what to expect
- Expect a caring and nurturing atmosphere.
- Expect to make friends; it is helpful for mothers/carers to have support and share.
- Expect occasional crying, this is a way in which a baby communicates, expresses needs, exercises vocal cords and improves lung capacity.
- Be realistic in your expectation of progress as this corresponds with development and growth.
- All babies are unique. Only when your baby is ready will lessons include submersions, the use of floatation devices and other exercises to motivate movement and autonomy in the water.
- Expect continuity, missing lessons delays progress.
- Expect progress and plateaux, this is all part of learning.
how to prepare
- When to start your baby swim lessons should be left to the discretion of the parents. For advice, please consult your GP or visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk.
- Should your baby fall asleep en-route, allow enough time for him/her to wake slowly.
- A small feed half an hour prior to the lesson might be necessary if the lesson coincides with feeding time. It’s unfair to swim a hungry baby.
- Avoid rushing at all cost; we want you and your baby’s swimming experiences to be calm and pleasant.
- Switch off mobile phones so that you can be fully present. This will be quality time. An opportunity to bond with your baby.
- Always practice a positive attitude in words and deeds. Negativity is easily transmitted. Babies have bad days as we do, it is therefore essential to be positive, even though you might not feel like getting in the pool that day.
- Exercises performed in class can be followed at home in the bath tub. Try to keep the bath water only slightly warmer than the pool temperature.
- Swimming is a natural ability. Enjoy the process – have fun!
what to bring
- Appropriate swim-wear for yourself and minimum (but necessary) apparel for your baby, swim pants and swim nappy.
- Towels for yourself and baby.
- Light crème or lotion for your baby for after the lesson. Avoid applying baby crème before the lesson as this makes the handling of your baby very difficult in the water.
- A bottle or light snack for after the lesson.
- A warm hat in the winter months for after their swim. Babies lose heat through their heads.
what we expect
- For all adults to shower before entering the water.
- For you to be on time, latecomers disrupt lessons.
- For only one parent to accompany their baby in the water - at any time.
- For other parents watching their baby's lesson, it is imperative that you remain out of view for the duration of the lesson.
- Take heed of the teacher's instructions and don't wander off alone.
- Follow the pool rules. They have been created with your safety in mind.
- For you to praise and encourage your baby and other classmates. With your support, we can ensure happy little swimmers.
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