Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

Original poster

toddler swimming

11 replies

pkim123 · 14/05/2019 16:33

Does anybody have a strong view on when is best to get young ones comfortable with the water and swimming? Is it best to start in the toddler years? Thanks

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
RaptorWhiskers · 14/05/2019 16:34

I took mine swimming from three months old.

IrishMamaMia · 14/05/2019 16:37

I did a baby swimming course for a term at about 3 months, took a long break and resumed lessons when toddler was over one. I don't think it's an essential by any means but good exercise and it's very nice for them to get confident in the water :)

bjmin · 14/05/2019 16:38

So long as your toddler feels comfortable and happy, then I think as young as possible. Take your time, find the right environment and instructor that both you and your toddler feel comfortable with. Good luck and enjoy.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Families General parenting
HelpAFattieOutHere · 14/05/2019 16:38

We started at 8 weeks. Water confidence is important to us and he absolutely loves it. Figured the earlier he started, he just wouldn't know any different.

Happyspud · 14/05/2019 17:09

I’ve found a general introduction to water as a baby is probably helpful but proper swimming doesn’t seem to work well till about 4.

Ginger1982 · 14/05/2019 18:44

I found taking a baby/toddler swimming alone quite stressful. Different if DH is there. Think I'll wait until nearer school age then get proper lessons.

BelulahBlanca · 14/05/2019 18:47

I started taking her at 6 weeks. At first just with my DSis and DN and then to Waterbabies.
DN was terrible in the water at first but you can walk into our local pool so we used to just walk up and down with her getting deeper and deeper.

Lazypuppy · 14/05/2019 21:58

Took dd at 6 weeks, and have pretty much taken her once a week since.

Lazypuppy · 14/05/2019 21:58

She's 16 months now

Amy326 · 14/05/2019 22:07

I think regular swimming from being a baby is a great way to get them comfortable and confident in the water! I did Water Babies classes with both mine from 3 months old until age 1 then tried to take them regularly to the local pool. Both mine are so confident in the water and love swimming. It’s never too early to start imo. It can be stressful in the changing room but I found if you do it every week you get pretty quick at the whole getting changed thing and just grit your teeth and get on with it!

Tigger001 · 15/05/2019 20:24

We took DS from 6 months (he's now 21months) twice a week. Everyone comments on his ability and confidence in the water. He absolutely loves the water and I hope to continue to take him this often.

I think it's a lovely bonding experience and my son really loves it.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread