FAQs

When can my baby start swimming?
Essentially, as soon as you feel ready and comfortable. After all, water is such a natural environment for your baby they will be comfortable from the very earliest days. If your baby is older, there is no problem – we may just adjust some of the practices to ease them into the programme.
What about immunisations?
The official advice from the NHS is that a baby can start swimming at any time regardless of their immunisation status. It is important that you make up your own mind.
What should my baby wear in the water?
We do insist upon a double nappy system, one disposible nappy (eg: Huggies Swim Nappies or Boots’ own brand) topped with a fabric washable Happy Nappy.
What happens if my baby has a poo in the water?
If you are using the double nappy system as described it is unlikely that any poo will escape into the water. Please exit the pool immediately and change your baby. Try to remember to bring spare disposable aqua nappies (we do also have spares at the poolside), so that you can just put a new one on topped again by your Happy Nappy and resume the class.If, despite everything, it does leak then please ensure you inform your instructor as precautions will need to be taken.
Any tips to make it easier getting ready before or getting dressed after our swim?

Poncho-style towels prove very useful when swimming. You can wrap your child in that whilst you get yourself dressed – they will be warm and practically dry by the time you are ready to get them dressed.Swim-tots provide a number of change mats and, if space permits, we also provide a playpen so that whilst you are getting changed, you know your child is safe.Please note that it is still your responsibility to ensure that they are properly supervised.

Will the water be warm enough?
All of our pools are heated to a minimum of 30°. If your baby is under 12 weeks old / 12lbs we will initially place them in a pool where the temperature is a minimum of 32°. If at any stage we feel your child needs a little extra warmth, they can borrow one of our wetsuits readily available on poolside.
What happens if we can’t make our lesson for some reason?
Life is busy, and sometimes unavoidably you will miss the odd lesson, either because one of you is poorly, you have to work, you’re away – all manner of reasons! We like to be as flexible as we possibly can and so we allow you to swap up to 3 lessons per full term for another day where possible. So if you can’t make your own lesson one week you just need to get in touch with us to find an alternative. We’ll try to match the class as closely as possible on a day that you can do, although they may of course be slightly ahead or behind your class, so that you can still have your swimming lesson.
I can’t swim myself – is that a problem?
Not at all. There are certain practices which we may adapt slightly to make it easier for you. A lot of non-swimmers find that swimming in this way with their babies inspires them to a greater water-confidence themselves, and you may even find yourself wanting to learn to swim properly. There is however absolutely no pressure placed on you.
Can both parents get into the water?
If space permits then this is absolutely fine.
How much are lessons?
Lessons range from £10-10.75, depending on the venue. They are payable in term blocks, and will be calculated pro-rata if you are joining us mid-term.

Testimonials

"Just thought I would share with you how thrilled we were on Sunday morning when Ava swam independently for the first time at just 26 months old! She has attended your classes since she was 11 weeks old and it has really paid off. Well done to Sophie (and Helen) for everything they have taught her. " Kim Heslip

"I started lessons with Swim-tots with my daughter at 3 months old as water confidence and safety are very important to me. Jessica loved baby classes and when I returned to work we changed to a Saturday class with Sophie and we had a fantastic experience. Jessica is a fantastic swimmer thanks to ..." Alison Storrie, Mummy to Jessica & Michael

"My son Huw and I have been so thrilled with swim-tots and our teacher Helen. Huw now adores swimming at 18 months, happily throwing himself into the pool with no fear - such a difference to when he started a year ago! He holds onto the side and everything, we have both been taught by a superb tea..." Charlotte Evans, mummy to Huw

"Maya has been with Swimtots for two years now and still absolutely loves her lessons with Lindsey every week. It's the only day of the week when wakes up and gets ready without a fuss, and is out the door before we are! Her confidence in the water and her developing swimming skills are fantastic ..." Ghada Khattab, mummy to Maya

"I am just e mailing you to tell you how fantastic Rachel is.  Honestly, she is brilliant.  Elise absolutely loves her lessons (although she is still a little nervous about the water touching her face, but we are getting there) and when I pick her up from my daughter’s, she comes out saying ho..." Julie Bates, grandma to Elise

"Chloe started swimming with Sophie at Swim Tots when she was only 12 weeks old, it was a great activity for us to do together and for her to get used to the water in a fun setting with lots of games and songs.  Sophie is a fantastic teacher and gives each child individual attention and it was gr..." Jenny Roberts, mummy to Chloe

"My two year old daughter Ava has been learning to swim with Swim Tots since she was 9 months old.  We attend the Monday am session with Helen at Beckwith Pool and she absolutely loves it! The location is extremely convenient, parking is easy and the facilities are clean and the pool warm. I c..." Nicky Smith, mummy to Ava

"I am now onto my third lot of baby swimming lessons with swimtots - they are brilliant, with wonderful, caring teachers who really know their stuff. Both my older children are very confident in the water and my youngest baby already loves swimming. I just wish swimtots provided lessons for over 4..." Maddy Smith, mummy to Myles, Anya & Flynn

"What had started simply as a fun activity for Dad and 6 month old baby quickly exceeded all our expectations. Sophie's endless patience and inspiring enthusiasm, coupled with a consistently relaxed and friendly atmosphere, have resulted in a happy confident 4 year old girl, quite capable of swimm..." Ruth & Neil Moran, mummy & daddy to Esme

"We're already looking forward to re-starting, Eve sings the hello song complete with all the children's names every breakfast time, it was cute the first few times!!" Laura Arundel, mummy to Eve

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