Baby and toddler Swimming questions and answers

What can you tell me about immunisations? Medical reports state that it is perfectly acceptable for a baby who has not been immunised to swim in a chlorinated pool. You may want to visit www.immunisation.org.uk or should you have any doubts about taking your baby swimming, please contact your Doctor or Health Visitor for advice.

When will my baby swim unaided? This will vary depending on when your baby starts swimming lessons and on their physical development. Most babies are able to swim a short distance underwater towards their parent by about 18 - 22 months using their own style of propulsion (if they have started before 5-6 months). Most toddlers who have attended Baby Swimming classes may start swimming just before they are 2 years old and consolidate their swimming in their third year. Babies that start swimming with us can continue their lessons until about 6 years old at which point they shall be handed over to a local swimming school who will then help them to develop their stroke further.

When can my child start classes with you? Your baby has a natural breath-holding reflex called the mammalian dive reflex usually until about 6 months. This means that your baby can start classes from birth although the average starting age is 3 months. Babies that start classes before 9 months old adjust easily to a water environment so this is obviously a good time to start however this should not stop you teaching your child with Baba Seahorse if they are over 12 months of age. We teach many children upto around 6 years of age and they can start from any age and any ability even if they have never seen a swimming pool before.

My child is a toddler and we have not taken them swimming before, or is nervous, or overconfident. Can we still book classes with you? Yes, yes and yes. The parent enters the water with their child and you are very much part of the teaching with your child. We work on confidence building for both parent and child. Arm bands are not worn although we may use a SwimFin to help your child gain confidence. If you are joining an existing class, a teacher shall enter the water with you and work 1-2-1 to make sure you and your child are happy, relaxed and above all, safe too. You then integrate with the main class as this stimulates your child's learning (they always watch the other chldren!).

What temperature should the water be? For babies aged from birth up to 3 months old, then it is recommended that they swim in a pool heated to a minimum of 32 degrees. It is recommended that your baby is 3 months of age, or weighs over 12 lbs (5.5kg) to swim in water heated at 30 degrees. Some may feel the cold and we would recommend that all babies under 12 months wear a wetsuit.

What should my baby wear in the pool? We insist on babies using the double nappy system consisting of a disposable swimmers nappy next to baby's skin, and reusable swim nappy protection, such as the nappicova swim nappy, over the top. For infants under 12 months we recommend that they wear a baby warma wetsuit if using a pool heated below 32 degrees. We also supply a one size adjustable swim nappy for toddlers up to 3 years old.

I can't swim, can I still teach my child to swim? Yes! Many adults have successfully taught their children to swim using the swimming techniques that we shall teach you. All our lessons are held in shallow pool areas and you walk with your baby around the pool. We shall show you how to hold your baby properly in water and to help you feel relaxed and content in the class. It is very important to us that you feel just as relaxed as baby and we aim to make you feel at ease.

Will my baby receive a recognised swimming award? Yes. Baba Seahorse is a STARfish recognished Swim School offering the official Water Safety Programme for Babies (www.sta.co.uk). For babies there are awards designed to introduce babies to water activities and providing the first steps in water safety. For older toddlers (from 2 years old) they will be encouraged to participate in the pre-school first steps swim scheme. This shall be awarded to the individual infant's progress and not necessarily at the stage of a group class.

What is the class structure? Each session is a progressive building block where some of the exercises will be developed to familiar songs that the children will come to know and love.

Submersions A submersion will only take place if both baby and parent are happy and relaxed in their new environment. Submersion is an important activity that provides a basis on which to build skills essential for water safety however it is not obligatory. We all have off days and we can work on other activities if your baby is not ready. It is never too late to get your child swimming and we teach breath-holding practises for children instead for these children (and not submersions).

Where are your classes? Please refer to the page Term dates & Pool directions on this website. We currently teach in Kidderminster and in Wolverhampton. The classes will be limited between 7-10 parent/baby pairs. Classes run concurrently with school terms, and are for 25 minutes long.

Do you take Underwater Photographs? Yes. We take underwater photographs during each term using professional underwater equipment in a warm water pool.  We can also offer bespoke family sessions at your own pool, or at a pool we regularly use.

Do I need to be a member at Esporta Wolverhampton to join your classes? Both members and non-members swim with Baba Seahorse at Esporta Health & Fitness in Wolverhampton. It is not necessary to be a member at Esporta in Wolverhampton to swim with us.

How do I book onto one of your courses? Call us on 01299 271247 or email splash@babaseahorse.co.uk and we shall post a registration form to you. We run 3 terms each year starting January, April and September. Places are subject to availability on first-come first-served basis. We shall contact you before the course with an offer to attend at which point payment is due to secure your place. The cost is per course of lessons and the a baby wetsuit and/or nappy (if preferred) may also apply. Payment can be made by cheque. The cost includes your child's swimming awards.

Special Needs Teaching is available.