When is my baby ready to start swimming?
It is never too early to start your baby swimming. Remember they have spent most of their time in fluid whilst still in your womb. We only use warm water pools so it is ideal for babies and we find the earlier the better (even from birth) as they will adjust easier to the water environment. As babies grow and develop, the more likely they are to object to unfamiliar sensations and possibly experience fear.
How long does each lesson last?
Group lessons are 30 minutes long. 1-2-1 Individual lessons are 20 minutes.
Will the water be warm enough?
All baby and toddler pools operate at a minimum temperature of 30 degrees and learn to swim at 28 degrees. This is perfectly fine, even in the winter.
Who is my baby’s best teacher?
YOU! Our aim at Swim Baby Swim is to teach you to teach your baby to swim and share the joy of swimming.
How much will it cost?
In general, swimming lessons varies between R1500 and R2000 per school term. Our aim is to be as competitive as possible without compromising quality. Please contact us for our term fees.
What immunisations does my child need to have?
There are no additional immunisations required to start your baby swimming, in fact your baby doesn’t even need to have finished their regular ones. Health professionals support baby exercise and most agree that taking your baby swimming, at any time, will have no harmful effects. Unless your baby develops a temperature, it is also fine to swim on the day their injections are done. It is always best to check with your health practitioner if you have any concerns or doubts.
"Play is the highest form of research."
Albert Einstein
What are the benefits of baby and toddler swimming?
The Swim Baby Swim program is designed to be energetic and fun-filled and in so doing teaching you to teach your baby to swim. This will naturally strengthen the bond between you and your child whilst also providing a well-balanced work-out. There are many health and social benefits:
> Regular exercise helps strengthen your baby’s heart, lungs and respiratory system.
> In terms of development, the first year is the time when your baby’s brain will grow most rapidly and regular exercise will help strengthen it for all that new learning it needs to do.
> Exercising in water removes the inconvenience of gravity and allows your baby’s muscles to move freely and assist in the development of muscle control.
> Your baby (as will Mom and Dad) will benefit from the social interaction with other swimmers in a playful environment.
> Swimming regularly will help improve your baby’s eating and sleeping habits.
> Early exposure to swimming can help fend off future breathing problems like asthma.
What are the “water wobbles”?
The “water wobbles” is a term we use to describe the stage a baby may go through when they seem to regress in their development and enjoyment of swimming. This phenomenon is best explained by Francoise Barbira Freedman, author of Water Babies (published by Lorenz Books 2001)“There may be times when your baby seems to regress and clings to you, refusing to hold on to anything but your body in the water. This may last for weeks, sometimes months. You may come to think that your efforts to encourage your baby to swim early have been in vain, and you may be tempted to be discouraged, disenchanted and even give up altogether.”
It is precisely at this time that it is important to continue taking your baby to swimming as there are a host of other factors that are playing havoc with them. Anything from separation anxiety, a change in childcare or the approach of a major milestone (crawling, walking, talking). By consolidating their time and security in the water, they will surprise you with a decision to once again enjoy swimming.
Does the old fashioned “drown proofing” still get done?
No, at Swim Baby Swim, we do NOT believe in the old fashioned “drown proofing”. All babies have a natural reflex, called the “Gag reflex” that prevents water from entering their lungs when they are submerged. Our specialised and gentle approach hones in on this natural ability and along with our tried and tested teaching techniques, we will teach your baby the joy of swimming.
Unfortunately there is no such thing as “drown proofing”, but our teachers, who are very sensitive to the needs and abilities of each baby, will never submerge a baby against their will.
Should I be worried about taking my baby underwater?
Don’t be. Our teachers are very sensitive to the needs and abilities of each baby and will never submerge a baby against their will. All babies have a natural reflex, called the “Gag reflex” that prevents water from entering their lungs when they are submerged. Our specialised and gentle approach hones in on this natural ability and along with our tried and tested teaching techniques, we will teach your baby the joy of swimming.
Can anyone take my baby swimming?
Mommy, Daddy, Granny, Carer and even Grandpa. In fact anyone, as long they are willing to get wet and have fun! Unfortunately we do need to limit it to one at a time...
You do not have to be able to swim yourself. It is imperative that all our parents are comfortable in the water and for this reason we always ensure that the pool is shallow enough for you to stand in. So even if you are not a confident swimmer, you will still be able to enjoy our energetic and fun-filled Baby and Toddler lessons.