Swimming with baby - advice needed

[CaractacusPott]

Next week I'll be starting swimming lessons with my 6 month old DD. I've got swimming nappies and a nappy splash wetsuit, so all good on that front (though during my practise run she would not stop wriggling around, so god knows how I managed it!).

But I've got no idea how to get myself and a baby changed before and after the lesson! Silly I know...

Are there special cubicles for parents with small children? The only thing I remember from when I would go by myself is there is a small bench in the cubicles but they are just the normal ones. Do I change her on that?

Is it easier to sort myself out first, or her?

I guess showering is out of the question? But I might be able to rinse myself whilst propping her on a hip?

I'm also nervous about leakages, her bringing up milk, possible crying/screaming through hunger or being overtired.

Despite all this, I'm actually really looking forward to it! But any advice on how to hopefully take some of the stress out of it would be greatly appreciated please.

I have regularly taken my baby (now 5.5 months swimming alone). The leisure centre tell you to take your pram down with you so I usually either put her in the pram after I have got her dried and dressed or I carry the car seat down and put her in that. They have the baby changing stations in the family changing rooms which are handy. I always put my babies stuff easily accessible so when we get out the pool I can grab her towel and clothes quickly to get her sorted before she gets cold.

There might be changing tables, take a folding changing mat. If there isn't find a dry bit of floor.

If your baby wetsuit gas a neoprene nappy (Happy Nappy or similar) and it fits snuggly round the waist and legs and you have a disposable (or cloth) swim nappy underneath then leaks are almost impossible.

If baby spits up try to catch it and get it to the drain at the side of the pool. Don't feed immediately before swimming. If you think it's likely take a pack of wetwipes to the poolside.

The other parents at the lesson will have good advice about the venue and changing logistics.