What to Expect from an Infant Swim School

Any parent will tell you that it’s never too early to teach your child to swim. Infants and toddlers benefit greatly from being exposed to water safety and swimming skills early on in life. The first step is signing up for lessons at an infant swim school in West-Hills, but then what? What will your child learn during their lessons? What should you know before your first class? Read below to learn more about what to expect from your first swim lesson with your newborn.

Swim Diaper Rules

Most swim schools that teach babies and toddlers have guidelines in place about swim diapers. These reusable diapers can be worn while your child is in the pool. They should be snug, so nothing sneaks out of them while in the water, but not too tight around the waist or legs. It’s a good idea to get two or three of these reusable swim diapers, so you can always be prepared for swim class. Some swim schools have swim diapers available for purchase, but it’s better to come to your first class ready to go. This way, you won’t have to waste any more time when you are trying to check in and get ready for your first lesson.

Get There Early

Plan to arrive at the pool about 15 minutes before the class begins. This will give you plenty of time to check in, use the restroom, change into your swimsuit, and get your infant ready for class. Before class is also a great time to get to know the instructor, staff members, and if you are taking a group class, the other parents. Arriving early also gives your infant time to take in their new surroundings and get accustomed to their new environment.

The First Class

Even if your infant loves the water and is used to being in the pool or bathtub, the first swim class can still be overwhelming for them. They may become distracted by their new, busy surroundings, or they may just need extra time to adjust. Arriving early gives them plenty of time to take it all in, but remember to be patient with them. Though your child will be learning important water safety skills, infant swim lessons are also supposed to be fun!

What Your Child Will Learn

As an infant, there are some basic swimming moves that your child will learn during their lessons, including kicking, floating on their back, and going underwater. Some babies will begin kicking as soon as they touch the water; others will remain still at first. No instinct is wrong; the goal of the class is safety. The instructor will teach your child to kick in the water and move themselves forward. They will also teach your child how to float on their back, which is a potentially life-saving move when in the water. By the second or third lesson, your infant may even be comfortable going underwater. They will naturally learn to hold their breath, and when done correctly, your child won’t swallow water or choke. Over time, you will even be able to let them go! These three and many more vital skills will be taught to your infant over the duration of their lessons at the infant swim school.

To learn more about our infant swimming lessons or to sign up for a class today, contact us at Swim Right Academy!