An Introduction to Water Babies

Read all about Freddie’s baby swimming journey with Water Babies, at one of our local pools Market Weighton…..

Freddie, started his Water Babies adventure at 4 months at Weighton Wold Pool.

“Water Babies had come recommended to me by a friend whose two children had both completed the whole course from weeks old to 4 years. I had taken her children a few times and thought it was great so was really keen to give it a go!”

Week 1 – How was I going to manage to get Freddie and me changed? What if he poohed in the pool? What if he was hungry? These are all questions I was worrying about…top tips….

• Take plenty of towels – one to lie him on, one to wrap up in and one to dry him
• When the babies get bigger, pop the nappy on and a hooded towel then get changed yourself.
• Changing mat is key
• All babies wear a swim nappy and a Water Babies Happy Nappy to prevent accidents. Once potty trained (we dream of such a thing!), they can just wear a Water Babies Happy Nappy.
• Freddie was so occupied in the swimming pool, he didn’t have time to think of his tummy! However afterwards he was hungry then had a really good sleep!

Would Freddie be ok when he went under water?

“What an amazing experience but I won’t lie I was very nervous!! Now he absolutely loves it and it is probably his favourite bit.”

Is there a lot of singing?!

“Just the right the amount for this slightly tone deaf Mummy!”

Is it worth the money?

“I think so, we don’t do many other classes and this is one thing we really enjoy together. Plus, swimming is a life skill. In Water Babies, they are learning basic lifesaving skills. They are confident in water – it is not a scary place to be. In addition, if they were to fall into a lake, there is a fighting chance, we could use our Water Babies skills to help. This is with the splash in from the side, under the water, turn around and hold on to the side. Then “monkey monkey monkey” along the side to Mummy or another adult to safety.”

The instructors are brilliant and build the babies and parents confidence. They recognise when the baby isn’t quite “on it” and tailor their activity accordingly. Remembering all the babies names always astounds me!

Luckily we haven’t got to the Water Wobbles yet but know Water Babies are well aware of this phase and will guide us through if need be.

Weighton Wold is easy to get to, plenty of parking and warm in the pool when you get there!! Winner winner!

In addition to this pool in Market Weighton, Water Babies also swim in Hull at Nuffield and Everlast. Find their latest timetable here.

Booking is essential! Call 01423 457000, email [email protected]. Or visit the website here.

NB Freddie’s mum kindly did this review for Mumbler, all views are her own.