There's a first time for everything, and it's worth knowing you're not alone. That's why we've put together this list of questions. They're the things we find most people want to know before taking their little one swimming. Once you've had a look through them, just get yourself clued-up with our step by step guide, find yourself a pool, and take the plunge!

 

What do I need to bring?

 

 

• It might help you feel more relaxed to do a dry run first to check out the pool's facilities and to see other mums and dads swimming with their tots. Find out about things like if you need to bring your own change mat and whether you need coins or a token for the lockers. Getting the little details sorted means you'll have fewer surprises on the day.
• Pack your bag the night before; include clean nappies (both normal and swim nappies), wipes, creams, baby clothes, towels and a bath toy. Make sure you've got a proper swim nappy like Huggies® Little Swimmers®. And, of course, don't forget your own stuff!
• If your baby is onto solids, a banana or yoghurt is great for filling a hungry tummy after a swim as all that splashing around builds a healthy appetite. The Department of Health recommends introducing solids into your baby's diet when they're around six months of age as it is at this point that your baby requires more nutrients than breast milk alone.
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the pool. To make things easier, pop your swimming costume on under your clothes at home. Once at the pool, get yourself ready before baby to avoid them getting cold. Don't however put your Little Swimmers on your little one before you get to the pool, as they aren't designed to absorb like a nappy!

 

 

What 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 all a little daunting. It's important to remember baby swimming is a gradual process and one than cannot be rushed. Go at your baby's pace and make sure you both have fun!

 

 

What is the best way to introduce my baby to the water?

 

 

Before you get into the pool, cuddle your baby under a warm shower and gently wash the water over his body in preparation.

If he doesn't take to the pool at first, try a deep bath to build up his confidence as babies feel more secure in smaller environments. It's also helpful to introduce a toy at bath times which you can bring to the pool to familiarise your baby to his new surroundings.

 

 

How long should we spend in the pool?

 

 

Baby swim lessons usually last around 30 minutes to avoid little ones getting tired. If it's just the two of you use your common sense and keep trips short until your baby gains enough confidence in the water and remember to smile and reassure him. Also try to time your trip between feeds and well before nap times.

 

 

What do I do if I need to go to the loo?

 

 

Obviously, it's best to try to remember to visit the toilet while your baby is still safely strapped into his car seat or buggy, but if you do need to go when you're in the pool, wrap him up warm and take him with you.

 

 

What happens if my baby has a poo in the water?

 

 

First of all don't stress! We know 'little accidents' can occur every now and then. If you are using a proper swim nappy like Huggies® Little Swimmers® it is unlikely any poo will escape but it's best to leave the pool and change your baby so that he feels more comfortable.

 

 

What should I consider when choosing a swimming class?

 

 

When looking for a suitable swimming class it's good to get recommendations from other mums. We also recommend the following:

• Check if the teacher is ASA (Britain's Amateur Swimming Association) or STA (world's largest swim teaching and lifesaving organisation) qualified.
• Ask about the length of the classes. A maximum of 30 minutes is recommended.
• Find out about swimwear guidelines; most classes specify that babies wear swim nappies like Huggies® Little Swimmers®

Think about enrolling on a nationally recognised baby swim programme, like STARFISH.

 

 

How do I choose the best pool for my little one?

 

 

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. Your local pool should have the following:

• Baby changing facilities
• Separate area for at least a quarter of their opening time
• A pool heated to a minimum of 29 Celsius

 

 

Do I have to wait until my baby is immunised?

 

 

The Department of Health advises that you can take your baby swimming at any age, both before and after they have been vaccinated.  It doesn't matter if they haven't completed their course of immunisations yet.

 

 

Any advice for when we are in the pool?

 

 

Plan to be in the water for no longer than 30 minutes and try some of these activities:

• One of the best ways to get into the pool is to lay your baby safely on the poolside, enter the water and then lift him in.
• To help him relax, keep your baby's face close to your own and maintain eye contact.
• Be natural with your baby; smile, chat, and offer plenty of encouragement and praise.
• When he's feeling more confident, try holding him further away and swishing him gently through the water.
• Encourage him to play with his bath toy as something familiar to help him feel more comfortable.
• Blow bubbles on the surface and let him splash.
• When he's ready, try letting him float around while holding your hands.
• Remember to enjoy it and to always take things at your baby's pace.

 

 

And after?

 

 

Change your baby first and put him in a play pen, buggy or car seat while you change. Your baby is likely to be hungry after his swim so be prepared with a snack or a feed. After lots of splashing around, hopefully your little one will fall asleep and give you a well earned rest.

 

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