swimfaq

Does baby need to have any vaccinations before swimming?
The current directive from the Department of Health is “your baby does not need any immunisations
before they go swimming” (www.immunisation.org.uk), but if you are in any doubt then please ask
your GP or health visitor for advice. If you are starting your baby off swimming when very young,
then ensure baby’s cord has healed before taking him into the water.

At what age can my baby or toddler start lessons?
Babies can start swimming from birth.

Do I use armbands for my baby?
No, we only use swimming aids for support as they tend to hinder development, interfering with
a baby’s ability to feel their own natural buoyancy. Babies can develop a dependency on swimming
aids and toddlers can become overconfident when using them. Some armbands and swimseats
restrict movement and inhibit baby’s alignment for swimming.

How soon will my baby learn to swim?
We will not be teaching your baby to swim as they are far too young for that. The emphasis will be
on making your baby relaxed and comfortable in the water and on making sure baby can turn onto
his/her back and hold onto the side of the pool. Until their second year babies lack the strength and
control to surface for a breath on their own.

What if I can’t swim?
The lessons will be held in a pool depth where you will be comfortable to stand and hold your baby
and you can still enjoy swimming with your baby using flotation aids for support. The most important
thing is that you can be positive, relaxed and confident enough in the water to send the right message
to your baby.

Will my baby be submerged?
Only if baby wants to and is ready to be submerged will I allow a full submersion. Structured
submersions are carefully supervised and are only ever for a few seconds at a time. Most babies
enjoy the freedom of going underwater, particularly if they are having fun with you in sight and don’t
forget how much they learn by imitation. Also, the number of submersions we do each session are
restricted.

Is it safe for my baby to be submerged?
Absolutely. When a baby under 6 months goes underwater their ‘gag reflex’ kicks in – the epiglottis
closes over and blocks the trachea so that no water can get through. With older babies we have to
teach them breath-holding.

I don’t like going under water, do I have to?
Don’t worry! Although I do promote underwater swimming it is not the main focus of the lessons.
If you don’t want to go under water, you don’t have to – the lessons are designed to be fun so there
is no pressure to do anything that you are not entirely happy with.

What if my baby doesn’t seem to enjoy it or cries?
Babies do cry and this is perfectly normal, so don’t worry. Everyone in the class has a baby too so
it is perfectly acceptable and everyone understands. Try to establish if there is a reason why your
baby is unhappy – are they tired, hungry, too cold/warm or unwell? It may take a while for your
baby to become familiar to the new surroundings, but try to relax as if you are tense your baby
will be too!

Unless your baby is seriously distressed, try to avoid getting out of the pool as we want them to
associate water with fun. If you feel you want to move away from the class then fine, move away
and play a game or sing a song and join back in when you are both ready.

What if my baby is ill?
If you or your baby have any of the following then please do not bring them to the pool and avoid
swimming until it has completely cleared:

Any form of ear, nose, throat, eye or chest infection
Any form of infectious disease (such as chicken pox)
Sickness and/or diarrhoea

Please allow sufficient time before returning to the pool after any period of sickness or diarrhoea to
ensure that is has completely cleared.

Please avoid bringing your baby to a class for 48 hours after having any immunisation.

If your baby is receiving any form of medical treatment then please seek the advice of your GP or
Health Visitor before attending a class.

Swimming is unlikely to worsen any common ailments such as colds and sniffles, but just remember
your or your baby simply may not feel up to it.

Is there anything I can do at home to prepare my baby?
The family bath is the best way to introduce a newborn baby to water in the comfort of your own home
and at a time that suits you both.

Ideally the temperature of the water should be between 30-32 degrees and the air temperature about
25 – 27 degrees.

Sit in the bath with your knees up and lay your baby on its back against your legs. Gently splash baby’s
tummy and let them experience being in the water with you.

Place baby on his back with his head against your chest. Place your hands gently under the head and
let your baby float with his ears just submerged.

In the same position/hold move baby backwards and forwards so that he can feel the movement
through the water.

Whilst cradling baby in your arms in the water, use a flannel or sponge to drizzle water over his head
and face or use your hand to pour a palm full of water over his head.

Sing songs together to encourage hand and feet movements such as “if you’re happy and you know
it” or “the wheels on the bus” and clap, splash and kick with your baby to the various verses.