Q: When can I take my baby swimming?
A: You can take your baby swimming from approx 10 weeks old, sometimes younger.

Q: Will my baby need its vaccinations?
A: It is not necessary to have all vaccinations before taking your baby swimming however it is important to use a baby swimming approved school.
The following is an extract from the NHS Direct website (http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleid=1035) :
'Babies can be taken swimming at any age. It doesn’t matter if they haven’t yet completed their course of immunisations. The management of some leisure facilities suggest that babies shouldn’t go swimming until they have had all of their jabs. This advice dates back to the time when polio was common, and people were concerned it would spread in busy places like public swimming pools.
Sometimes babies experience side effects after the MMR vaccine. These are generally quite mild, and should not prevent you taking your baby swimming. Babies who are feverish, or who get a mild form of mumps in the weeks after the vaccine, may not feel up to swimming for a few days.'

Q: Won't my baby swallow or breathe in water?
A: A babies natural 'gag' reflex prevents water entering a babies lungs or stomach. It doesn't sound very nice but is a perfectly natural phenomenom. This is why you often see photos of babies 'swimming' under the water. This is entirely natural to a baby who will not 'choke' on the water but simply the reflex closes the larynx and oesophagus automatically to prevent water being swallowed or breathed in.

This reflex can last anywhere up until 6 to 18 months and if children start swimming lessons early enough, this natural reflex can become a learned reflex.

Konfidence recommends taking your baby to a qualified/registered swim centre to be taught how to teach your child to swim underwater. Always keep babies and children under responsible adult supervision. If in doubt, ask someone who knows!

Q: Will my baby be scared?
A: Babies are naturally comfortable around water up to approx 15 months old. If they are introduced to water from a young age they maintain this confidence in water as they get older. Properly organised baby swimming classes gently introduce babies to water.

Q: Why should I take my baby swimming?
A: Swimming is an incredibly healthy activity and it is recognised that the physical development gained by the reduced gravity exercise in water is excellent and the emotional development of being close to babies parent is extremely worthwhile.

Q: Won't my baby get cold?
A: Swimming pools catering for babies under 24 months are required to maintain a pool temperature of 32 degrees Celsius however this is not always the case. Many parents buy a baby warming 'wetsuit' to help maintain babies body temperature. These are really useful also as they provide a grippy surface to hold onto baby and a small amount of buoyancy from the neoprene material. We also recommend babies and children get the opportunity to swim without their Babywarma so they can experience the different sensations that come with swimming! Maybe spend half the lesson with it on and half with it off? Its up to you!

Q: When shouldn't I take my baby swimming?
A: You should not take your baby swimming immediately after eating. It is best to allow at least an hour or two for digestion. If your baby has an upset tummy it is also best not to go swimming for at least 24 hours after baby has recovered