Swimming is a fun and healthy activity that many families enjoy together, and an essential life skill, so parents are often eager to introduce their babies to the water. Most babies can start from around three months old, and there’s no need to wait for their vaccinations first. What matters more is that they’re comfortable in the water, the pool’s a suitable temperature, and you stay close by throughout.
In this blog post, we’ll cover when babies can go swimming, what to check before their first session, and what gear to bring, to ensure an smooth start to your baby’s swimming journey.
At Bluecoat Sports, we’re proud to offer swimming sessions for babies and children. Learn more about our children’s swimming lessons and book a class today.
What age can you take your baby swimming?
It’s common to start baby swimming lessons around 6 months of age, although some programmes, including our own drop-in sessions, accept newborn babies from as young as 3 months. Babies should only start swimming once they’re physically ready and have developed some basic skills.
Our Waterbabes drop-in sessions welcome babies from 3 months to 18 months. As your baby grows into a toddler, we also offer more structured term-based sessions from 18 months to 3 years, and preschool lessons from age 3 that build proper swimming technique ahead of school-age lessons.
Do you need to wait for vaccinations before taking your baby swimming?
This is a common question, and it’s a simple one to answer: no, you don’t need to wait. NHS guidance confirms babies can swim before and after vaccinations, and it doesn’t matter if they haven’t completed their full course yet.
The one exception is if your baby is feverish, irritable or generally under the weather after a jab, which happens occasionally. In that case, it’s worth giving them a few days to recover before their next swim rather than pushing ahead with a session.
Things to consider before baby swim lessons
There are a few things to consider before your baby’s first time in the swimming pool.
Physical development
Before you take your baby swimming, it’s worth checking they have certain physical abilities. These include holding their head up, sitting up on their own, and moving their arms and legs. Once your baby has reached these milestones, it’s safe to start swimming.
Safety
Safety should always be the number one priority when it comes to your baby swimming. Your child must always be supervised and supported when in the swimming pool, regardless of their swimming ability. As young babies are less able to regulate their body temperature than older children, it’s important that the water is a suitable temperature and well-maintained and clean.
At Bluecoat Sports, our 25m pool is kept at the perfect temperature for young children to enjoy the water and learn to swim.
Swimming gear
A few essential pieces of gear will make your baby’s first swimming sessions much easier:
- A swim nappy, either disposable or a reusable one with a close-fitting waterproof outer layer. Regular nappies aren’t designed for water and will swell up.
- A properly fitting swimming costume, to avoid any accidents in the pool.
- A warm layer, such as a padded baby wetsuit, since babies can lose heat quickly, especially in cooler water.
- A hooded towel, for a warm wrap-up straight after the session.
It’s important to come equipped with these to any baby swimming session.
After your swim
A little aftercare makes a big difference. Babies lose body heat quickly once they’re out of the water, so have a dry towel ready and get them wrapped up and warm straight away. Pool water can also dry out a baby’s skin, so it’s worth rinsing them off as soon as you reasonably can, and applying a bit more moisturiser than usual to keep their skin comfortable.
Baby swimming classes
Many parents enrol their babies in swimming lessons at an early age to help them gain water confidence and learn water safety skills.
At Bluecoat Sports, our parent and baby swimming lessons are supervised by our friendly and experienced Swim Instructors. With your support, these sessions help your baby build confidence in the warm water and develop swimming skills.
The infant swimming lessons will teach babies to:
- Adapt to and discover the water
- Jump in the pool
- Submerge and hold their breath underwater
- Try assisted floating
- Try supported kicking
- Try independent kicking
- Water safety
Enjoying your baby’s first swim
Swimming can be a great way for babies and parents to bond, but it’s important to make sure your baby is physically and developmentally ready before taking them in the water. By following basic safety guidelines, investing in the right gear, and considering swimming lessons, you can help your baby have a positive and safe first swimming experience.
Always remember to supervise your baby closely and consult your paediatrician if you have any concerns. With these tips in mind, you can enjoy the water with your little one and create fun memories together!
Start baby swimming lessons in Horsham today!
Get started in the pool safely with our wide range of junior swim lessons. Simply view our pool timetable and book onto our parent & baby drop-in sessions via our online timetable.
