Swimming for 3mo - do we need lessons?

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Hi, we want to start swimming with our 3mo DD and it seems to be the norm to go to swimming lessons - Little Dippers, etc. - but do we really need to? Can we just go somewhere with a kids pool and go for it? What should we do with her? What should we not do?!
Thanks all.

No need to do lessons. Only problem might be water temp at local pools as baby lessons are usually held in warmer water pools so you could get a baby wrap - like a wetsuit. Have a look at splashabout on the internet.

Baby lessons will put them under the water but I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to do that on my own. But lots of splashing, pour a handful of water down her face a few times, toys etc. Sit her on the side and splash her gently in onto her tummy and get more splashy as she gets used to it.

I've been going to lessons since DD was 14 weeks and she has learned more than I think I could have taught her myself. It is expensive but she's now super confident in water and gets very excited about going to the pool. At 20 months she still finds the local pool too cold after about 20 minutes.

no you do not need swimming lessons for a 3 month old.

Don't bother to pay for expensive lessons, however if you don't want to go alone there may be a mother and baby group at your local municipal pool.

I took DS1 to our local pool for a half an hour a week of songs and play in the water with trained instructors but was fun and only cost £2.50 per session which is a snip compared to the cost of little dippers.

I agree about getting a baby wetsuit, this has been invaluable for us.

If you can't find an alternative group maybe you could go along with a couple of friends,
be brave - you don't need to be an instructor to be able to be able to take a three month old in the water.

For their first time try and take them when it is quiet as the noise of a busy swimming pool can really freak them out.

Thanks so much everyone! I'll see if I can find a mother and baby group - if it doesn't work out I can always part with more cash for the "proper" lessons...