ABC Swim - FAQs

When can I start swimming with my baby?
Is it all right to take children swimming before they have completed their course of immunisations?
What does my baby need to wear in the pool? What is the double/two layer nappy system?
Where do I buy Swim nappies and wetsuits?
What happens on the day?
Do I need to be a good swimmer?
How do I book on to an ABC-Swim course?

When can I start swimming with my baby?
Active Baby Company takes babies from 10/12 weeks old. You can take your baby swimming as early as you feel comfortable once the umbilical cord has healed. The optimum time to start your baby swimming is before they reach 6 months old so that you can utilise their natural reflexes, however, any age is better than not at all!

Is it all right to take children swimming before they have completed their course of immunisations?
Yes, babies can be taken swimming at any age. Some swimming pools still suggest wrongly that children should not go swimming until they have had some or all of their immunisations.
This is a hangover from when polio was common and people were worried about its spread in swimming pools, which were places where large numbers of young people got together during the summer months.
(source www.immunisation.nhs.uk)

What does my baby need to wear in the pool? What is the double/two layer nappy system?
For hygiene reasons all babies must wear swim nappies until they are potty trained.
Like most swimming pools we have a double nappy protection policy for all of our babies which means that your baby must wear two swim nappies. The first nappy can be a disposable swim nappy which are available in most supermarkets, but we recommend a re-usable one as it does end up more cost effective, more reliable and environmentally friendly! On top MUST be a re-usable swim nappy. We recommend Konfidence 'Nappicova', or Splashabout Happy Nappy both these brands provide a good seal around the legs and waist to prevent 'leaks'!

You will not be allowed into the pool without both correct nappies, as nappy leaks will mean cancellation of classes to clean the pool and possible charges passed onto you.

Both pools are kept at 30° and therefore whilst your baby is young you may want to provide extra warmth for them with a wetsuit or snug (which is also very useful if you use a public pools as well as they are usually kept at 28°). Please note: if you have a wetsuit you will still need the double layer system, if you use a snug you will not need the second layer nappy as the snug has a built in nappy which seals at the legs. Remember to check with the facility what temperature their pool is so that you have your baby in the appropriate swimwear.

Where can I buy swim nappies/wetsuits/suits?
Active Baby Company stocks the Konfidence and Splashabout ranges of swim nappies, wetsuits & snugs and these can be paid for separately or along with your course fees*. You don't have to purchase from us, but make sure that the swim nappy fits snugly, unfortunately there is no room for growth!

What happens on the day?
- Arrive in plenty of time to get you and baby ready and familiarise your self with the pool area approx 15 minutes before your class is due to start.
- Be careful when moving around the pool as surfaces can become very slippery.
- Please do not enter the water before you are told to do so.
- Ensure baby has double nappy system and a wetsuit or snug if required.
- Please sign your name off in the register.
- Let your teacher know of any issues/problems which they need to be aware of at the start of the class.
- Most of all have fun and enjoy this wonderful time with your baby. Go at your own pace and take the cues from your baby and as you relax so will they!

Do I need to be a good swimmer?
Don't worry if you can't swim very well or not at all, the pool's are standing depth and we show you how to be confident with your baby in the water

How do I book on to an ABC-Swim course?
To register you and your child on to one of our courses please print off the ABC-Swim - Booking Form and post it to us with your payment (address can be found on the form). If you are not sure which course to book on to or to regisiter your interest please email or call us on 01604 826066

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