First swimming experience

[cocoachannel]

Hi there

I am keen to start my baby experiencing swimming asap, but unfortunately all of the baby swimming courses in my area are fully booked and I'm having trouble finding much advice on introducing babies to the pool. I'm not even sure how old she should be before we start.

Does anybody have any tips?

Thank you!

Hi cocoa,
I started taking my DS to the pool when he was 8 weeks. We haven't gone to any lessons, just popped him in a swimming nappy and got in the pool. We only go in for about 15 minutes but I watch to make sure he doesn't get cold before then. Take a towel for baby to the side of the pool so as soon as you get out you can wrap them up nice and warm. My DS is 19 weeks now and really enjoys splashing around. Good luck!

I took my son to drop in "Mum and Baby" sessions at the local pool when he was 7 weeks old, after his first set of jabs. We've been pretty much every week - sometimes to a lesson, sometimes for fun - ever since. He is 2.5 now and very happy in water.

Put your own swimsuit on underneath your clothes before you go so that you are ready quickly once you get to the pool. But don't forget to take underwear with you :-)

You don't need a course, but what I'd advise is finding the warmest pool possible as babies get cold quickly. Save your money for proper lessons later.

You need a swim nappy, either disposable or reusable to wear under or instead of a cossie. For the first few outings, I just hold my babies closely and let them get used to the water, usually 10 minutes or so is enough. Later, you can look at getting some sort of inflatable to help them float.

On a practical note, I usually take a towel poolside to wrap up baby as soon as possible. Both of mine have been happy wrapped in a towel while I quickly get dressed. I started mine after their jabs at 3 months but I know people who've taken theirs earlier. There's no real reason to wait.

what everyone else has said. Just float around with them - take a duck or ball for them to grab for and just get used to the feel of it. Take the buggy into the changing room with you (most let you take them poolside) and you can strap her in while you get dressed. DS is 20 months and we've been taking him since he was tiny + council lessons since 6 months and he loves it.

Thanks everyone- great advice!