FAQs & Tips

Most classes will include:

• Specific holds to ensure safety and to stimulate movement and fun in the water
• Preparation or participation in submersion by dips, jumps or dives
• Swimming with your baby
• Specific instruction as a group and individual attention when needed
• Free time to practice your skills and to play
• Games, songs and rhymes

The NHS guidelines state that there is no risk to babies and you may join classes at any time. (information from www.immunisation.com.) If you have any questions please consult your GP or health visitor.

Try to relax and enjoy your time in the water together. Progress at your own pace and always ask your teacher for individual help if you feel the need for further instruction or reassurance. Watch your baby carefully they will all enjoy different movements and remember they love repetition! Try to attend regularly as this will give both you and your baby a sense of progression and of support.

You will need to bring with you:

• Swim nappies. Please remember that until your baby is reliably potty trained they must wear properly fitting swim nappies. We cannot let you in the pool otherwise. A double layer is needed - this essentially means a disposable swim nappy + specialised swim nappy (such as a Happy Nappy). We sell Happy Nappies at the pool
• A hat or hood that covers your child's ears for when they leave the building
• A hooded towel for when they get out of the pool
• Your swimming kit
• A drink and/or snack for after the class for your baby (and probably you too!) - but please remember not to eat in the changing rooms

Swimming is unlikely to worsen a mild condition such as a cold. It is not advisable to bring your baby swimming if they have a bad cold, an infection of any kind, a temperature or a childhood illness such as: chicken pox, measles or mumps.

People suffering from diarrhoea must not swim, EVER – or for 48 hours after the last bout. This is crucial and will never be compromised on in our pool. The effects on the pool from a leak or contamination can be devastating and we wish to avoid this at all times.

Those who have been diagnosed with cryptosporidiosis must not swim for 14 days after diarrhoea has stopped, as infective spores can still be released in that period.

If you are not sure about any medical condition in relation to swimming, please always speak to a health professional.

With babies it is often difficult to organise activities for exactly the right time of day especially as routines can change week to week. It is fine to feed your young baby before or even during a class. For babies on solids it is preferable to leave some time before coming to class. Many babies enjoy a feed or snack after their swim.

Tired babies will not get the most from their swim so try to give them a nap beforehand or do not hesitate to leave the pool if your baby has had enough.

So that you can enjoy your classes and make your time with us stress free, please arrive 15 minutes before your class is due to begin to give yourself plenty of time to get changed and stay relaxed. About the pool facility

• You must shower yourself and your child before entering the water. The cleaner we keep the pool, the less chemicals are needed in the water
• Shoes and socks should be removed before entering the swimming pool area and changing rooms.