What to bring to your baby's first swimming lesson

The first swimming lesson is an experience for both the baby and the parent. So that you can focus on your child rather than on forgotten things, we have put together a simple checklist and a few practical tips.

 

Swimming checklist

• Neoprene swim nappy for the baby – it is required and must fit well around the waist and thighs. Disposable nappies are not allowed in the pool. If you don't have one, you can buy it from us.
• Clean rubber footwear for the adult and the child – walking barefoot is not allowed anywhere in the centre.
• Towels and bathrobes for you and the baby.
• Changing and hygiene items, including a dry nappy for the sauna.
• Food and drink for the child.
• A signed declaration of your child's good health – for the first lesson.

 

Before the lesson

Arrive about 15 minutes before the lesson starts. Allow 1 h 20 min in total – changing, 30–40 minutes in the pool, sauna and acclimatisation. Shower before entering the pool; children shower without swimwear to wash off any creams. Enter the water only when the instructor says so.

 

After the lesson: sauna

Every lesson is followed by a Finnish sauna at a temperature adapted to children. Before the sauna, take off your child's swimwear and put on a dry nappy. Breastfeeding and drinking from a plastic bottle are fine in the sauna, eating is not.

 

Tips for a calm first lesson

• If possible, choose a time when your baby is neither tired nor hungry.
• Don't worry if your child is cautious at first – babies get used to a new environment gradually and the instructor adapts the pace.
• Enjoy the time together – in baby courses, you are the one in the water with your child.

All rules are in Questions and answers. If you don't have a place in a course yet, fill in the application.