Your baby’s first swimming lesson is an exciting time, even if a little bit daunting! To put yourself and baby at ease, we’ve compiled this list of top tips for how to prepare for your baby’s first swimming lesson.
- Introduce your baby to water at home first
Babies will thrive in their lessons far more if they are already comfortable with water at home. There are a number of ways to introduce your baby to water through bathing and showering. The most important thing is to make sure they are as comfortable as possible with having water over their face and being in water before entering the swimming pool. Read our blog on How to Introduce your Baby to Water [link to other blog post] for our best guidance on doing this at home.
- Wear a t-shirt in the swimming pool
By wearing a t-shirt in the pool, you’re giving baby something to grip and grasp on to which will give them a feeling of safety. Be one step ahead and pack this in with your swimming gear when you’re getting ready at home.
- Arrange your locker strategically
There’s nothing fun about trying to rummage through a locker whilst juggling a wet and cold baby in one arm and dripping water over your dry clothes! Be prepared when you put your belongings in the locker and make sure to keep towels at the top for ease of access. This helps minimise stress and to makes sure your little one is as comfortable as possible after leaving the pool.
- Have patience
Babies’ motor skills aren’t developed enough to properly learn to swim. Instead, they will “travel” through the water. Whilst it might not seem like a huge achievement, it’s a great water-based activity for babies to go on and learn how to swim once they are developed enough, also giving them the confidence in the water to continue learning. So have a little bit of patience with your baby, they’re learning excellent skills as a foundation for swimming and water safety.
If you’re anxious about your baby’s first swimming lesson then don’t be afraid to let us know! You’ll likely be surrounded by other parents who may very well be as nervous as you. Don’t hesitate to contact us or reach out to other parents in our Facebook group [link: https://www.facebook.com/SwimSproutsUK]. Our instructors will be glad to put your mind at ease.
Book in for your baby swimming lessons at Donaldson’s School, Linlithgow with Swim Sprouts today by contacting us on 0743 687 5047 or info@swimsprouts.com. You can view our [classes timetable here link: https://swimsprouts.com/donaldsons-school/]. Our baby and toddler swimming lessons are ideal for anyone based in or near Linlithgow, Stirling or Falkirk.
