Preparing your little ones to be swimming naturals

Swimming Nature instructor in blue cap joyfully lifts a laughing toddler from the water in a baby‑and‑parent swim class.
30+ Years

Why Swimming nature

Proven methods, trusted experts

For over 30 years Swimming Nature has been helping babies take their first steps in the water.

Our instructors are in the pool, helping your little one gain confidence and develop a key life skill.

Three‑person group icon.
6,000+
students weekly
Certificate document icon
200+
certified instructors

Get in Touch

Find out more

Contact us to get more details on our offerings.
Mother and father, each holding a baby, face a swimming instructor in a silver cap and share smiles during a family swim session.

Parent and Baby Class

Making your first waves

In our 30‑minute parent‑and‑child sessions, you and your little one will discover the joys of water together –building confidence, strengthening your bond, and making new friends.

Classes are capped at just eight parent‑child pairs and are grouped by age:

  • Green baby footprints icon.
    3-12
    months old
  • Sky‑blue baby footprints icon.
    1-2
    years old
  • Blue baby footprints icon.
    2-3
    years old
Book online
Little girl in a colourful striped swimsuit listens attentively to an instructor while her mum supports her chest‑deep in the pool.

Getting ahead

Benefits of early introduction

Introducing your baby to swimming early prepares them to be confident swimmers. Swimming is a natural experience for babies, and our unique approach will achieve much more than a splash about!

Highlighted three‑person group icon.
Social
Our lessons strengthen the bond between parent and baby as well as introducing them to a new social environment.
Walking person icon.
Physical
The lack of gravity in water helps to improve co-ordination and balance, and develops excellent muscle control.
Person with speech‑bubble icon.
Language
New words, symbols, sounds and gestures are introduced throughout the programme to improve a baby’s vocabulary.
Head with cog icon, symbolising thinking or learning.
Cognitive
Our lessons improve memory, problem solving, and abstract thought abilities in a stimulating and safe environment.
Baby mobile with star and hanging shapes icon
Creative
Imaginative play is used and encouraged throughout lessons; theses exercises should also be encouraged at home.
Two hands cradling a heart icon.
Emotional
Our progressive exercises encourage independence by teaching babies to rely less on parental help in the water.

Our programme

Baby steps

We build a natural bond between your baby and water using the Swimming Nature method – our exclusive blueprint for creating confident, strong and elegant swimming naturals.

First step
  • Adapting to water environment and discovering movement in water, balance and co-ordination
  • Assisted submersion and basic breath control (holding)
  • Assisted flotation, rotation and leg kick
  • Assisted jumping in the pool
Second step
  • Develop breath control (holding breath and blowing bubbles through mouth)
  • Independent submersion
  • Unassisted flotation and jumping in
  • Supported kicking, and rotation
  • Independent movement in the water (push and glides)
Third step
  • Full breath control (holding breath, blowing bubbles through mouth and nose)
  • Independent kicking, paddling and rotation
  • Basic water confidence and safety

Frequently asked

We’ve been around long enough to give you the assurances you need to take the next step.
Instructor guides a toddler’s splashing kick as the child clings to mum’s shoulder in the water.
  • Is my baby old enough to be in the water?
    Yep! Babies can usually start swimming from three months old, and this is the minimum age for our parents and babies programme.
  • What do I need to bring to the lesson?
    You and your baby should bring swimsuits. Some pools require the use of a happy nappy and disposable baby water nappy, and we recommend this to prevent any accidents.
  • What if my baby or I are scared of the water?
    It’s completely normal to feel nervous. Our instructors are specialists in easing both babies and parents into the water. They stay right by your side in the pool, using gentle games and simple exercises to build comfort step by step.
  • Can I watch my baby’s lesson?
    Yes! Most of our pools have a viewing area for parents. Check your pool’s page to find out more.
  • How long are baby lessons?
    30 minutes – enough time for a warm‑up, core activities and a gentle wind‑down.
Two speech‑bubbles icon.
Have you got more questions?
Our team is here to help. Contact us to find out more about Swimming Nature lessons in your area.
Contact Us