How to Prepare for Swim Class at Home: For Babies

Did you know babys can start swim lessons as early as 2 months old? Preparing your baby for swim class doesn't have to start in the pool! You can create positive water experiences right from home, making your little one feel comfortable and excited when it's time to dive into their swim lessons. Here are a few easy and fun tips to get your baby ready for swim class:

1. Get Baby Comfortable with Water on Their Eyes and Ears

One of the first steps to help your baby feel at ease in the water is making sure they’re comfortable with water touching their face, especially their eyes and ears. During bath time, gently introduce water to these areas in a calm and playful manner.

• How to do it:

  • Slowly pour water over your baby’s head, allowing it to trickle down their face.

  • Let a small amount of water reach their ears while they're lying back in the tub.

  • Use a washcloth to lightly dab their face with water, helping them get used to the sensation without fear.

This simple routine will help your baby associate water on their face with a relaxed, enjoyable experience, making them more confident when they start swim lessons.

2. Create a Splash Pad for Fun and Movement

Encouraging water play is a great way to build confidence and develop movement skills in the water. Setting up a small splash pad at home will help your baby get used to splashing and moving their arms and legs, which are important skills for swimming.

• How to do it:

  • Set up a small inflatable splash pad or shallow pool in your backyard or patio.

  • Let your baby sit or crawl around in the shallow water, splashing with their hands and kicking their feet.

  • Add water toys to make it fun and engaging, encouraging your baby to reach and move towards them.

This kind of play will allow your baby to become more familiar with how water feels and moves, creating a fun environment for learning.

3. Create Positive Water Experiences Together

Building a positive relationship with water is key to helping your baby feel excited about swim class. The more relaxed and joyful the experience, the more likely your baby will enjoy and engage with swimming. As parents, your energy and involvement can make all the difference!

• How to do it:

  • Always maintain a calm and happy tone when your baby is in or near water.

  • Hold your baby securely while they kick their feet in a pool or the bath to get them comfortable with floating sensations.

  • Sing songs, smile, and laugh during bath time or splash sessions to make the experience fun and comforting.

These bonding moments help your baby build trust and excitement about water, setting a strong foundation for swim lessons.

Preparing your baby for swim class at home is all about creating comfort, confidence, and fun in the water. By getting them used to having water on their face and ears, encouraging movement with a splash pad, and creating positive, playful experiences together, you'll help them feel more confident and ready for their swim journey.

When the time comes for your baby to start swim class, they'll already have the foundational skills and confidence needed to succeed and enjoy their lessons! And when that time comes, Kinder Swimmer is ready to guide your little one through the exciting world of swimming with expert instructors and a fun, supportive environment!