Wondering how to safely and positively introduce your new baby to the pool? We chat to Tracy Doyle, Learn-to-Swim Coordinator at Goodlife Swim School to find out about the gentle aquatic session for babies, and why this approach is having such success.
Bubble Babies is an informal in-water session for infants and children. The program introduces water awareness and familiarisation to babies calmly and without stress.
“The sessions are more casual than a swimming lesson,” Ms Doyle says. “They are designed for baby to become accustomed to the pool, and also for Mum or Dad to learn how to safely and confidently take a baby into the pool.”
Together, baby and carer participate in fun activities—singing songs, floating in the water and simple games. Highly skilled Swim Australia-qualified teachers are on-hand to answer aquatic-related questions and demonstrate water activities to practice at home.
“We find that an informal session such as this works far better for both parent and child.” Ms Doyle says. “There’s no pressure to ‘learn’, it’s more about instinctively floating and reaching, and feeling happy and comfortable in the water.”
She says these skills are vital for babies to experience early; it makes learning technical swimming skills far easier once they are ready (usually around 24 months old).
“Bubble Babies sessions are also a wonderful way for parent and baby to spend one-on-one time together and bond in those precious early days in a stress-free, relaxing space. This also helps baby build a positive connection with the pool and water. It’s a fun, safe experience where they share special times with Mum or Dad.”
Dealing with baby schedules and illness
Babies are unpredictable. It’s sometimes tricky to get baby out of the house, which is why the Bubble Babies classes are booked on a week-by-week booking system.
“There is no term commitment,” Ms Doyle says. “Bookings can be made and paid for via reception or the swim school office and can only be booked within the week prior to the preferred date. No pressure, no expectations, just come along, splash around and have bubbly fun.”
What ages can come to Bubble Babies?
Bubble Babies is open to infants ages 10 weeks up to five years.
From 12 months old, families have the option of further advancing their child’s swimming by joining a more structured smaller Wonder lessons with only six children per class, or they may continue with Bubble Babies on the weeks they wish to attend.
The finer details about Bubble Babies
The classes are in an indoor heated pool. You’ll also have access to the Goodlife Centre’s other facilities, including a fabulous café, gorgeous change rooms and plenty of parking.
A Bubble Babies class is free for babies under six months old. Then it’s only $5 per class for children ages six months to five years.
Sessions run three days a week. On Mondays, 10am to 10:30am for babies aged 10 weeks to 12 months only. There are only eight children per session. Children aged 10 weeks to five years (12 children per session) can attend on Wednesdays from 10:30am to 11:15am. While on Thursdays, 11:15am to 12pm there is a session for children aged 10 weeks to five years (again, 12 children per session).
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