Contents

In a pool

Have fun in the water, smile and reassure baby all the time.
Try chasing a toy or ball around the pool, if old enough encourage baby to reach for the toy.
Practise holding on to the side, use your hands to cover theirs, put your knee under their bottom to stop them hanging
Blow bubbles in the water, children love to mimic you and it’s a great breathing exercise.

In the bath

Whilst washing baby’s hair, dribble clean water onto their face.
Use a toy watering can to dribble water directly onto baby’s head or take a shower together and let the water run freely over baby’s face.
Older ones could try watering themselves with a toy watering can.
Practise holding baby whilst they are wet they can be very slippery.
Breastfeeding in the bath is a lovely way to bond and a reassuring way to get baby used to a larger bathing arena.
Use the adult bath rather than a baby bath to prepare baby for a larger unrestricted environment.
Smaller babies could spend a few minutes every day on their tummies to help build up their core and help with their strengthening exercises.
Blow bubbles in the water, children love to mimic you and it’s a great breathing exercise.

Try new swimming kit on out of the pool so baby isn’t overwhelmed by their new outfit and you know how to put it on!
Check you have the right size nappies (under and over) before the lesson. We recommend TotsBots – one TotsBots under-nappy costs the same as a pack of disposables and lasts longer! – www.totsbots.com/category/reusable-swim-nappies
Know where you are going, how long it’ll take and where to park if you are driving.
Allow plenty of time so that you don’t arrive to your taster stressed.
Pack up your kit the day before so there are no last minute panics, remember a towel for both you and your baby and a changing mat (roll-up mats are the perfect solution) – www.konfidence.co.uk/products/konfidence-roll-and-go-baby-changing-mat
Research our beginner Duckling courses and costs online before the session, it’s a shame to try something and love it to then realise there is no day or time in the schedule to suit you.
If Dad is bringing baby in the pool and Mum is watching then be prepared for baby to just want Mum, don’t be discouraged – watch the session together from poolside.

Try submerging your baby without advice and preparation.
Overwhelm your child by trying everything at once.
Look worried or anxious – baby can sense your mood!
Leave your Taster Session if baby is unsettled, we bring plenty of toys so take yourself off to the side to watch and let baby play.