Taking your baby swimming for the first time

There are many things to consider when taking a baby swimming for the first time. Don’t be put off by the logistics – it will be worth it! Be prepared and don’t try to do any other activity that day.

Many special swimming classes exist, such as Puddle Ducks, which have a clear structure, including some underwater swimming (this is perfectly safe in the controlled environment of a reputable swim school). You may find this is a more enjoyable way to take your baby swimming. The best swim classes provide an enriching environment for the parent and baby to strengthen their bond and create happy memories associated with the water and learning to swim.

It doesn’t always work out as planned initially – but our advice is to keep going!

"I was so excited to start baby swimming with Grace, so when we started our first lessons and she did not enjoy it I felt very disappointed. Swimming was something I very much wanted Grace to learn and enjoy from a young age and to gain confidence in the water. My teacher reassured me things would get better and to perservere. However the first 4 to 6 weeks were very difficult and she would cry through most of the session. As the weeks went by Grace started to enjoy the lessons and now she is reaching the age of two she is sumpremly confident in the water, the transformation is truly amazing. She now adores the lessons and I would say to anybody starting baby swimming classes to be patient as the results are well worth the effort. Baby swimming classes are now part of our lives and we would not miss it for the world."

Let’s consider some of the practicalities you need to think about if you want to take your baby swimming:

Any swimming pool you choose should be heated to over 30°C, be clean and well-managed. If you cannot find a pool that is warm, it is possible to take your baby swimming using a neoprene wrap that acts as a little wet suit.

Government guidelines are that you do not need to wait for your baby’s immunisations before going swimming. However, do not go swimming if your baby is unwell.

Most good swim schools recommend a "double nappy system". Both the nappy and over-nappy must be a good fit around the waist and the legs. If a nappy leaks into a swimming pool, the pool has to be closed for several hours while it is dosed and filtered. The underneath nappy can be a re-usable, washable or a disposable swim nappy. These are all your baby needs to wear in the water.

You will also need to bring a changing mat or towel to lay on the floor poolside to help get your baby into the pool and to change your baby on after the session.

If your baby is tired or hungry, then they are unlikely to enjoy swimming. For breast or bottle-fed babies, there is no problem feeding them immediately before or after swimming, but for older babies on solids, it is advisable to have just a light snack an hour before swimming.

Many babies nowadays suffer from childhood eczma. It is essential to shower or bathe your baby immediately after swimming, and again that evening. Barrier creams are available from the doctor, but be aware that these can make your baby extremely slippery! One solution we have found to be very effective is to slip your baby into a UV sunsuit. Although you would then miss out on skin contact, your baby will be much easier to hold in the water. If you find your baby still gets a skin reaction after swimming, then wait a month or so before trying again. We often find that a baby who has to stop coming to classes the first term, is able to join again the term after.

So you have got to the pool at last! What now?

Enjoy your very first baby swimming session! Lay your baby on your changing mat, toes towards the pool and head away from the pool. Sit next to your baby and slide into the water, keeping an eye on your baby. Then lift your baby carefully and lower gently into the water until your shoulders are under the water. When you are in the water let your baby enjoy the sensations and get used to the water. Keep your face at your baby's eye level.

Buoyancy seats can give a false sense of security, and the baby is not actually experiencing the pleasure of the water all around them, they are just dangling their feet into the water!

Focus on your baby at all times and stay relaxed. Float your baby with support under her head, swaying her from side to side. Sing songs and remember to smile! Play gentle games with your baby, blowing bubbles and splashing water over her tummy and her head.

A small baby can become cold and possibly overwhelmed so keep swimming times short and take your baby out if he or she starts to shiver. Notice if your baby’s lips are going slightly blue, or if they seem to be getting more upset. Fifteen minutes may be long enough the first time.

When your baby gets out of the water he may be cold, tired and hungry! Have a generously sized hooded bath towel to wrap your baby, a hat for your baby’s head (even on a warm day) and a bottle of milk if you are not breast-feeding. Make sure you tilt your baby’s head first to one side and then to the other to drain any water out of their ears (this is good practise whenever your baby has a bath or goes swimming to minimise the risk of an ear infection). Wrap your child in a hooded towel or robe then dress yourself first. When you go home, don’t forget to take home all your nappies, which out of courtesy should not be left in the changing room bins.

And finally – enjoy the peace and quiet when you get home as your baby has a wonderful sleep!

This article has been written for Olivers Baby Care by Tracy Townend, Director of Puddle Ducks Franchising Ltd.

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