Baby Swimming Classes

Swimming Lessons for Babies

Swimkidz are proud to say that they have successfully taught Thousands of babies & children to swim and experience the joys of water!

Warm Water Pools

Our classes differ from traditional swimming lessons in terms of content, delivery and the venues we use. We only use warm water pools and babies can join us from birth in our hydro pools. Not only do we emphasise on the fun element we have ensured that every course is carefully structured, with progressive lesson plans for each week so skills are consolidated and built upon.

World Class

Our amazing fully qualified world class trained instructors work hard to ensure every moment spent in your lessons is fun filled and memorable. We carefully explain exactly what we are doing and why with clear demonstrations, this is because in effect we are teaching you to teach your little one. All our lessons are baby led.

The Benefits for my Baby

Your baby will feel at ease swimming both on the surface and below the water sensing a calm and holistic atmosphere as they swim unrestricted in their wonderful watery world. There are so many health benefits to early swimming including motor and neurological development. Research has suggested that babies who participate in swimming are often more alert for their age and have better eating and sleeping patterns. So not only are you having an amazing time in the pool you are aiding your child’s future development.

Starting Baby Swimming Lessons

Babies need to be 12lbs or 12 weeks for our regular pools which are all 30-32 degrees, for smaller or younger babies we have our hydro pools. Most babies start around 2 months and when the parent and baby are ready of course. If your baby is not born yet you can always register your interest in advance.

Please do not worry if you cannot swim yourself or are not water confident, we will be there with you every step of the way to ensure your experience with us is amazing. We will never ask you to go underwater unless you want to and our wonderful instructors will assist with any swims you are not ready to do.

Five good reasons to teach your baby to swim:

  • Social Interaction
  • Health benefits – cognitive
  • Better eating and sleeping patterns
  • Bonding
  • Learning water safety
Baby swimming lessons - baby in red polka dot costume swimming
Baby swims with mum at Swimkidz swimming lessons
Baby swims with mum at Swimkidz swimming lessons

When should I start swimming with my baby?

We recommend taking your baby swimming as soon as you feel ready to get in the pool – normally at around six weeks. The reason we recommend starting as early as possible is because the younger your baby is, the happier they are likely to be. Don’t forget, they’ve only just left the comfort of your womb, so being in warm water will still feel entirely natural. Older babies may have already developed a fear of water so the earlier you can get them to the pool the better they will adjust to a new environment.

Social Interaction

Parents often tell us that their swimming classes with us are the highlight of their week above all other activities they have signed up too. Seeing their little ones make progress and move happily underwater without restriction is so amazing. There are psychological benefits too, swimming lessons help babies become more confident and provide them with a sense of relaxation while the experience also contributes to their socialisation.

Health Benefits

Several studies have shown that babies who have been swimming during the first two years of their lives develop a greater sense of their surroundings and are therefore already learning to be more creative and observant. Did you know that 75% of brain development occurs in the first three years of a little one’s life? So, whilst you are bouncing around the pool you are also strengthening your baby’s vestibular and neurological system. Muscle symmetry is also improved which prepares babies for their next developmental stages i.e. crawling and walking. Additionally, experiences in water allows little ones to better develop their psychomotor skills because they can move more freely and begin to understand concepts of distance and movement. The cardio-respiratory system is also strengthened as the baby exercises his/her heart and lungs.

Bonding

Swimming is not only fun and healthy for you and your little one but provides the perfect bonding experience. Dad’s get involved in swimming more so than any other activity and often see it as their ‘daddy/baby’ bonding time. Swimming is also a really sociable activity giving you and your baby the perfect opportunity to make lots of new friends many of whom you’ll keep for life!

Better Eating & Sleeping Patterns

Warm water, combined with the movements created in the water, stimulate baby’s appetites. The most primitive of involuntary reflexes is the ‘Amphibian Reflex’ which occurs every time a baby is placed in water and is most noticeable at bath time. You will see them move their arms and legs vigorously. This not only helps to strengthen muscles but is the reason why parents will tell you their little ones sleep well after swimming.

Water Safety

Of course the most important reason for taking your baby swimming is that you will be teaching them a core life skill that could one day prove invaluable. Life saving techniques can be taught from the very first lesson and built upon each week. Drowning is still the 3rd greatest cause of death in young children with many cases occurring close to the water’s edge. Children who have been taught from an early age have a better chance of survival if they have been taught these skills.

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