Questions
What is baby swimming?
Baby and Toddler swimming introduces young swimmers to the water with an adult. Our lessons are created to make swimming fun, using exciting play activities and songs. You will learn how to hold and support your baby and stimulate his/her natural swimming reflexes in a fun and safe environment.
Can my baby start classes at any age?
We are happy to accept babies from 6 weeks old onto our courses. Before this age we can suggest useful exercises for you and your baby in the bath at home.
My baby hasn’t had all the immunisations yet – is it safe to swim?
The NHS say that it is safe to take your baby swimming at any age, whether or not they have had their immunisations yet. Please see their website for more information by clicking here. We are confident in suggesting it is a great time to get your baby swimming as soon as possible. Obviously we want you to be completely happy with our courses – so please let us know if you’d prefer to be on a waiting list first so you secure your place with us.
What should I wear to lessons?
We advise you wear suitable supportive swimwear which is comfortable for you.
What should my baby wear to lessons?
Babies must wear a double nappy system to avoid any accidents happening in the water and keep the pools nice and clean for all of us to use. This means your baby will need to wear a swim nappy (i.e. a disposable one, such as ‘Huggies Little Swimmer’ nappy, or one that can be washed and re-used) PLUS a cover nappy – such as ‘Happy Nappy’. You can buy these from us directly if you would like. Unfortunately, you will not be able to swim without the double nappy system.
Will I need equipment for lessons?
You will only need to bring the double nappy system items for your baby, your swimwear and towels (for after lessons). We will provide all the equipment.
I can’t swim, can I still participate?
Yes, absolutely. Please let us know this preferably on your booking form or on the phone so that your instructor will be aware. The chances are our Happy Aqua Babies courses will improve your confidence in the water as well as your baby’s.
Will I have to put my baby underwater?
The simple answer to this is: No.
Happy Aqua Babies lessons are designed for both you and your baby to make the most from your time in the water. We would never force anyone to do anything they were not happy doing and we understand that not all parents would like the idea of submerging their baby underwater. A cue in the form of a wet test is always carried out to make sure that babies are ready, and most importantly happy to swim underwater. Most importantly however – there is such a scope of such fantastic activities that we can do with you for baby swimming – it’s not just about babies being underwater. We focus on every element that we can teach you through our courses.
Will my partner/ another adult be able to join in with lessons?
We really do promote the idea of swimming being a family-friendly experience – so this is absolutely fine with us. Specific dates as to when extra adults can join in will solely depend on numbers in the class – please call us beforehand.
When should I arrive for lessons?
Please give yourself and your baby enough time to change and feel relaxed before your lesson begins; 10 minutes or so should be sufficient time. Please try not to arrive too long before this time so that the previous class also experiences the calm, relaxing environment for their lesson.
How long before swimming should I feed my baby?
Please avoid feeding solids at least one hour before swimming.
If my baby is poorly can we still attend?
We are not able to teach swimmers who are unwell. Please do not bring your baby swimming if they display any signs of being ill, or have been diagnosed as having any illness by a medical practitioner. It is particularly important to note that no swimmers can brought to lessons that have sickness, diarrhoea or any other contagious illness.
What happens to our swimming lessons once my baby grows and isn’t a baby anymore?
Our Happy Aqua Babies swimming program is our foundation stage to our swimming experience. We are more than just a baby swim school; we continue teaching babies through to toddlers and beyond. We continue our aquatic journey through Make A Splash – our program for swimmers aged 3 years and over.
