Taking your little one to their first swim lesson is an exciting milestone! At Water Babies, we understand you may feel a mix of excitement and nerves, especially if it’s your baby’s first time in the pool. To help you feel prepared and confident, we’ve put together some top-tips on how to get ready for your baby’s first swimming lesson. From what to pack to the best tips for getting changed before and after swimming, we’ve got you covered.  

1. Before your first lesson

Don’t forget to check your emails so you can be fully prepared. Your booking on email will include everything there is to know about your pool location such as parking options, how to access the pool, door codes etc.

Small Feed Before Travelling: For infants we recommend feeding them one hour before the lesson - just keep it a light one. For toddlers we suggest leaving at least one hour between their last meal and their lesson.

Leave Home Early: Get your bag ready in advance, so you’ll only need to quickly double-check the contents before leaving. Give yourself plenty of time to drive to the venue and park or check public transport routes before leaving home. We recommend arriving around 15 to 20 minutes before your class, so you can get ready without feeling rushed. This will also give you and your little one the chance to settle in and get your baby accustomed to the new environment before the lesson.

2. Getting your baby used to the water

There are many things you can do to get your little one familiar with water a few weeks before you start swimming with us. On our YouTube channel, you’ll find practical videos demonstrating right away, whether you’re learning in the sink, bath or pool! We recommend starting with some basics yet helpful exercises, such as practicing “Name, are you ready, go” or “Kicking your legs”. 

Making bath time extra fun to enforce positive associations with water can be  beneficial when getting your little one ready for their first swim lesson. Songs play a key role during Water Babies lessons, encouraging movement and creating an atmosphere of learning through play. We find songs help engage little ones and feel at ease in the water, while making lessons even more fun and enjoyable! You’ll learn lots of new exciting songs in lessons, but in the meantime, any nursery rhyme or their favourite music will work!

3. Set-up your ‘My Water Babies’ portal account 

Another way to feel prepared is to create your ‘My Water Babies’ account, a personalized portal which contains a digital experience of your swimming journey with us. You’ll be able to see when your first lesson is and any vacation dates, what Water Babies Treasures you’ll be collecting in lessons, and what skills you’ll be progressing towards in your Swimvincible Team. You’ll be able to fully immerse yourself into your Water Babies journey, at the click of a button. 

If you haven’t created an account yet, not to worry! Just click here to get started. 

4. Packing for your baby’s swimming lessons

On the big day, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need before heading to the pool. To help you and your little one getting ready, here’s a checklist of essentials to pack for your first baby swimming lesson: 

4.2 Swim Diaper: All water babies must wear the Double Layer Diaper System, which means a swim diaper underneath their Happy Nappy or Jammers.

4.3 Baby Wetsuit: We always make sure you’re in the right temperature pool for your little one, but each baby feels the cold differently, so while not required, you might want to add a baby wetsuit to keep your little one warm for longer. We recommend starting with the Baby Wrap to keep the core body warm, which is the easiest wetsuit in our collection to put on! Otherwise, the fleece-lined Warm in One is a great option as a full-body baby wetsuit, including long arms and legs. And if you prefer a baby wetsuit with the Happy Nappy already built-in for extra convenience, then browse our Happy Nappy Wetsuit range.

4.4 Towels: A soft, absorbent towel is essential to dry your baby (and yourself) after your swim. Changing rooms can be quite chilly, especially for little babies, so make sure you can wrap them up snugly and securely in a towel as soon as they're out of the pool. Hooded towels are especially convenient, minimizing fuss and making the transition from pool to changing area smoother.  

4.5 Changing Mat: A portable changing mat will give you a clean and safe surface to change your baby. Here you can find our Twinkle Waterproof Changing Mat, specially designed for swimming lessons. Made of neoprene, they’re flexible, easy to fold, and slip proof. 

 

4.6 Your Own Swim Gear: Don’t forget to pack your own swimwear and a towel for yourself. Some carers prefer to put on their swimsuit at home and wear it under their clothes to save time and hassle. Just don’t forget to take underwear when getting changed after your swim! Throwing a spare pair of socks can also come quite handy, just in case they get wet. 

4.7 Goggles: Babies don’t need swim goggles, but if you don’t want to miss a single bit of your little one’s swimming journey, you definitely will! You’re welcome to bring your own pair or, if you don’t have any, we have different options available which you can purchase from your local office or here on our online store. Never borrow swim goggles from someone else, as there’s a risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis (or pink-eye)!  

4.8 Warm Hat: A warm hat is a winter essential after swimming lessons, but for infants, it’s a must-have year-round. Babies’ heads and ears are especially sensitive to temperature changes and can cool down quickly, so keeping them cozy with a hat helps protect their comfort and well-being.

4.9 Snacks & Water: Swimming is great for building an appetite, so pack a light snack and a drink for after the lesson. This can be bottled milk or, for babies over 6 months, something easy to eat on the way home, like rice cakes, cereal bars or some fruit.

5: Additional Tips for a Great First Experience

Stay Relaxed: Babies can pick up on your emotions, so try to stay calm and positive. A relaxed attitude will help your baby feel safe and happy in the water. Try to remain patient after your lesson too, in order to support positive associations with the new pool routine.

Follow your Teacher’s Lead: Our teachers are experienced in guiding carers and babies through their first swimming lesson. They’ll provide you with tips and support throughout the class, so don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Enjoy the Moment: Your baby’s first swim lesson is a special experience. Take a deep breath, enjoy the bonding time, and have fun watching your little one explore the water.

 At Water Babies, we’re here to make your baby’s swimming journey as joyful and stress-free as possible. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful first swim lesson. We look forward to seeing you and your baby at the pool!