Getting ready for your lesson
We’re so excited to welcome you to the Water Babies family.
Now you’re all booked on, let’s get you and your baby ready to start swimming with us. We’ve got everything covered for you to prepare and enjoy your first lesson and beyond with us.
Getting your baby used to the water
There are lots of things you can do to get your little one familiar with water before you start your lesson, so you’ll feel just as confident as they do on the big day.
One of them is visiting a pool ahead of your lesson. You don’t have to be there long, but getting them used to the atmosphere – the sights, sounds and smells – will put them even more at ease before their first lesson.
Water Babies only swim in pools which have been heated to at least 29 C.
- If your baby is under 12 weeks or under 12lbs any pool you swim in will be a minimum temperature of 32 C.
- Older babies can swim in 30 C pools.
- Toddlers under 2 years can swim in 29 C pools, so long as they are wearing a wetsuit
Learn online
You can build your baby’s water confidence, wherever you are. Our Water Babies Learn Series is a free resource for you to enjoy and help to start building your baby’s water confidence from birth.
Our highly-qualified teachers pass on their knowledge and expertise through our practical videos, which show you key skills you can do with your little one, wherever you are.
Whether you’re learning in the sink, bath, or swimming pool, there’s a video for you.
Getting ready for your lesson
We’ve got everything you need ready for your first lesson, so you feel prepared ahead of getting in the pool.
- Happy Nappy DUO. Your baby or toddler will need either a Happy Nappy DUO, or Happy Nappy with a reuseable swim diaper underneath.
- Towel. One for your baby or toddler and one for you.
- Changing mat. Our Bubba changing mat is perfect and means you can change your little one easily, wherever you are.
- Warm hat. Little heads get cold easily after swimming.
- Swimwear for you. Many customers arrive to our lessons ‘beach ready’ so all they need to do is change their little ones when they get to their lessons.
- Snacks and a drink for on the way home. Swimming is great for building an appetite.
Getting your child swimvincible ready
For our older swimmers, below is a quick check-list of everything they need for their lessons with us. If there’s anything additional, your teacher will let you know!
- Swimwear - Practical swimwear for your child. Since they’re in our Swimvincible older program, they no longer need to follow the double diaper system.
- Towel - To dry off after the lesson.
- Goggles – Help your child swim strong and stay safe underwater.
- One bag only – Please bring just the essentials to keep things simple.
- Snacks & a drink for the ride home – Swimming works up an appetite! Just remember to wait until you’ve left the venue before enjoying them.
A digital experience
Immerse yourself into your swimming journey with us and stay updated on your child’s, track milestones & badges and access important class information all in one place.
Inside Your ‘My Water Babies’ Portal:
- See how your child progresses and what skills they’re learning.
- Track the Treasures they collect along the way.
- Stay informed about holiday dates and lesson schedules.
- Book make-up lessons.
- Access all your class details, including session times and teacher information.
- Find helpful resources with tips, safety guides, and swimming insights.
- Easily create your account once you book onto lessons.
FAQs
Get quick, clear answers to all your questions about Water Babies. We’re here to support you every step of the way—from booking your first class to splashing into the pool. We’ve gotten you covered, so you can feel confident and ready.
If there’s anything else you’re unsure about, check your welcome email and your ‘My Water Babies’ portal for more information. And of course, do get in touch with your local office. They’re happy to help.
Parents and babies should be ready to start swimming as soon as the lesson before has finished. But, we recommend you arrive at least fifteen minutes before your class, so you can feel nice and comfortable and relaxed before getting in.
It depends on the rules and regulations of the pool you’re swimming in. This is down to factors such as size of the pool, the viewing area of the pool and how comfortable all the other parents might be feeling. Our teacher will always check with the rest of the group first before giving consent for photos to be taken.
If your baby gets a little fussy in the water, it might be because they’re a bit peckish. Feed them one hour before the lesson – just keep it a light one. With toddlers, we also suggest leaving an hour between their meal and lesson.
All our pools have changing facilities suitable for you and your baby. Remember to bring your changing mat for your baby.
So what are you waiting for? The adventure awaits…
Discover your local class today.
