We first took Ruby swimming when she was 3 months old at the beginning of January, but she hadn't had her last set of jabs so don't let that put you off. We wanted to get Ruby swimming or used to the pool as we were going on holiday at the end of January, and were planning on spending some time everyday in the pool.
I asked a friend who is also a swimming teacher how best to introduce her to the pool, she suggested short sessions of between 5-10 mins in the pool to start as they chill off quickly, in your standard pool, then build her up in 5 mins so the next time stay in 10-15 mins.
I ideally wanted Rubes to stay in longer than this so got on the internet and looked for wetsuits, I found Splash About: Baby Wraps and Happy Nappy, I ordered offline.
Really simple they undo and lie flat so you can pop baby on top then fold over and velcro shut, no annoying arm holes to struggle with. Ruby looked comfy and after wearing it she had no rubs marks or sore spots so I was happy she was comfy, not only that, our local pool is quite cool, we shiver when you first get in, and after first first dip which was 10 mins long, when we got her changed her belly and chest were lovely and warm. I think Rubes would have happily stayed in longer but we didn't want to over do it.
We both took her for the first trip, but since then me and Rubes go to swimming lessons on our own and have our own way of getting in and out of the pool, a technique you will need to master if going on your own. But first time it is good to have two people your baby trusts, Gary stood on the side with Rubes and I got in then he passed her down to me in the water, then got in himself.
Remember lots of smiles and happy faces, be confident yourself or they will pick up in this, keep them quite close to you to start with, basically hugging in the water but as you go more stretch them out in front of you so they are seeing open water, this helps to build confidence.
Also as you go more, encourage splashing and face washing, even dipping them, it all helps build water confidence.
Ruby loves being towed round the pool and now kicks with encouragement of me or daddy going 'kick kick kick' it seems the natural thing to say and I was surprised when we went to Center Parcs how many other mums and dads were saying it..not just us two crazies :-).
We now go to a 'swim a song' swimming lessons session which is very good and with the help of songs and actions you teach and encourage your baby.
Tips for happy swimming, make sure baby is warm- we don't use the wrap now but they do a range of sizes so if your baby feels the cold just keep using them, take a snack or bottle with you for when you get out, remember extra towels I take a big one for the changing unit and a hooded one for Rubes and I still end up using mine for her as well ;-), be confident in what nappy your baby is wearing to start with I used Huggies Little Swimmers and the Splash About Happy Nappy which is also leak proof- the last thing you want is a poo disaster, remember a little toy you use in the bath such as a duck or bath book, put baby and yourself in easy to dress clothes- nothing worse than struggling with fiddly baby clothes whilst you are still not dressed either. I always dress myself first whilst Rubes is wrapped up in her towels and having a snack, but do what ever seems easiest to you. Choose a time when baby has had a nap and isn't hungry, but also hasn't just eaten. Choose a quiet time to go, I think we went on a Sunday afternoon about 40 mins before closing, as most people have got out of aren't there that late.
Lots of smiles and encouragement, if your baby isn't the best in water, build their confidence at bath time first, let them try their swimming clothes before going in the pool too, and defiantly have a practice shower at home as you will need to wash the chlorine of their skin after the swim and have a rinse before too.
Oh one last tip, give yourself plenty of time to get changed, I always put my swimming costume on under my clothes before we go, saves a little time, but first time allow 30 mins each side of your swim to get you, baby and daddy dressed :-) now after months of swimming me and Rubes can get pool ready in 10 mins and dried and dressed after a swim in 20 mins.
Any extra questions please post in the comments :-)
Happy Swimming
C
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