Baby Swimming Lessons
Our baby swimming lessons for children aged 0 – 14 months are perfect for introducing your little ones to swimming and beginning a lifelong love of the water.
Building Foundations That Last a Lifetime
Water is a natural environment for babies. Joining Turtle Tots baby swimming lessons from a young age encourages familiarisation with water and helps little ones to develop early instinctive responses and lifesaving skills with the support of our highly trained and experienced teachers.
For parents, spending precious time teaching their newborn or young baby to swim is a unforgettable bonding experience, the benefits of which will last a lifetime.
The foundations of our award-winning, child-led swimming programme is communication. All our Turtle Tots teachers are trained to understand every baby’s non-verbal signals and body language. Each lesson introduces age and stage appropriate activities to support every child’s physical, social and emotional development and wellbeing.
Every baby has their own unique personality and we tailor every activity to suit them based on what they tell us they like and dislike. Most of our baby swimming programme takes place above the water with an emphasis on fun! Our lessons do include natural submersion but only when their child is ready.
We use lots of easy to learn songs and games in our lessons to ensure that you and your little one enjoy your time in the pool together.
But the benefits don’t stop there. Life-long friendships are often forged at children’s activity classes. Baby swimming lessons with Turtle Tots give you the opportunity to meet like-minded parents and carers, share your experiences and enjoy time together away from the pool.
Benefits of baby swimming
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wait until my baby can hold their head up before starting swimming?
No – with proper support from a caregiver, newborns can enjoy swimming well before they can hold their head independently.
What’s the difference between baby swimming and baby spa treatments?
Baby swimming lessons focus on water safety and early swimming skills, while baby spas are about promoting relaxation through hydrotherapy, massage and sensory elements like lights and music.
How soon after birth can I take my baby to a hydrotherapy pool?
If you’ve had postnatal clearance from your GP and your baby is healthy, you can visit a hydrotherapy pool from birth. Be sure to check that the water is warm enough for your baby.
Is chlorinated water safe for newborn babies’ skin?
Unless they have a chlorine allergy, it’s perfectly safe for your baby to enter chlorinated water from birth. We always recommend rinsing your baby’s skin in fresh water after swimming and applying a gentle moisturiser if needed.
Can premature babies start swimming at the same age as full-term babies?
No – premature babies’ immune systems develop more slowly than full-term babies. Check with your GP or health visitor before taking your preemie swimming.
What is the minimum age for baby swimming lessons in the UK?
There is no minimum age! Here at Turtle Tots, we welcome babies to our swimming lessons from birth.
Can newborn babies go swimming before their umbilical cord falls off?
It’s generally recommended that you wait until your baby’s umbilical cord has come off and the stump has healed fully to avoid infection risk. Always check with your midwife or GP if you’re unsure.
Is it safe to take my baby swimming if they haven’t had their immunisations yet?
Yes. The NHS confirms there’s no need to wait until after your baby has had their vaccinations.
What are the benefits of baby swimming lessons?
Baby swimming offers many benefits for both you and your baby. Our lessons support your child’s physical, social and emotional development, as well as giving your child the opportunity to develop their language skills. The Turtle Tots swimming programme fundamentally teaches vital life-saving and water safety skills, something that will support your child’s confidence in the water throughout their entire lives. Baby swimming lessons also encourage bonding and attachment, giving parents the chance to spend quality time with their little ones cuddling, playing and learning together.
What do I need to bring to baby swimming lessons?
All Turtle Tots babies and toddlers must wear a double nappy system until they are fully toilet trained. A well fitted neoprene Happy Nappy should be worn over a swim nappy. We have some fantastic reusable options available in our shop. Alternatively, you can purchase disposables from any good baby retailer.
If your little one feels the cold, or you are planning on swimming in cooler pools between lessons, you can purchase a baby wetsuit.
Also, don’t forget your own swimming costume, towels and a warm snuggly outfit for your baby after the lessons.
When is the best time to start baby swimming?
Babies can start swimming lessons with Turtle Tots from birth. Our lessons for little ones take place in lovely warm pools in locations across the UK. However, new mums may need to wait a little while until their bodies have fully recovered so if you would like to start your baby swimming journey as soon as possible, other family members may need to hop in the pool with little one initially.
More information about Baby Swimming
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Baby Swim Nappies – The Lowdown
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It’s time to get ready: how to prepare for babies first swimming lesson
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Name the Turtle Tots Mascot and WIN free swimming lessons
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Baby Swimming with a Disability or Complex Needs
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Why the Right Pool Matters for Your Baby’s First Swimming Lessons
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Making a Splash for Mental Health: How Swimming Supports Children’s Wellbeing
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When can babies go swimming? Your complete guide
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Clock change … how to manage your little one’s sleep routine
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The Therapeutic Power of Parent and Baby Swim Time for Mental Wellbeing
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Time to DITCH THE DISPOSABLE
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MyBump2Baby Podcast
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Summer holiday swimming skills you can practice at home
Reviews
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Great, safe learning environment for kids, fun and energetic, making friends and confident smiley children. Sapphire and cathy are amazing teachers, keeping safety at heart,involving everyone at the pace they need to learn.
Kathryn 
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My daughter is 11 months and really enjoys the class. Gives her lots of water confidence at a young age. Definitely recommend starting them young.
Anonymous -
Amazing Staff, very friendly, my daughter loves it. Would highly recommend it
Christina -
Learning to swim with Turtle tots is my favourite day of the week, my son loves the water and his teacher! It’s a beautiful way to spend time together especially when they are a bit too small for soft play! A lovely atmosphere and way to make friends 🙂
Molly -
My children absolutely love their swimming lessons at Turtle Tots. They have progressed so well compared to previous swim classes they have been to & I believe this is down to the small class sizes & how interactive each lesson is. Each week the lesson is so engaging for them & they can’t wait to return the week after. Honestly can’t recommend Turtle Tots enough.
Alison -
Caroline has been amazing with Charlie. Going swimming with a first child at a young age of only a matter of weeks old felt daunting but Caroline was patient and explained everything. Now 8 months on, we’re having a lot of fun. I love the structure of the classes and how new activities progress so that the children can learn safety around water whilst also having fun with singing and splashing!
Megan -
My daughter has been coming to Turtle Tots since she was 4 months old. She absolutely loves it! It’s lovely to see her water confidence growing every week. Amanda is fantastic with her! She is very patient and has a calming influence and makes the class a lot fun for the little ones! I Would highly recommend Amanda and Turtle Tots
Jess -
We’ve been taking our son to Turtle Tots since he was old enough to ago and he’s just turned 18 months. Swimming remains his favourite part of the week, and it’s really helped him build confidence in the water. It’s well lead, well instructed and thoroughly recommended.
Rebecca -
My baby and I have attended Turtle Tots baby lessons at Piperdam with Turtle Tots Dundee from the age of 14 weeks. My baby and I both thoroughly enjoy the lessons – they are fun and they also teach my baby confidence in water and skills to keep him safe. It’s a class I look forward to each week and would recommend anyone to join.
Katie -
My son loves his swimming lessons. The lessons are structured well, with lots of fun for the babies, and the teachers (Katy and Vicky) are brilliant. My son has completed Baby 1-5 and we’ve signed up for Toddler Classes in the Autumn. Thank you!
Anonymous -
My friend recommended Cathy from turtle tots Northern Ireland to me when I had my baby so I signed up once he was 3 months old. Cathy has been brilliant since day 1, he has taken to the water so well! We have really enjoyed coming to the lessons and can’t wait to continue
Michelle -
Absolutely delighted with our lessons! Cathy is fantastic. My baby, who is only 17 months, has learnt so many skills already. We’ve been to 5 lessons so far and she has gained so much confidence. I’ve been to numerous swimming groups and the difference is night and day. You get what you pay for! I would highly recommend.
Sarah