Baby Swimming Lessons

Swimming is a key life skill, especially when you live in NZ - an island nation with a vast coastline, not to mention all the rivers and lakes.

Taking your little one to swimming lessons can have many benefits including the physical (coordination, strength, and motor skills). It’s also a bonding opportunity for Mum, Dad or caregiver to have fun interactions with baby and create memories.

And of course, there’s the safety benefit. According to Water Safety NZ, one of the leading causes of death for the under-fives in New Zealand is drowning. Introducing your baby to swimming lessons can be a fantastic way to help them develop water safety skills as well as confidence.

Start them young

Babies spend their first nine months of existence floating in a pool of warm liquid, so reintroducing them to water is something of an instinctive experience.

A good first step to developing water confidence in babies is making bath time engaging and enjoyable. If, with lots of positive reinforcement and support, you can get them used to having water trickling over their head and face, that’s a great start.

Swimming lessons

Once they’re six months old, babies can go to water safety lessons at a public pool

By this age

Their immune system will have developed enough give them protection from bugs in the pool water
They’re better able to cope with the changes in temperature
They’ll have the necessary head control to keep their head above water
Their ears will be better able to deal with water if it gets in.

Baby swimming classes are less about learning to swim and more about water familiarisation and confidence. Over time they’ll start to make progress towards essential water safety skills, including how to float, kick, and hold their breath.

Generally with baby swim classes, Mum or Dad (or grandparent or other caregiver) gets in the pool too, joining in to help build bub’s confidence and keeping things fun with interactive play. It’s likely to start with gentle splashing and activities that encourage movement through the water.

Tips for swimming lessons

Family changing rooms are great and, if there's room, take your stroller. If you get your little one changed, they can then sit in the stroller while you get changed.
Swimming will use up lots of energy – make sure you’ve got what you need to re-fuel them afterwards, whether it's a breast or bottle feed, or a snack
Changes in temperature can be hard on little ones – make sure you dress them warmly for the trip out to the car in colder weather.
If possible, bring along an extra person to help, it can make all the difference especially if you have both a baby and an older child having lessons.

What you need

Babies will need a swim nappy. These reusable ones offer an adjustable fit from baby to toddler and are machine washable.
When choosing swimwear, opt for chlorine-resistant swimsuits for girls and boys that offer 50+ sun protection so they work for the pool or beach
A towel Hooded towel or robe can be great for getting them warm and dry quickly
A padded change mat is great to have when faced with a damp changing room
Dry clothes and spare nappies to keep everyone snug and happy post-swim.

Be Safe

Always be aware of the dangers for little ones around water – be that the bath, beach or pool. Never leave them unattended. Babies and toddlers should always be within arms’ reach when you’re in or around water - don’t rely on flotation aids like air rings or armbands.

Be alert to hazards in your environment. Swimming pools and spas must be fenced to NZ Standards. Consider also ponds, water features and paddling pools that might be a danger to a curious little one.