When it comes to baby swimming lessons, every parent wants the best for their little one. We want to help you with your research and make sure you choose the best swim school for you! Teaching your child to swim is a life skill and an investment, so take the time to make sure you get it right.
Why swimming lessons for babies matter
Swimming, whether in a lesson or on your own with your child, is one of the most amazing experiences you can share with your baby! After spending nine months in the womb babies have a natural affinity with water and a warm pool is a comforting, natural transition for your little one.
Babies can be taken swimming from birth, they do not need to have completed their injections and very young babies love the freedom, massage and gentle exercise that the water offers.
The benefits to both parent and baby of swimming together are immense – supporting skin and eye contact, being fun and socially stimulating, and a wonderful way to relax and spend time with your child.
Lessons for your baby come with many additional benefits but there are lots of different types of lessons available and it is important to choose the right one for you and your little one.
Key factors to consider
💦 Think about what you want to get out of your swim – some classes only provide a safe, supported environment for you to have fun with your child in the water whilst, in addition, others start on a progressive programme to teach your child to swim.
💦 Ask what training the teachers have – To teach baby swimming in the UK, instructors typically need to hold either the STA Baby and Pre-School Swimming Award or the SEQ Level 2 Teaching Swimming to Babies and Toddlers as a minimum qualification. They should also have further training ensuring they are equipped for poolside emergencies such as pool rescue, first aid and CPR. Some swim schools then require teachers to complete their own in-house training before teaching independently and may provide a mentor who will assess and guide them, as well as provide support in adapting activities to meet the needs of an individual child.
Techniques and best practices in baby swimming are continually evolving so if it's important to you to get the most up to date knowledge choose a swim school that supports ongoing teacher training, embraces innovation, and includes experts in early years aquatic education within their team.
💦 Ensure you have an understanding of the class structure within the swim schools you consider. Are they classed by ability or age? Can you follow your child’s progress? Do you understand their swim journey and what your child’s next step may be?
💦 Find out about the pool and quality of the facilities. For very young babies the temperature of the pool should ideally be over 30 degrees. In cooler pools you should be recommended to wear a warm suit and in hydrotherapy pools (which are typically much warmer) be advised that a warm suit would be too warm. The temperature of the pool is typically the first difference you would notice between attending a leisure centre pool versus a gym or private facility.
💦 Many good swim schools will offer a free trial - this allows you to see the facilities and location of the pool, either view or join a class to get a true feel of the lessons, meet the teachers and ask any questions you may have before you commit financially. This can be valuable; particularly if you are anxious about taking your baby in the water or attending classes on your own.
💦Don’t be afraid to ask questions to the customer service team – along your child’s swimming journey you will have questions or queries and a confidence in the team from the start is a good sign that this will continue. They can usually advise on any questions you may have or find out the answer and get back to you. Knowing where to go and who to ask will be important as well as knowing of any other communication methods they use such as customer newsletters or social media.
💦 Find out what would happen if you were unable to make a class. Children can get ill, or you may book a holiday. Some swim schools would provide you with the opportunity to use the class you missed at another time, others may operate on a pay-as-you-go basis whilst in some cases you would lose out on the class you have missed.
💦 Class prices will vary enormously! Less structured classes may include mixed ages and needs and will often provide some toys in the water for you and your child to play with and allow you to use the time to do your own thing. Structured classes will be taught by highly qualified instructors with experts writing programmes and updates. These elements make a huge difference to your child’s comfort, enjoyment, and progress but, of course, they all come with associated costs.
💦 Take time to read reviews on the schools you are looking at or ask for recommendations from friends or family. A true reflection of the class will give you a balanced opinion overall, and a recommendation from a friend may even get you a booking discount!
Types of programmes
The types of programme offered will again vary from school to school but this should be clear information that allows you to see which class or level your baby or child will start in, the progress they can expect to make and an idea of the journey their swimming will take them on.
Some schools will have a water familiarity approach where you and your child can enjoy the water together in a relaxed environment without it being a formal class, others will have a set out programme that you and your baby will move through and progress.
Swimming with babies of a similar age means that the activities should be perfect for your child’s natural ability and development which will allow them to progress at a natural level. Being in a class with child of varied mixed ages where teachers must constantly adapt activities to suit varied abilities can slow the level of progress you will see in your child.
Swim schools may offer some underwater swimming for babies & pre-school children and you should be aware of the approach taken on this by your chosen school and make sure you are comfortable with this for your child. Some swim schools promote adult-led submersions whilst others feel this is not best practice and focus more on being child-led where submersions only take place when a baby or child shows they are ready. A more guided learning approach will encourage your child to build up confidence and make small steps first, such as making bubbles in the water, or putting their face into the water and ensure they are happy before they are submerged.
The best types of programmes for babies and young children to learn are full of carefully designed but simple activities, gentle submersions, and songs to provide gentle simulation and an effective way to communicate. Repetition is fun, reassuring and promotes learning.
Tips to make lessons fun and stress free
💦 Take your time to look at all the information you have been given about the pool you have chosen - location, parking, changing spaces and any pool specific information such as how to access certain buildings or areas.
💦Pack a large bag for belongings and easy-to-wear clothes for changing. Take a towel poolside to wrap your child up as soon as they get out to keep them warm.
For small babies, take two towels - one for as soon as they get out of the water and another to keep them warm and dry while you change.
Older children often find onesies the perfect clothing to put on after a swim!
💦If your child is in nappies, make sure you pack a spare and are aware of any nappy requirements – many swim schools will require a swim nappy with a neoprene over nappy on the top to ensure everything is secure.
💦Don't forget your own swimwear if you are required to go in the water with your child (this is often up to the age of 4)
💦Thoroughly dry your child after swimming, especially ears to prevent infections and dry hair thoroughly, especially in colder months. Slightly tip your child's head to each side to ensure the water drains.
💦In colder weather, bring a warm hat for your child to wear after leaving their lessons.
💦Bring a snack and a drink for after your lesson.
💦Finally, have fun!!!
Make a confident choice for your baby
Choosing the right baby swim school is more than just booking a class—it’s an investment in your child’s safety, development, and future love for the water. Take the time to explore your options, ask questions, and go with the programme that aligns with your parenting style and your baby’s needs.
And remember, this is a journey you and your baby can enjoy together - whether it’s holding your baby in the water for their first float or cheering them on as they kick and splash, your support helps them develop a love for swimming that can last a lifetime.