When can I start swimming with my baby?

(POGP 2018)

(POGP 2018)

(NHS 2016)

What will I need to take to my baby’s swimming class?

A warm bottle for after the swim if you’re bottle-feeding.

A soft towel, preferably one with a hood, or a towelling dressing gown.

A snack if your baby has started solids. Swimming makes babies hungry.

A few of your baby's bath toys to encourage a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

A changing mat and nappy bag.

A snuggly hat to pop on your baby’s head after the swim.

How do I keep my baby safe in the water?

Make sure the pool is warm enough. If necessary, ask the pool attendants to check the temperature for you. Babies under six months need a temperature of about 32 degrees C, if they’re not in a baby wetsuit. Lower him in the water until it reaches his shoulders, and keep him moving about, so that he stays warm.

As soon as your baby starts to shiver, get him out of the pool and wrap him up warmly. Babies lose heat more quickly than adults, so they shouldn't stay in the pool for too long (ROSPA 2015) .

. Start off with sessions of 10 minutes and build up to 20 minutes. If your baby is under a year old, limit your time in the water to 30 minutes maximum.

If your baby has a bad cold, a temperature or seems unwell, don't go swimming (ROSPA 2015) . Also, your baby shouldn't swim with a tummy bug and shouldn't go swimming until he has been clear of symptoms for at least 48 hours

. Also, your baby shouldn't swim with a tummy bug and shouldn't go swimming until he has been clear of symptoms for at least 48 hours If your baby has a skin complaint, check with your GP to make sure that the chlorine won't irritate him (ROSPA 2015) . Always rinse the chlorinated water off your baby after swimming and apply a moisturiser all over his skin, especially if he has dry skin or eczema (NES 2018) .

I'm taking my baby to the pool on my own. Any tips?

(ROSPA 2018)

When you get in the pool, hold your baby close and keep eye contact with him.

When you feel more confident, try extending your arms and swishing your baby around.

Talk to him and praise him all the time.

Let your baby splash and play with his bath toys. Throw one a few feet across the pool and "zoom" him through the water to retrieve it.

Put your mouth under water and show your baby how to blow bubbles. This is an important lesson for him, as he can't inhale water if he is blowing. If your baby is very young, blow a toy across the water and get him to blow it back or at least copy you blowing.

When he can sit up, put him on the side of the pool and sing "Humpty Dumpty". When you get to the line "Humpty Dumpty had a great fall" lift him down into the water with a splash.

Lay him on his back with his head resting on your shoulder. Encourage him to kick his legs.

How active should my child be? Find out how you can encourage your little one to be more energetic. More baby videos

Can I take my baby swimming even if I can’t swim?

What happens at baby swimming classes?

(Cluett et al 2018)

How do I find out about baby swimming lessons?

Last reviewed: May 2018

References Cluett et al. 2018. Immersion in water in labour and birth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews [Accessed May 2018].



NES. 2018. Factsheet: Eczema and swimming National Eczema Society. [PDF accessed May 2018]



NHS Choices. 2016. Can my baby go swimming before or after vaccinations? NHS Choices, Common health questions [Accessed May 2018]



POGP. 2018. Fit for the future: essential exercises and advice after childbirth. Pelvic, Obstetric and Gynaecological Physiotherapy. POGP booklet [Accessed May 2018]



ROSPA. 2015. Taking children swimming. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents [Accessed May 2018]

Experts advise that you wait at least seven days after any bleeding after the birth (lochia) has ended, before you go swimming. This usually takes around six weeks. If you go sooner, there’s a chance you could pick up an infection.If you’ve had a caesarean section or a perineal tear , your health visitor or GP may recommend that you wait longer than six weeks, usually until after your postnatal checkEven if you gave birth with no intervention or tears, you will experience some bleeding as your body gets rid of the lining of your womb (uterus) after birth.However, your baby can go swimming at any time from birth, although most baby swimming classes start at six weeks . If you’re keen for your baby to be introduced to swimming before he’s six weeks old, your partner or someone else can take him.Some private baby swimming classes start as early as four weeks . There's no need to wait until your baby is immunised before taking him to a pool.If your baby is younger than six months old, look for a pool that's heated to about 32 degrees C. It's best to go to baby swimming lessons in warm pools. Big, public pools are often a few degrees colder. If you do decide to go to a public pool, you may want to invest in a baby wetsuit to keep your little one warm.Top of the list will be swim nappies . Accidents can happen! You can buy disposable and reusable swim nappies. Some private baby swimming classes ask that your baby wears a snug-fitting neoprene nappy as well as a swim nappy.Along with your own swimming costume and towel, you'll also need to pack:Start by getting your baby used to the water during bathtime . Having fun with toys, gently splashing water over his body and lying him on his back and moving him slowly through the water, will all help him feel more comfortable and happy.When you first visit a public pool, pick a time when it’s not too busy. Phone ahead to find out if there is pushchair access and changing tables. Ask a friend to come with you or join a parent-and-baby session. If you feel relaxed and confident, your baby will too.Try not to schedule swimming for times when your baby usually has a nap or a feed. Being grumpy, hungry or tired won’t help either of you to enjoy the experience! Pick a time when your baby is usually alert and has already had a feed.There are lots of things you can do to make swimming fun for your baby and help boost his confidence in the water:Yes, you can. You won’t need to do any swimming. You just need to be able to walk your baby round the pool. Even if you're not keen on being in the water, you can make sure your baby gets the benefits that come from learning to swim.You could try going for a few sessions on your own in your local pool before taking your baby with you. Or you could join a baby swimming class. This will boost your confidence as much as your baby’s, and is a great way to meet other parents Learning to enjoy the water with your baby will strengthen the bond between the two of you as well as making you feel more positive about swimming.Baby swim classes are usually made up of a small group of parents and babies. The classes are usually arranged by age. If you join a beginners' class it will be everyone else’s first time too. Some organisations also offer specific classes for babies who are premature or have additional needs.Baby swim teachers aim to make their sessions relaxed and fun, and to encourage learning through play . Young babies are born able to do primitive swimming strokes. Your teacher will build on these natural reflexes until your little one is completely happy moving in and through the water.Once the two of you are in the pool, hold your baby in a way that allows you to keep eye contact. Give him constant praise to build his confidence. Your support and encouragement helps him to feel safe and secure.Once your baby is confident in the pool, your teacher may encourage your baby to try swimming under water.It’s natural for you to feel anxious the first time you and your baby try this. Rest assured babies have a natural affinity with water. Plus, your baby's inbuilt gag reflex is generally strongest up to six months old . This reflex allows him to hold his breath under water without even thinking about itAsk whether your local pool does swimming classes or sessions for parents and babies.If you want to find out more about swimming with your baby, visit Swimming.org . Swimming.org is a national body and provides information for parents about swimming with babies and children.Alternatively, there are some organisations that offer baby swimming courses across the UK, and that may have classes in your area. You can visit their websites for more details:Plus, check out this great video from Water Babies that shows how to get started with baby swimming Discover how to find the best swim nappies for your baby, or get tips on taking your baby swimming in the sea