Huggies

• The best way to build confidence with your little one is by splashing about in the bath at home. Make sure the water's about 32°C, with the room no more than 27°C. Cradle your baby in the bath and gently wash water over his body.

  “You may want to have your partner or a friend with you when you first start practising in the bath, just whilst you get used to handling a wet baby.”

  Philomena Geary, STA Baby Swimming Teacher

• Get used to being in the water together. Sit in the bath with your knees up, and hold your baby facing you — or lay him back against your legs and talk gently while you splash water on his tummy. Try singing him a nursery rhyme.
• Start gently by turning your baby around so his head's on your chest. Place your hands gently under her head and let her float with his ears submerged. If he becomes distressed sit him back upright and try again a little later. It's great preparation for the pool.
• Babies have a strong sense of touch and love the feeling of water. They'll react to their surroundings — your little one might start kicking, smiling and moving his head. This is a good time to introduce a bath toy for him to play with. Eventually, this should come to the pool with you both to play with. Move him forwards and backwards and in zigzags. Give him plenty of praise and cuddles and he should soon be looking relaxed.
• Keep moving to give your baby different sensations and exercise different muscles. Hold your baby whilst on his front with her arms between your thumb and forefinger — his head will be naturally supported this way. Gently sprinkle water on his tummy or back. Just relax and enjoy the moment as he gets used to floating. You've made a great start!
• It's exercise for you too. Swimming is low impact and ideal for mums who should take it easy for the first six months following birth.

Read Week 2, Heading to the Pool>>