Is baby swimming really that important, wouldn't a trip to the soft play centre be just as good?
Swimming is a fantastic activity for babies. By attending the pool regularly, you could be:
- Teaching your baby the basic safety skills which could one day save his life - jumping in, turning around, holding on, swimming back to the side and back floating
- Enhancing his physical development - strength, fitness, co-ordination and early muscle formation
- Improving his social and behavioural habits — stimulation and regulating eating and sleeping patterns
It's also a fantastic way to have fun and bond with your baby so why not start planning your next trip to the pool!
What is the best way to introduce my baby to the water?
Babies feel more secure in smaller environments, so if he doesn’t take to the pool try a deep bath to build up his confidence.
It’s a good idea to introduce a bath toy which you can bring with you to the pool to familiarise your baby to her new surroundings. Keep trips to the pool relatively short until your baby gains enough confidence in the water and remember to smile and reassure him. Time your trip between feeds and well before he is due a sleep.
What should I pack?
- Huggies® Little Swimmers® swim pants are a must!! Disposable swim pants are a far more hygienic way to enjoy a swim session. They are specially designed not to swell up in the water like regular nappies and their super safe leak-guards help protect against floating embarrassments!
- Towels — for you and baby. Your baby can get cold very quickly so have a dry towel to hand when you come out of the pool.
- Toy — a bath toy can be one way of familiarising your baby with her environment.
- Bottle/snack — your little one will probably be hungry after your time in the pool.
- Nappies for changing
- Huggies® Pure Baby Wipes, nappy sacks and all the other essentials you would normally carry in your bag!
- A changing mat
- Sun lotion and hats as protection for you and your little one if you are planning a trip to the beach or an outdoor pool
- A spare cloth
Do I have to wait until my baby is immunised?
No, there is no age limit when you should or shouldn’t take your baby swimming.
Parents are often worried about ensuring their babies have had their immunizations before heading for the pool, but the current guidance from the Department of Health says you can take your baby swimming at any age.
What do I do if my baby doesn't like the water?
Don’t panic! It may not be the water he doesn’t like.
Chances are he finds the scale of it a little daunting. It is important to remember baby swimming is a gradual process and one that cannot be rushed. Go at your baby’s pace and make sure you both have fun.
What if I have a toddler as well as a baby?
Guidelines set by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) recommend one carer to every child under the age of four.
It is always advisable to check with your swimming pool before going. Visit www.isrm.co.uk for more information.
What do I do if I need to go to the loo?
Try to remember to go when your baby is still safely strapped into his car seat or buggy.
If you do need to go when you are in the pool, then wrap him up in a warm blanket and take him with you.
What should I do if I'm currently potty training my child?
Remind your child to use the potty or toilet right before going to the pool as well as straight after. There are great travel potties available which you can bring with you so you do not compromise your consistency in potty training
What should I consider when choosing a swimming class?
Where possible you should take recommendations from other mums but the following considerations are recommended.
- Is the teacher ASA (Britain’s Amateur Swimming Association) qualified?
- What is the length of the classes? 30 minutes maximum is recommended.
- What are the guidelines on wearing swim pants like Huggies® Little Swimmers®?
- Enrol into a nationally recognised baby swim programme, like STARFISH.
Look out for the Baby Friendly Pool Approval — a sure sign that the pool has the correct facilities to enable you to enjoy baby swimming. Use our Pool Finder to locate the nearest baby friendly pool in your area.
Can you recommend good songs or nursery rhymes for the water?
Nursery rhymes are a great way to have fun in the water with your baby. Here are some of our favourites:
- Round and round the garden like a teddy bear. One step, two step, and jump in the air.
- Hokey Cokey.
- Ride a cock-horse to Banbury Cross.
- Zoom, zoom, zoom we’re going to the moon. Repeat. Zoom, zoom, zoom we'll be there very soon 5,4,3,2,1, lift off.
- Row, row, row your boat.
