Baby swimming is one activity you can do with your baby from birth. You can either take your baby to a quiet warm pool on your own or join a local Baby Swimming Class.

Newborn Babies feel very at home with water mainly because they’ve spent 9 months floating in the womb. However, this early confidence usually fades with time, so it is good to start them young.
If you choose not to join a class and your baby is under six months, make sure you go to a quiet small pool so it is not too noisy and the pool should be heated to about 32 degrees C. Big, public pools are too cold for young babies.
 
If you join a class you can expect friendly, small classes where your baby can experience the freedom of movement and buoyancy that the water naturally offers. As they grow your child will be gaining a stronger back and greater head control, giving them the opportunity to learn more; they will especially love splashing and blowing bubbles.

Benefits of Baby Swimming - Why is Baby Swimming so good?

• During the lesson your baby will experience Skin-to-skin contact with you and that will naturally strengthen bonding. Your baby's health & development will benefit as each lesson provides a complete physical work-out, strengthening your baby's heart and lungs and aid development of the brain - including stimulating all 5 senses (taste, smell, touch, sight and sound).
• Warm water relaxes your baby and swimming stimulates their appetite. So the result is improved sleeping, eating patterns, and a happy baby!
• Introducing children to water at a very young age helps prevent a fear of water developing later and teaches the importance of water safety.
• It is a good opportunity for your baby to meet other babies and a good place for you to meet other parents and maybe have a coffee and chat after!

So why not give it a go, it’s never too early to take the plunge!

To find a Baby Swimming class and other baby activities near you, take a look at your local Small Steps Magazine or Local Events Calendar

Why not also take a look at other Baby Swimming Tips and other Baby Sensory activities.