Swimming for babies

Babies have been in fluid in the womb for nine months so are comfortable in the water almost from the minute they are born as long as they feel safe. We have worked with the National Association of Paediatricians to develop this guidance on the best way to introduce your baby to swimming.

Fun at bathtime

You can use bath time as a way to get used to the water. Keep bath time short, reassure your baby by smiling, talking to them and maintaining eye contact.

From an early age babies will instinctively move arms and legs when immersed in water and you can use this to make them familiar with feeling supported and feel water on their face.

Moving to the swimming pool

The best age for babies to start pool activities is around four to six months.  If you take them swimming before four months they can become chilled very easily and because of differences in physical maturity, it is best to check with your health visitor before you start any adult and child programme.

To make the activity pleasurable for both you and your baby try to:

• Always submerge your baby to shoulder level. Babies out of the water will soon become cold.
• Watch your baby’s face so it does not fall below the water and so you can monitor their reactions.
• Keep moving – your baby becomes aware that by moving their arms and legs they will stay afloat.

We have developed the National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) to take children through their first splash to full competence in the water.

We have two schemes, Duckling and Swim a Song, that work as a ‘foundation’ level and look specifically at developing early years water confidence through ‘adult and child’ and ‘pre-school’ sessions. The emphasis is upon development of very basic motor skills and introduction to water and the swimming environment through fun and games.

Our ‘Duckling’ Awards reward your youngster for the progress they are making. From just £1.50 you can buy certificates and badges to mark their achievements and motivate them onto the next level. CLICK HERE to find out more. 

Total Swimming, a partner of the asa, also runs a ‘Swim a Song’ that parents can use to teach their youngsters water safety and movement through structured play and exercise to music. The new Swim a Song parents pack include a CD of 32 songs, an explanatory booklet, a sticker sheet & progress chart and a towel.