Our Top-Tips to Help Get Ready for Your Baby's First Swim Lesson

Taking your child to their first swim lesson is an exciting milestone! At Water Babies, we understand you may feel a mix of excitement and nerves, especially if it's your baby's first time in the pool. To help you feel prepared and confident, we've put together some top tips on how to get ready for your baby's first swimming lesson. From what to pack to best tips for getting changed before and after swimming, we've got you covered.

✅ In this guide you'll discover:

• How to help your baby feel comfortable in water before their first swim lesson, with easy at-home tips and playful bath routines.
• Practical preparation: what to pack, visiting the venue in advance, and setting up your 'My Water Babies' account to feel fully ready.
• A complete checklist of essentials for a smooth first day at the pool, from Happy Nappy™ swim diapers and wetsuits to towels, changing mats, and post-swim snacks.

1. Getting Your Baby Used to the Water

There are lots of things you can do to get your little one familiar with water a few weeks before you start swimming. Practical exercises like “Name, are you ready, go” or “Kicking your legs” are simple yet effective. Playing songs and nursery rhymes during bath time can help your baby feel at ease and develop positive associations with water.

2. Visiting the Venue in Advance

Visiting the swimming venue a week or two before your baby's first lesson helps both of you feel comfortable and prepared. Familiarize yourself with the layout, changing facilities, and pool area. This can reduce first-day jitters and help your baby gently get used to the new environment. If a pre-visit isn't possible at your lesson location, visiting your local pool is still a great way to introduce your child to the environment.

3. Set Up Your "My Water Babies" Account

Creating a ‘My Water Babies’ account gives you a personalized portal to track your swimming journey. You can check lesson dates, vacation schedules, skills progression, and the Water Babies Treasures you'll collect. If you haven't created an account yet, it's simple to get started and helps you feel fully prepared.

4. Packing for Your Baby's Swimming Lessons

Here’s a checklist of essentials for your first baby swimming lesson:

• Happy Nappy™: Keeps the pool clean and comfortable. Fit can be checked during your first lesson.
• Swim Diaper: To conform with the Double Layer Diaper System, you will need a disposoble or (preferably) reusable swim diaper underneath your baby's Original Happy Nappy. Alternatively, you could go with the 2-in-1 Happy Nappy™ Duo or Jammers Duo, approved as a Double Layer System in 1.
• Diaper Liners: Optional, but cloth or biodegradable liners can make changing easier.
• Baby Wetsuit: Keeps your baby warm. Options include Baby Wrap™, Warm in One™, or Happy Nappy™ Wetsuit for convenience.
• Towels: Soft, absorbent, and preferably hooded. 
• Changing Mat: Portable, made of neoprene, flexible, and slip-resistant. Ideal for poolside use and safe changing.
• Your Swim Gear: Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel, plus spare underwear or socks.
• Goggles: Useful for parents to watch their baby's journey. Never borrow goggles from others due to infection risk.
• Swim Cap: Optional, but can be useful for comfort and warmth, especially in winter.
• Snacks & Water: Light snack and drink for after the lesson, depending on your baby's age.
• Spare Change or Padlock: Some venues require a coin or padlock for lockers.

We hope you found this guide helpful and can't wait to see you in the pool soon!