a deep breath, and read this blog. We promise it will all become clearer, and you’ll hopefully start to feel calmer. 

At Splash About, we have decades of experience when it comes to creating some of the best swimwear in the business, but we’re also parents ourselves, which means we understand the trials and tribulations of those first daunting couple of years at the pool with your baby, and we’re here to help. 

Trust us when we tell you there is no race for when you should take your child to the pool for the first time. Yes, an early introduction to water can pave the way for success in childhood swimming, but if you don’t feel comfortable and ready, your baby will pick up on this, and it’ll be a negative experience for both you and your child.

If you lack water confidence, enrolling your little one in some classes may be a great idea. You’ll have the support of a qualified instructor and other parents who’re in the same boat (well, pool). 

Expect your baby to cry, and don’t let it leave you feeling defeated. It’s natural for babies to take a while to feel comfortable in a new situation. However, don’t feel pressure to stay in the pool for too long; 10-15 minutes is plenty of time for your water baby to start getting used to their surroundings and being in the pool. 

If you’ve been taking your little one swimming for a while now, you should start to see some confidence in the water. They may be splashing or beginning to put their mouths in the water to blow bubbles. 

You may notice smiles and them trying to join in with songs you usually sing in the water, reaching for the mirror or familiar toys you’ve introduced to pool time. Now is a great time to bring in new Toys to keep your little one interested and give them something new to reach for.   

 Once your baby can sit unaided, sitting them on the side of the pool and splashing them into the water is a great way of building their confidence and normalising getting their face wet. As soon as they splash into the water, help them find the side of the pool and practice saying their name and ‘hold on’, and praise them when they hold onto the edge of the pool. You’re learning a life-saving technique from an early age.   

Now, you should really start to see those skills develop, such as leg kicking and chasing after pool toys in the water. If you haven’t already, now is a great time to start using a Swimming Aid like our Go Splash Float Jacket. These give your little one the confidence to let go of you and thrive in the water. The jackets are designed to hold toddlers slightly tilted forward in the correct learn-to-swim position. The Go Splash Float Jacket is designed with eight removable floats that can be reduced as your child's confidence improves. Please note that these are not life-saving devices; adult supervision is always required. 

If you haven’t started swimming lessons yet and are unsure how to progress your child to the next level in their swimming journey, now is a great time to start. Alternatively, weekly swim sessions with a competent and confident adult are great, too. Just remember to always go at your child's pace. Just because they’re a certain age doesn’t mean they’re always ready for the next milestone. It’s important to always put a child's safety and happiness in the water first. 

Those first 18 months of swimming with your baby are full of ups and downs, tears and triumphs, but every splash and giggle make it worthwhile. Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and comparing your little one to others will only add unnecessary stress. Some babies take to water like little fish from day one, whilst others need more time and patience to feel comfortable.

The most important thing is creating positive associations with water. Keep sessions short and sweet, celebrate the small victories, and don't be discouraged by setbacks. Whether you choose parent-and-baby classes or informal swim sessions, consistency is key.  

Before you know it, you'll look back at those early nervous days and wonder what you were so worried about. Your water baby will be splashing, kicking, and beaming with confidence, and you'll have played a massive part in giving them a skill that will last a lifetime.

Ready to get started? Browse our full range of baby swimming essentials. We're here to support you every splash of the way.