Baby swim - any tips?

[Thack]

I'm taking my 6mo swimming for the first time tomorrow. I've signed up for a reasonably priced class because I'm a little bit nervous and want to socialise (.. both me and baby!)

What are your top tips?

I've been advised to not have baby swim ready, in case they fill the nappy on the way there
What do you do with baby while you change? Is there likely to be anywhere they can be put down?
Is there anything you wish you'd been told?

Look out for family changing with a changing table. Not all pools have them though. Otherwise you could take a travel changing mat or spare towel and put baby on the floor. Swimming is a bit of a faff but you'll be fine after going once!

Definitely don't have baby swim ready - swim nappies don't hold wee so your car seat might get a soaking! There is usually a movable stand that you can put baby on, but as its a baby swim class it may be rather in demand. I used to take a waterproof backed bath mat so that my LO could lie on the floor while I changed. Have a bottle for when you get out/be prepared to breastfeed straight away.

Buy yourself a towelling dressing gown. When you get out of the pool, whip your costume off and put that on. Sort the baby out then you'll be dry so just be able to throw your clothes on

The only thing I'd recommend is a happy nappy (splash about brand). Some baby swimming classes will only accept these ones. Your baby will still need a swimming nappy underneath but these contain everything. You won't need to worry about poo explosions.

If you have a car seat that lifts out the car you can carry baby into swimming in that. Keep them in there while you sort yourself out pre swim and then afterwards once you’ve got them ready put them back in there while you get dressed

Thank you all, this seems to be another one of those things that you take for granted before children!

What do you do about washing? I guess just rince us both in the shower and not worry about washing /shampoo? Do you bath baby when you get home or is that too much for baby's skin?
DC has a bit of hair and is only bathed twice a week or as needed.

DC's mum is an over thinker and trying not to be too PFB It's nice to get a heads up, it seems fairly straightforward

Just get changed, no shower. Most swimming classes there's a class before you and one after, it's a lot of people. Everyone just gets there as late as possible and leaves as soon as possible.

Oh my other recommendation would be to put baby in something with a zip afterwards so it's easy and fast to dress them

Some places don't let you take your car seat in with you, you can get neoprene swim changing mats that are good presuming baby won't roll away!

Thanks @JessicaPeach that's a great tip
I have no zippy clothes but might take a sleep suit for easy dressing. Something similarly quick for me too perhaps!

Bring extra towels. Whip baby's swimmers off in the pool as its easier to get it off. Wrap baby up and lie on a spare towel and get changed first so you dont drip. Once you're dressed, dress baby