Aqua Tots or Swimming

[MummsieToot]

Hello I have taken my 6 month old swimming before but would like to try aqua tots but am a bit put off with changing if I go on my own, does anyone have any tips?

I used to put my swimsuit on under clothes so I was virtually ready. When getting dry change baby first and deposit in car seat with a dummy while you change! Also, get a family room if poss so you can take off your swimsuit and dress baby while you're naked - otherwise you'll drip all over him / her!

Thanks I was a bit concerned that there are a limited amount of family change rooms also where did you put the car seat whilst you were swimming? Most of the lockers seem really small.

Go along to the venue and ask if you can have a quick look round. Tell them you are trying to work out how you would get baby changed safely.

Some pools have family changing with baby seats mounted on the wall, they can be great. Some pools have changing rooms with a playpen.

Personally I found classes at this age a waste of time. Maybe I had the wrong attitude. I like doing things on my own timescale not fixed to ridged routine.

Now child is nearly 4 we do our own 'Aqua Tots' when AquaFit is on, as baby pool is next to the leisure pool so we can dance along to the music they use for AquaFit.

Tip: lots of towels to lay on the floor. Babies wriggle and won't stay still on a bench so the floor is often the safer place for them. Towels also help to have in playpen to absorb moisture (not just pool water!)
Tip: Swim nappies are not for solids or runny poo. If you get the 'poo coming' sign then get out quick.

Same as above - we found so young there were so many weeks in a term they don't want to or are asleep or have a cold...I started my older one swimming young but to be honest the ones that joined at 4 yrs were in the same boat and progressed the same.

So aquatots or swimming - I'd vote swimming as and when you feel like it. Or pay as you go ones if your pool does those.

Car seat- why do you need it? I didn't used to take my car seat in (but then I didn't carry it about much anyway.) It is clunky and tricky to store.

The downside with some of the private swimming lessons is that the pools aren't good for changing in. Do have a proper look wherever you go. Our leisure centres have large family changing rooms with a nappy changing table in.

Have fun! My eldest loves swimming and it's wonderful when they learn. I'm working on the pure enjoyment ethos with the second and not signing her up but just going and playing with her.

Thanks everyone, very good advice!