Hello!

My 6 month old son is having his first swimming lesson this week. I’m not sure what to expect. I would imagine being his first time the lesson will be about having fun and getting used to being in water. What are other mums experiences with their little ones first swimming lesson.


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  • It’s all about getting comfortable with being in the water initially; connecting, songs and play are important


  • yes it’s about being in the water. don’t expect him to start kicking or blowing bubbles for at least 6 months! we were at the stage with both of our boys wondering whether they were ever going to be able to swim, then suddenly something twigged and they started doing all the things the teacher was trying to tell them. You’ll probably also get bored because the classes are very repetitive


  • Yes you’re right, it’s all about being in the water and feeling comfortable about doing so.


  • HAH – lots of really tight cuddles xxx


  • First lesson is always about getting used to the water; it is an introduction.


  • Its all about having fun and getting used to the water, learning to float and kick and everything else comes later. Just enjoy it, it is fun for both of you..


  • Expect to have lots of fun! Also expect that bub may not like it and may scream! You also have to put baby underwater, a bit scary at first, but they get used to it!
    You also have to expect crazy crowded change rooms! Lots of mums who take up lots of room! So, my advice is to take an outfit that is easy to change bub into. You maybe able to throw something over your own swimwear until you get home. Also, make sure you have a swim nappy…did you know, those disposable swim nappies can be rinsed out, hung out in the sun and used again!


  • Just getting used to the water and having fun.
    Then they will work getting the face wet and blowing bubbles.


  • Your baby may not like getting water in his ears because of the chemicals in it. If it is too strong it may irritate skin or cause a rash.
    If you baby also objects strongly to having his hair washed and protests if he gets water in his ears then too he could have what is called glue ear. Swimming instructors ask the parent to hold their baby upright and tip the water over your baby’s head.


  • He would start loving water. And that’s enough in this age I guess.


  • One thing is to make sure your baby doesn’t get too cold in the water even if it is supposed to be heated. I have seen babies come out of the heated pool blue, shivering and crying.


  • When i took my 2 boys at 6 months it was and still is about getting the kid used to being in water. You are holding them the whole time and doing certain actvities to make it fun. You can always practice and help bubs in the bath by tipping water over their face . With my 6 month old now, i say ‘ ready 1 2 3 ‘ & on number 3 i tip water on her face. Do this a couple of times and bubs will get used to closing their mouth and eyes and hold their breath. If you are comfortable and happy near or in water with them than they’ll to feel safe and happy.


  • i think given bub is only 6 months old you couldn’t possibly have as bad as a reaction as I had with my 2 year old who screamed her lungs out for the first 4 lessons… it’s much easier when they are younger from what I’ve seen. But mostly it’s be about getting them used to having water over their faces to prepare them for going under the water as they progress through the lessons and also about helping them relax in the water… where I take my daughter they actually sing lullabies to the little bubs and move them about the water to help keep them calm and relaxed. that way they also learn to build up trust with the instructor too.


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