When is it too early to take your baby to swimming lessons?

[spanners45]

This is a classic 'newbie' mum question but is there such a thing as too early to take your baby to a swimming lesson? I know newborns love water (mine loves his bath, at least) and wonder if there are such things as swimming classes for little wee babies or if they start at 3-4 months old.

Also, does anyone know of good and safe venues where they do lessons (even if for older babies; we'll get there so might as well start looking for the info now)

Thanks!

[Fuschia]

No minimum age but you need a hydro pool.

Peckham pulse is one such, though getting in can be hard (need to prebook in person)

Dolphin swim school in Mitcham is the best place for lessons, they take tinies, lovely warm pool, dedicated centre.. not cheap, but worth it

[bumpy]

A friend has been taking her boy to these lessons in London Bridge since he was about 3 months old. http://www.littledippers.co.uk/

[carrieon23]

Hi, I have taken my son swimming with waterbabies (http://www.waterbabies.co.uk/) since he was 10 weeks old. As mentioned above they have to go into a hydro pool for the warmth until they are about 12 weeks, or above a certain weight (but cant remember what that is sorry!). It has been fantastic and my son, now18 months absolutely loves his weekly swimming lesson. It was by far the best group activity we have been to. x

[ryedalema]

We've been taking little c (now 6 months) to Peckhamm Pulse Jelly Babies. They have formal lessons too but it seems to be just bobbing up and down, blowing bubbles and singing nursery rhymes. We do this ourselves so save the money and just go to the Jelly Baby times in the hydro pool.

She absolutely loves it - and as it's the temperature of a spa, it's not bad for me too.

[Countjc]

This forum always seems to have the answers to my questions as was wondering the same thing!

I have signed up to waterbabies for their next term in September but was hoping to go along to jelly babies at Peckham pulse.

Ryedalema I remember there being something about pre-booking for these sessions- how do you do that? I can never get through to them on the phone

thanks

J

[ryedalema]

Umm - well I'm doing a fair bit of swimming there anyway (have a spare tyre or five to try and shift) so I went to reception and booked all the sessions we're going to for the week (3pm today - can't wait!). I've heard it's more difficult to try and book by phone. I believe you have to be a member (?20 a month for a swim only pass) but haven't tried phonin them yet.

I know you can book up to a week in advance if a member - anyone else have experience of the phone service??

Btw - the pay and display machine in the car park is still bust so it's free parking, hoorah!

[Countjc]

Ive just signed up with little dippers in wandsworth. they have a hydro pool and small classes so good for little babies. My little boy is 11 weeks and loves bathtime so i cant wait to get him in. The website is here http://www.littledippers.co.uk/courses.about.locations.php

[Vanessa3]

There is also swimming classes at Beckenham Spa - they have fantastic facilities & do swimming lessons for babies from a very early age.

[Spoons]

Aquatots (www.aquatots.com) run a comprehensive swimming program for babies 10 weeks plus to 5/6 years. Not very local pools but the swimming course is excellent.