Getting ready for your lesson
We’re so excited to welcome you to the Water Babies family.
Now you’re all booked on, let’s get you and your baby ready to start swimming with us. We’ve got everything covered for you to prepare and enjoy your first lesson and beyond with us.
Getting your baby used to the water
There are lots of things you can do to get your little one familiar with water before you start your lesson, so you’ll feel just as confident as they do on the big day.
One of them is visiting a pool ahead of your lesson. You don’t have to be there long, but getting them used to the atmosphere – the sights, sounds and smells – will put them even more at ease before their first lesson.
Water Babies only swim in pools which have been heated to at least 29 C.
- If your baby is under 12 weeks or under 12lbs any pool you swim in will be a minimum temperature of 32 C.
- Older babies can swim in 30 C pools.
- Toddlers under 2 years can swim in 29 C pools, so long as they are wearing a wetsuit
Learn online
You can build your baby’s water confidence, wherever you are. Our Water Babies Learn Series is a free resource for you to enjoy and help to start building your baby’s water confidence from birth.
Our highly-qualified teachers pass on their knowledge and expertise through our practical videos, which show you key skills you can do with your little one, wherever you are.
Whether you’re learning in the sink, bath, or swimming pool, there’s a video for you.
What to bring
We’ve got everything you need ready for your first lesson, so you feel prepared ahead of getting in the pool.
- Happy Nappy DUO. Your little one will need a either a Happy Nappy DUO, or Happy Nappy with a reuseable swim nappy underneath.
- Towel. One for your little one and one for you.
- Changing mat. Our Bubba changing mat is perfect and means you can change your little one easily, wherever you are.
- Warm hat. Little heads get cold easily after swimming.
- Swimwear for you. Many customers arrive to our lessons ‘beach ready’ so all they need to do is change their little ones when they get to their lessons.
- Snacks and a drink for on the way home. Swimming is great for building an appetite.
A digital experience
Immerse yourself into your swimming journey with us, stay updated on your little one’s progress, track milestones & badges, and access important class information all in one place.
Inside Your ‘My Water Babies’ Portal:
- See how your little one progresses and what skills they’re learning.
- Track the Water Babies Treasures they collect along the way.
- Stay informed about holiday dates and lesson schedules.
- Access all your class details, including session times and teacher information.
- Find helpful resources with tips, safety guides, and swimming insights.
- Easily create your account once you book onto lessons.
FAQs
We know that taking your baby swimming can be daunting. We’re here to support you both, from booking your lessons right through to the pool. Find quick and clear answers to any queries you may have about Water Babies. From booking your first lesson to what to bring with you, we’ve got you covered so you feel confident and prepared.
If there’s anything else you’re unsure about, check your welcome email and your ‘My Water Babies’ portal for more information. And of course, do get in touch with your local office. They’re happy to help.
All you’ll need is comfortable swimwear and a towel!
Based on NHS guidelines, your baby doesn’t need vaccinations before getting into the pool. As soon as they’re ready, we’re ready. But if your little one is premature, it’s best to check with your health practitioner first.
It does depend on where you’re swimming. This is down to factors like the size of the pool, the viewing area of the pool and how comfortable all the other parents might be feeling. Our teacher will always check with the rest of the group first before giving consent for photos to be taken.
When little ones get a little fussy in the water, it might be because they’re a bit peckish. Feed them one hour before the lesson – just keep it a light one. With toddlers, we also suggest leaving an hour before their meal and lesson.
All of our pools have changing facilities suitable for you and your baby. Remember to bring your changing mat for your little one.
Water Babies badges are awarded at special celebratory Island badge weeks planned into our swimming calendar. There are three spread out evenly throughout each swimming year, which are collected on the way to achieving each Team Swimvincible badge.
Carers and babies should be ready to start swimming as soon as the lesson before has finished. But, we recommend you arrive at least fifteen minutes before your class, so you can feel nice and comfortable and relaxed before getting in.
How our lessons work
Supportive lessons
With a maximum of 10 little ones, a carer per child and one of our teachers in the pool in each lesson.
30 minutes long
Lessons take place each week, so it’s a wonderful way to bond with your baby away from the craziness of life.
Have fun!
Skills are taught through song, play and repetition, so there’s never a dull moment when you’re in the pool.
Tailored progress
Our teachers will tailor each lesson to your little one’s ability, so it’s only when they’re ready, we’re ready.
So what are you waiting for? The adventure awaits…
Discover your local class today.
