Emma and CallumWhen I first went swimming, I was a bit worried about wearing my bathers. Once I got in there I was fine. Callum loved the water - he really enjoyed it. He picked up floating in the water by himself straight away. The only thing I didn't like was that the lifeguard was a bit too strict. Watching Callum learn how to swim and have so much fun in the water was so exciting for me - it was the best feeling ever. I felt like I was really bonding. I would highly recommend it to everyone.
Beckie and Alex
When I went swimming with my little boy Alex, at first he was a bit frightened. When he got used to the water he was ok. He wears armbands but he won't let go of me. He wraps his arms around me, and he then feels safe. The lifeguard puts toys in the pool and then he calms down a bit and plays, but he still won't let me go. The water was freezing and the baby was cold getting out - he was shaking. He liked it and I take him regularly.
Charlene and Sophie
When Sophie went swimming, I could not take her in the water. Somebody took her because I had just had an operation and I couldn't get wet. She loved it. She played all the games and sang all the songs. Then when we got the babies out, and they had something to eat. We went home and she fell fast asleep. She often has fits. It makes me worry, but it's also important that Sophie has fun.
Laura and twins Ceiren and Corey
Ceiren liked swimming, but Corey wasn't too sure. He didn't like the pool because it was a big pool, and wasn't a baby pool. When he got used to it he liked it. The instructor put floats and toys in the water - they both liked that. I found the water was a bit too cold and when they came out they were shaking.
Swimming tips for mothers and babies:
1. The younger your baby is when it first goes swimming, the less afraid it will be of the water.
2. If the baby is suffering from a cold or a mild viral infection, it's best to avoid swimming until the child is back to normal.
3. Always make sure that your child wears properly fitted armbands.
your comments
Emily South Yorkshire
My little boy puts on his spiderman wet suit and jumps in his spiderman ring and off he goes, he loves it, it's wonderful to see him playing and laughing like he does in the water, we've been taking him nearly every week since he was one (now 2). It's beautiful in the summer as our pool has an area outside. I recommend taking children as early as possible. It's rewarding for you both.
Natalie Bellis from Wrexham
I would recommend complaining to the lifeguards and see if they can do anything about it. I have a 3 year old daughter and I feel is too young to take swimming at this age but I can't wait until she can! It will be fantastic as she loves bathing.
Natalia, London
I have a 1 year old little girl Sharla who absolutly loves the water. She gets so happy and excited so I try and take her a couple of times a week, its great bonding for us. Sometimes it`s hard to find the time because I`m studying for my A-Levels and my boyfriend died in a car crash 6 months ago, and I have no contact with my parents, but it relaxes both of us and is definatly worthwhile.
Natalia, 17
Sam, UK
I had a problem with the cold water so I bought my baby a wetsuit, it worked a treat, got lots of advice about fit from northwales wetsuits at their website. It makes a big difference as to how long we can stay in the water. Check with your pool first if you can wear one.
tencjsue
there are no games
Charlene from Nottingham
I think taking kids swimming is great. Me and my friend both have babies and we take them on saturday mornings, and my molly loves it and so does my friend's little girl jess. XxX Charlene, 13
Stacey Bolton
I loved taking my little niece swimming. Her face was like sunshine, but the water was freezing! Her smile just lit up the pool. I can't wait to take her again!
Sophie from UK
I think taking young children swimming is ok as long as you take good care of them. I'd love to take mine swimming when ever I have one.
Cheryl from Brighton
I think it's good for mothers and their childrn to bond and do things together.
Beth from Lincoln
What a shame the water was too cold for the little ones. I remember having the same problem at the pool I went to. The answer is to complain - ask how warm the pool is supposed to be. Ask to see the thermometer. You are not doing this just for yourself, other people must find it too cold.
