Most babies and young children love water! What could be better than splashing and paddling in cool water? It’s no wonder baby swimming classes are one of little ones’ favorite activities. In this article, you’ll learn more about baby swimming classes, aquatic discovery sessions, the essentials to pack, and the benefits of water for your little adventurer.

Baby swimming classes

Most babies enjoy splashing around! Being in the water can even remind them of the weightlessness they felt in the womb. From four months onwards , after receiving their first two vaccinations, your little one is ready to discover the joys of swimming. You can therefore take your child to baby swimming classes, which are offered up to the age of six.

Did you know? Although your child may naturally make swimming-like movements in the water, the goal of these aquatic sessions isn’t to teach them how to swim. Instead, they help your child become familiar with the aquatic environment so they feel comfortable in it. This way, they can later progress to swimming lessons.

In addition to the fun it brings your child, swimming offers other benefits: it supports motor skills, sensory development, and self-confidence, while also strengthening the cardiovascular system and respiratory function. The pressure of the water gently massages your baby’s skin while strengthening their joints and muscles.

The length of baby swimming sessions depends on your little one’s age, ranging from thirty minutes to one hour. The activities are also adapted to each stage and aim to help your child become more comfortable and independent in the water. Your little one will first learn to keep their balance through playful activities, then practice holding their breath, and finally move around in the water.

Classes are generally offered in swimming pools and swimming schools. They should always take place in heated water between 32 and 34°C to prevent heat loss. By joining baby swimming classes, you also benefit from professional supervision, so you can introduce your baby to the water with peace of mind.

The first aquatic session

Of course, you can take your little one to the pool outside of a supervised class. For your first swimming session, choose a quieter time: a first swim is exciting! Start gently—hold your child in your arms and head toward the water. Begin by pouring a little water over your little one’s body to help them get used to it. Enter the water gradually, holding your little adventurer securely and looking into their eyes so they feel safe in this unfamiliar situation. Once you feel your baby has adjusted and is comfortable, slowly lower yourself further into the water while continuing to hold them. If your baby turns out to be a real little fish, you can let them splash around.

As soon as your little one can sit independently, you can sit them in the kiddie pool and let them play. Of course, always stay close by to supervise them.

The essentials for swimming

With the right gear, nothing stands in the way of a day full of adventures with your little sailor! In addition to your essentials, here are a few things not to forget so you can enjoy your water sessions with your baby in peace:

• Bath diapers: these help ensure that nothing that shouldn’t be in the water ends up in it! LILLYDOO bath diapers do away with the absorbent beads that normally retain liquid inside the diaper. Instead, they feature turbo tunnel technology that distributes liquid evenly throughout the bath diaper. As a result, they don’t swell, even when wet, and won’t hinder your baby’s freedom of movement. Just like LILLYDOO kids training pants , bath diapers are as easy to put on as underwear. When it’s time to change, tear the sides and voilà! You can easily change your child while they’re standing, without a changing table. Of course, they’re fragrance-free, lotion-free, and gentle on babies’ skin.

• Enough bath towels and, if possible, a bathrobe for drying off and cuddling.

• Drinks and snacks: remember to offer your baby enough to drink. Water and low- or unsweetened beverages are perfect for refreshing your little adventurer. And don’t forget snack time—the pool can make you hungry!

• Toys suited to your child’s age, so they can have fun by the water.

Precautions to take when swimming with a baby

During your aquatic sessions, it’s important to take certain precautions:

• The water temperature during bathing should be °C. at least 32 °C , and the difference between the water temperature and the outside temperature shouldn’t be too significant.

• Even when it’s hot, little ones can get cold quickly in the water. Therefore, before the age of one, it’s recommended not to exceed 30 minutes of swimming . Frissons, dents qui claquent, et lèvres bleutées sont des signes que le bébé a froid et doit être sorti de l'eau. Assurez-vous de toujours le sécher après chaque bain et de changer ses vêtements pour éviter les frissons. Avec un peu de repos et une petite collation, le bébé retrouvera rapidement sa température corporelle.

• Never lose sight of your child ! Even in shallow water, an accident can happen quickly. Many children under three years old are not yet able to stand steadily. Furthermore, at this age, children do not assess dangers. Until they learn to swim, always equip your child with a life jacket and accompany them in the water.

• It’s important to be especially vigilant with equipment intended for water discovery. The AFPA (French Association of Outpatient Pediatrics) advises against using traditional inflatable floaties, as they are not considered safe. In a float, a baby could tip over and end up with their head in the water without being able to turn around. Also be cautious with inflatable armbands, which can easily deflate. Experts recommend choosing float suits or “puddle jumpers” that don’t require air. Non-inflatable and difficult to remove, they can help your child swim more safely.

• At the end of the swimming session, rinse your child with clear water using a gentle cleansing product. This helps remove chlorine and impurities from their skin.