Creche at Dulwich Leisure Centre

[HollieES]

Just wondered if anyone has used the creche at Dulwich Leisure Centre and what you think of it?

I'm thinking of putting my 7 month old in there whilst I swim for half an hour, so just putting the feelers out.

[bumpy]

I used it about 8 months ago a couple of times while swimming. Would use it more but now back at work. My boy thoroughly enjoyed it and I found the toys clean and a great range. Staff seemed friendly & helpful.

[Fuschia]

Is there a daytime swimming session that's convenient? I could fancy that myself!

[HollieES]

Thanks. That's good to know.

They have lane swimming every day 12-1.30pm Fuschia...go for it!

x

[Fuschia]

OOh yes., FridaY 10-11

However didn't I hear a rumour you have to have full membership of the gym to be allowed to use the creche?

[Belle]

I used the creche a couple of times a while back for my 2yr old - I would think it's fine most of the time, esp for smaller babies (and btw am not a member Fuschia but was able to use it) - but have to say I was a bit taken aback the second time. When I collected my son he'd been strapped into his buggy. Apparently this was for 'reassurance' as he'd been upset. I think it was unlikely he was upset about being away from me (but if he was, I thought they should have come to get me), more likely he had a strop about some toy. He was, amazingly, quite happy in his buggy when I collected him (but tear stained) but it freaked me out a bit seeing him strapped in like that and attempting to play at a table. I noticed a couple of other tearful toddlers were being dealt with in the same way, and it didn't sit right with me somehow. I also overheard them trying to make him sit at a table and play when I left him - seemed a bit strict. But everyone else seems to have good experiences, so I accept this may not be representative.

[Fuschia]

Belle, thAT SOUNDS VERY ODD

perhaos best not to leave your buggy with them!!

[Belle]

The theory they put forward is that it makes the child feel secure. But knowing my son, it was less about security and more about keeping him tethered! thing is it's a secure environment - can't see why they couldn't just let him run amok a bit, but given the sitting at table thing, I decided after it wasn't really the right place for him. But as I say, perhaps not the case for others - in fairness the ladies did seem nice.

[craigy]

I have never used it, only enquired about it and was told it is only open 9 till 1 and although you can use it when you are not a member you cannot pre book it which can be an issue for babies as they can only have 3 at a time.. This has put me off trying it out as don't want to psych myself up a bit of exercise and then find out that the cr?che is full (any excuse really!!)

No comment to make on the buggy incident but I guess it must be difficult to look after children you don't really get a chance to build up relationships with..

[Grotty]

Same management as Peckham creche - which i used a number of times last summer - the first few times they asked me to wheel the buggy into the play area - on asking why they said they if babies get upset, seeing something they recognise might make them feel better - not sure my buggy has ever had that kind of soothing effect on little grotty though! however, never had any problems - i was initially a non-member so paid something like ?3/4, but once i joined it was more like ?1.50, and you can book up to a week ahead...

[jrthomas_uk]

What age do babies have to be to use the cr?che?

[snowboarder]

6m

[nyny26]

You do not have to be a member to use the creche at the Dulwich Leisure Centre.......

It costs ?2.10 per half hour for non members and ?1.70 per half hour for members.