swimming lessons

kelly321 · January 2012

So this summer while we're in the States on DH's paternity leave, he's going to be in charge of DD while I work on my dissertation. I thought it would be fun for them to go to the Y for swimming lessons together, so I looked into when they start, how much they are, when registration is, etc. I mentioned it again to him last night, and he said he doesn't want to do it because it will be a waste of money. He would rather just set up a little wading pool in my parent's backyard (which we'll probably do anyway) and splash around with her in there.

Now, I know that swimming lessons with 1 year olds (the lessons are for 6-24 months) will not result in her being able to swim. I thought it would be nice for him to get out somewhere, meet other people (even if it will be primarily moms in swimming suits... hm... may they all have stretch marks and c/s pooches), and learn a couple of games / exercises he can do with DD in the pool. Have any of you done swimming lessons with your LO or are you planning to? Do you think there's a benefit beyond what she would have splashing in a wading pool?

pinkflipflops44 · January 2012

Eh, I'm not sure. But I started swim lessons at 18 months and began my love affair with swimming then. But if he doesn't want to do it, I don'tthink she will be forever harmed and afraid of the water because of it. It would be more beneficial when she was older and usually baby classes at this age are mainly for the parents to get the eff outta the house. I'd just forget it if he isn't interested.

Lisa Frank · January 2012

pinkflipflops44:
Eh, I'm not sure. But I started swim lessons at 18 months and began my love affair with swimming then. But if he doesn't want to do it, I don'tthink she will be forever harmed and afraid of the water because of it. It would be more beneficial when she was older and usually baby classes at this age are mainly for the parents to get the eff outta the house. I'd just forget it if he isn't interested.

Agreed. I did a class when my DS was almost a year, and it wasn't really that beneficial. Right now is the time that he's really into it.

Also something to keep in mind: The temps of the pools. We've visited our aquatic center for lessons and it is really designed for lap swimmers (meaning the pool is cooler than most) This is the pool I swam competitively in for many years, so it was no surprise. DS couldn't handle it (this was over this past summer). Now we're doing lessons at our gym. Just make sure if you do do it, that the pool isn't freezing.

kelly321 · January 2012

Yeah, I didn't mean to make it sound like I was going to talk him into it if he doesn't want to do it. I guess I just wanted to know whether any of you have done it before and whether you think it's worth the money.

NeverEnoughTime · January 2012

We go to swimming lessons once a week. Apparently by the end of the class (10 weeks) the instructor says LO will be swimming over to her...? I assume in a life jacket. By the second class LO was already kicking in the water. We practise a lot of entries into the water, and apparently tonight he puts his head under.

I don't think he will learn how to swim or anything, but I think it helps him to be familiar with water/pools etc.

I am glad we signed up. H and LO do it together, I watch. It's basically the only thing H gets to do with him because he works FT.

kelly321 · January 2012

Lisa - it is a warm pool that's only 3 ft deep, I'm not sure if you're only allowed in there with a child under a certain age or if no one else wants to swim in a pool that a bunch of little kids have been in, but I don't recall ever seeing adults without kids in there.

And NeverEnough - really? They're going to have him put his head under?! Wow! Ours specifically says even with the 2-3 yr olds that putting their heads under is not part of the class (not saying it's bad, just that I'm surprised).

The class is 10 week for $50 (we're not members), so I'll just tell DH what you guys say you do in your classes and let him decide for himself whether he wants to be a hermit at my parents' house or get out with other young parents. :-)

CanuckFan03 · January 2012

I've been doing mommy and me aquafit for the last 3 months, and we're switching to swimming lessons tonight. I think all they really learn is comfort with water, but we're going for something to do, and now that its a night class, for DH to be able to do something extra with him.

NeverEnoughTime · January 2012

My friend did the lessons before us. Apparently they sing "ring around the rosie" and at the end when they say "we all fall down!!" you blow in their face, which instintively makes the baby hold their breath, and then you dunk them quickly.

I dunno...all I can say is I am glad H is doing it, not me, because I am sceptical. I don't think I could dunk him

dbadura01 · January 2012

I'm doing them with LO and I love it! The pool is warm (very important as PP said) and it's a great way to have him out and interact with others. We sing songs and they do different stations such as hanging on to the side of the pool, in case they would ever fall in, they need to know how do to that.

I was totally amazed at LO...he completely hung on to the side by himself without my help. Then, they sit on a step and kind of fall into the pool into your arms. Your choice whether you want to take them under or not...I do. It's amazing to watch because even at his young age, he knows what's coming and as he falls into my arms, he closes his eyes and holds his breathe. That amazed me.

I just really wanted to keep him loving water (he has always loved baths) and not let him be afraid of it. I love the classes and would strongly recommend them as a bonding experience and a way to keep him/her comfortable in the water.

This is long, but I feel strongly about it. Good luck in whatever you decide.

tokenhoser · January 2012

My baby hates the pool, so I've decided for us it's not worth it. We have friends that have babies that love the pool, and that have loved their lessons. I think it can be good, and the lessons here (red cross) do involve getting infants underwater.

If he doesn't want to do it, that's fine. He should maybe suggest something else a bit structured to do instead, though. It's good for kids to be around kids, and it's good for adults to get out. Kindermusic, the library, a playgroup, whatever.

natgerber · January 2012

I've signed LO up for swim lessons. We went and watched a class before signing up and they sing songs and, even at 5 months old, they have you put LO under the water. Im sure every place is different but the one we are going to, Waterworks Aquatics in Beverly Hills CA, puts emphasis on actually teaching you and the baby how to be safe and have fun in the water rather than just splashing around.

lizardknitter · January 2012

We have only been to 1 lesson so far. But Viv loved it and I can see how it would be beneficial for her. There are 3 other kids in the class. One (whose mom I met in this forum) is the same age, and the other 2 are 16 and 20 months. Both of the older babies swam to the instructor without any assistance. It was pretty impressive. And not using any sort of floatation device either. I guess swim lessons are a YMMV type of activity depending on the class.

tabernac · January 2012

my H takes our LO to swimming lessons. it's fun for them to do an activity together, the baby loves it and it's a little more structured than splashing in a wading pool (both structure and no structure are good!). they sing songs, play with toys and yes, he has met other moms and dads.

i'm glad we signed up for it!

Kristysyr · January 2012

I take my 7 month old son. The lesson is more for an older child but he loves the water so we go. There are about 10 kids in the lessons and 3 dads:)

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