Swimming with your baby

Advice on the benefits of taking your baby swimming with information on baby swimming lessons and classes and the opportunity to purchase a range of baby swimming aids and toys.

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Taking your baby swimming has huge benefits for you and your baby:

• Babies get a complete physical workout



• Babies get completely free movement in the water, which they would not get otherwise



• Being in the water improves core muscle development and co-ordination



• Eating and sleeping patterns are improved



• Responding to commands can make your baby sharper mentally



• Swimming in water is the only time a baby can be completely independent



• It is fun and socially stimulating

It is generally agreed that you do not need to wait until your baby has been immunised to take him or her swimming, as the chlorine in the water will prevent any danger of infectious diseases. However do not go swimming if your baby is unwell.

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. Water should be at least 32 degrees for a small baby.

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.

Many special swimming classes exist, these have a clear structure, including some underwater swimming (this is safe as your baby's diving reflex takes over). Though you can begin swimming with your baby when you feel the time is right for you, many classes do not begin until babies are 12 weeks old. You may also want to wait until after your six week check.