Swimming

[Ian0808]

Hi, our daughter is 9 weeks and I want to take her swimming. My local gym that I go to has a baby pool which is heated to 32 degrees. I was just going to take her here rather than pay the extortionate amounts water babies charge.

My wife is nervous about doing this on our own without an instructor (they do have lifeguards). I am a confident swimmer and have no worries about taking her. What are everyone's experiences of swimming with a new born? Is going on our own a bad idea? Should I just pay for water babies? Is it worth the cost?

I'm assuming you aren't going to let her go - so think she's safe enough.
she may not be able to stay in the water very long - bank on 10-20 minutes.
Some babies really take to the water, others hate it. Just hold her so she feels safe and have a gentle swish.
between 2 of you it'll be a doddle.

Hi we enjoyed waterbabies - we got a class at the weekend so it was something my DH could do with DC - but agree it is extortionate and after one set of classes we stopped. I doubt there's much they taught in the initial sessions that could not be learned from a YouTube video (I've just googled and there are plenty). I'd recommend getting some tips that way if you want to have a go at briefly submerging your baby. But if you're just going to hold your DD in the water, glide about and splash with her, I don't see any reason why you can't do this straight away by yourself. Get some disposable swim nappies and invest in a neoprene outer layer for extra protection and off you go!

Yeah will be keeping hold of her. She seems to enjoy bath times and I want to get her used to being in the water from a young age.