Swimming Lessons for Babies

I was so thrilled when our son started swimming lessons at only four months old. Walking through the door that first day greeted us with the familiar smells of chlorine; for some reason I find it oddly nostalgic. The winter weather made this perfect as the venue was heated enough that I wasn't freezing when we stripped down to our swimmers. We were welcomed from a lovely staff member that showed us around, and we were all set to learn to swim.

I could not wait to see what his reaction to the water would be... he just bobbed around like a potato with a blank stare. We prefered to think that he wasn't hate it as he wasn't crying, but he also seemed to not love it.

We kept returning to swimming lessons with our little potato boy, and he continued to be stone-faced for at least the first 6 months in the Ducks class, while in-between, I was getting to know the other parents, with lots of talking prior to the lessons.

I remember one day I went to a lesson, and I saw a group of mums chatting. I kept my distance because they looked like a group of friends and I thought they probably all knew each other well. They were talking, laughing and enjoying themselves, and I would have loved to be a part of it. The following week, I just walked up to them. One of the mums turned to me right away and asked me a question, and I was included in their discussion almost immediately. I later found out that none of them actually knew each other before swimming, so it turns out I wasn't intruding on some sort of secret club.

This happened for a few months and I was really starting to look forward to our swimming lessons on a Monday. I began arriving early because I wanted to have the chance to chat with the other mums. It was nice to spend time with a group of parents who had babies all the same age because, as much as we might appreciate our parents and friends' advice, it is nice to be able to ask advice from and share stories with people who are living the same experience. It was also good to hear that often you weren't the only one whose child was having sleeping issues, or was having trouble starting solids.

Eventually, one of us made a move and started gathering phone

This was a great moment because we so loved our time, and I was initially sad that I would no longer be with my lovely bunch of duckling mums. There wasn't a long time to dwell on it because as we walked in for his first Duckling lesson, we were quickly welcomed back by some of the mums from the Ducks class that had already been moved up a few weeks. And I easily made friends with some new mums. One mum took my number, and we have since gone on several play dates.

As it came time for us to start the Ducklings class, I felt some pride and joy to think our little potato had developed a bit of enjoyment and expression while swimming. Our son had even started smiling and splashing, and it began to dawn on us he was enjoying his lessons.

There was a point in time during an activity we participate in every week that I had a big turning point. The instructor brings out a basket of toys that he spreads around the pool in various positions. We help our babies move around the water to collect the toys and place them back into the basket. Once our son developed his palmar grasp, he would grab the toys, but the instructor always had

When we found out we would be moving to the Goldfish class, I was saddened because it felt like we were starting over with a new group. However, now that we are a few weeks into the class, we are beginning to get to know the other parents, and children. 

When we arrive at swimming and I see all these children sitting quietly at the drawing table or playing quietly with the toys, we come flying in. I am like a madwoman running around to put our bags away, get into my swimmers, and in the meantime I have to prevent my son from sprinting into the toilets, the shower, the office, or anywhere else he can sneak into with excitement of being there. 

The staff all know us now and always greet with welcoming smiles. Our mornings can be chaotic wrestling a wet toddler and bags of swimming gear, especially when it is freezing cold. On some mornings, I do not even have the time to dry myself off properly before I am wrestling with my son to get him under control. However, swimming classes have been a positive experience for both of us. I have made new friends, and now have a happy, confident little