Taking your baby or toddler swimming

The benefits of swimming

Babies will benefit from swimming from a very young age. The benefits for babies and young children include (Royal Life Saving Society UK, no date; Swim England, no date):

• Being physically active
• Developing muscle tone and strength, which may be particularly helpful for babies and children with disabilities or mobility challenges
• Strengthened heart and lung functions

It also improves:

• General fitness
• Appetite and sleepiness
• Coordination and balance
• Cognitive functions, such as reading, speaking and reasoning

Other benefits include (Royal Life Saving Society UK, no date; Swim England, no date):

• Having fun and bonding with their caregiver
• Building water confidence
• Learning to keep themselves safe around water, which reduces the risk of drowning

Getting started

There’s no need to wait until the baby is vaccinated before taking them swimming (NHS, 2023). However, it’s good for the parent to build up their own confidence in handling a wet baby in the bath if possible. This will also help the baby's confidence in water (Swim England, no date). 

Time your swim for when the baby is well, rested, and fed. Other things to bear in mind:

• Many parents take their baby swimming on their own. Some parents find it helpful to have another adult there to help with getting changed.
• Babies can get cold quickly in water, so keep the first swim short and keep an eye on how the baby is doing (Swim England, no date).
• Where possible use an open or a family changing room to have enough space.
• Remember enough towels for everyone.
• Take a swim nappy (see below) as well as a fresh nappy or underwear for afterwards.
• Bath or swimming toys are an optional extra and fun for babies.
• Swimming is hungry work, so be prepared with a snack or a feed after getting dressed (Swim England, no date).

Swim nappies and neoprene nappies

Babies and toddlers will need to wear a swim nappy in the swimming pool unless they are fully potty trained. If they are potty trained, take them to the potty or toilet before going in the pool. Take them again every 30-60 minutes during the session (Splash About, no date).

Normal nappies will become heavy with water and may split open, so should not be used in a pool. They could pose a drowning risk to young babies. A swim nappy doesn’t absorb water (Splash About, no date).

Some pools and swim classes require a neoprene nappy over the top of a swim nappy. This forms a seal around the tummy and thighs and provides extra insurance that the contents of the nappy remain inside (Swim England, no date).

Other nappy tips include (Splash About, no date):

• Put the swim nappy on just before swimming, because it won’t hold wee like normal nappies.
• Check the nappy regularly and change it if it has poo in it.
• Tell pool staff if any poo does escape the nappy and get into the water, as the pool will need to be closed for cleaning (this also applies if the baby vomits in the pool).
• Don’t take a baby swimming if they have diarrhoea, which will leak out of the nappy and contaminate the pool. They also won’t enjoy it if they’re not well.
• If there is no nappy bin at the pool, take disposable swim nappies home to put them in the bin.

Choosing the right pool

When choosing where to swim, look for a baby or learner pool. This should be heated to at least 32 degrees for babies 0-3 months old, and 30 degrees for babies 3-12 months old. The water shouldn’t be above 35 degrees (Swim England, no date).

Swim England has a pool finder.

Baby swimming lessons

Studies have shown that swimming lessons can dramatically reduce the risk of drowning in babies and children aged 1-4 (Royal Life Saving Society, no date).

Parent and baby swimming lessons usually start from three months old. It’s a good idea to check with the health visitor when planning to start swimming (Swim England, no date).

Lessons can get the baby used to swimming in a group of people. They can also help the parent or caregiver to build up confidence supporting their baby in the water. The adult won’t be expected to swim, just help the child feel relaxed and supported in the water (Swim England, no date).

Make sure the teacher has an industry-recognised swim teaching qualification specific to babies and toddlers. There should also always be a qualified lifeguard and first aid member of staff available throughout the session (Swim England, no date).

Pools should have regular maintenance to ensure they meet health and safety standards. Swim schools should be fully insured (Swim England, no date).

Parents might like to simply take their baby to the pool without having lessons. For very small babies a second pair of hands will be useful as you build confidence.

Water safety

Sadly, drowning is one of the top five causes of death for children. Until the child is a competent swimmer, a parent or caregiver will need to be with them in the pool, or close to them when in a paddling pool, at all times (RoSPA, no date).

Arm bands and jackets for the baby can be useful, but make sure the correct size is worn. Even when wearing them, an adult will still need to be within arms reach of the baby or toddler (RoSPA, no date).

If swimming at the beach, visit a lifeguarded beach and always swim between the flags. Avoid going in the sea if it looks rough. Novelty inflatables might look tempting for young children, but they should be avoided at the coast as they can easily be swept out to sea with the baby or child in them (RoSPA, no date).