swimming lessons...anyone else?

RobinSparkles81 · January 2012

Our local pool is starting swimming lessons in two weeks and I'm pretty sure I will sign Abbey up. She loves the water and I think it will be really fun. Does anyone know what kinds of things they do with babies under 12 months? Obviously I'm in the pool with her, but I don't really know what to expect. I know the course is certified by the red cross or something....

DramaMama06 · January 2012

i was actually just saying to DH i'd like to do some lessons with him this winter/spring. he'll be going to work w/ DH this summer, which will mean daily swimming, but i'd really like to have that experience too.

salk72788 · January 2012

we have parent/infant swim classes in a couple weeks!! we have to be in pool with LO but i am excited to start!!

klovesp95 · January 2012

We signed DD up when she turned 6 months at the local YMCA. She loves the water and becomes totally zen as soon as she gets in the pool. DH goes in the pool with her and I just take pics and watch from the side. There are some kids around her age and some that are walking and have to wear a bubble in the pool. Basically they sing songs, play with some water toys, the teacher uses a watering can to sprinkle their heads, they practice going off the side of the pool and they even go under! I was apprehensive about it at first but they teach you to blow in their face and dunk them and she's never cried once. You'll enjoy it, I'm sure! Have fun!!!

Magenta728 · January 2012

We've been going for a few weeks. It's so cute. We sing songs, practice "jumping" into the water and pushing off the side.

LauraOTR · January 2012

We did swim classes from about 4-6 months. A local swim school offered them free for 2-6 month olds (but their regular prices are too much, imo). Liam loved it and we're going to sign up for some again soon through our community center (there are some that start in Feb, so we might do that).

The main point was to get the babies used to being in the water, in a variety of positions, changing positions, etc. We put them on their bellies and backs, turned them around, up down, etc. We sang songs that went with each position and position change. We lifted them from the edge of the pool to simulate "jumping in." We did tummy time on a big float. We poured water on them, and eventually poured it on their heads to simulated going under water and closing eyes/mouth. Here are some pics.

skrichar · January 2012

We are signing Myles up for the next round at the Y. I think it starts in a few weeks. Can't wait!! I'm just bummed that DH is going to get to have all the fun with Myles, bc there's just no way I'm getting into a swimsuit anytime soon

But I guess someone's gotta hold the camera, right??

akayf · January 2012

I did a class with D when he was about 16 months. the class was for ages 6 months-24 months(or maybe 18 months?)

It was a lot of water play and getting the babies used to the water. It was fun.

Andie_83 · January 2012

DD started swimming lessons when she was 4 months. We sang songs, sat her on the edge of the pool and "jumped" off, floated on her back with her head supported on my shoulder, floated on stomach being held, put her feet against the side of the pool so she could kick off. At the end of ring around the rosy, we went "down" for a dunk. I was so happy that DD loved the water, even though it was a bit cool! We had a blast, and are signing up for another class starting this month. I'm sure you'll have blast with your DD too!

kenyakeetah · January 2012

We have a water babies class at our local pool for 6months + and I really want to take it as I am fine introducing him to water but scared like hell to introduce the under water part and hope lessons will put me at ease. I know they wont learn that right away but still. Anyway we are actually going to our pool tomorrow to see a class before registering as I too don't know what to expect.

kas80 · January 2012

We are starting them at our local rec center in a couple weeks. I'm super excited :-)

aanchor · January 2012

We started lessons when Keaton was 3 months old. We mostly just sing songs, splash and play with toys. They also have us dunk the babies under water each week. It was so scary the first time but Keaton loves it now!