Frequently asked Questions

Is it safe for babies to go underwater, why should I start my baby swimming in their first year?

Up to around 6 months old, babies will have a reflex that causes them to hold their breath when they go under the water.  Their bodies are also designed to automatically conserve oxygen.  As long as these reflexes are stimulated throughout the first year learned breath holding will remain a skill for life.
If a baby was to get water into their mouth the “gag” reflex would prevent it from entering the lungs.
When exposed to water, newborns make automatic swimming movements to propel themselves through the water; this reflex is called the Amphibian reflex.  If this reflex is reinforced through practice in the pool between the age of 4 and 8 months it helps babies makes the transition from involuntary movement to voluntary actions

Is it all right to take children swimming before they have completed their course of immunisations?

The policy of the STA, as to when babies ca start swimming is that the most recent recommendations from the Department of Health should be followed.  This can be found at http://www.immunisation.org.uk  and it currently states
Babies can be taken swimming at any age without any immunisations. However, you should ensure you take care to dispose of soiled nappies and observe good hygiene as in any other public place.

Can I bring my child swimming if they have a cold?

If your child is just “under the weather” or has a common cold swimming is not likely to make them worse and could actually be beneficial. 
If your child has a sniffley cold, chest infection, eye, throat or ear infection, diarrhoea or a stomach upset it is unwise to take them swimming.

Can I feed my baby before we come to the class?

It is recommended that babies are not fed in the hour before their class, after the class they will probably be hungry and ready to eat!!!

What do I need to do after the class?

It’s important to dry your child’s ears after swimming.  Tilt their head first to one side for a few seconds and then to the other, to let the water drain out.  Then dry their ears with a towel.  If it is cold wet or windy outside babies should wear woolly hats as they leave the pool area.  Have some milk or food ready as after the class they are likely to be hungry.

Marnie - 607 875 949

Hélène - 686 498 561