Term Dates
Here are our new term dates for 2024. We have developed a revised structure with each class having a defined 10 week block. It is possible to join a class up to three weeks through a block, but baby will move to the next level at the end of the block.
Baby swimming lessons offer a truly rewarding family experience
Babies have a real affinity with water and baby swimming lessons help to improve coordination, balance and sleep patterns. It’s a fun and sociable activity and in our luxurious, warm pool, you can take part whatever the weather.
All lessons are taught with an emphasis on fun, and we include plenty of songs, games and toys in every session.
“My twin toddlers have been coming to Chessgrove swim since they were about 6 months and they love their lessons. They are very confident in the water and their swimming is coming on leaps and bounds! We see a progression every week. Brilliant teachers, brilliant pool and brilliant facilities – the best teaching pool we’ve seen.” – Mother of Gabriel and Mia (aged 2 1/2 years).
For bookings contact us on Tel: 01527 821 978 or go to our contact page.
Benefits of baby swimming lessons
Babies love to be in the warm water and it is great fun to watch their swimming progress, but there are many other benefits that result from joining our baby swimming lessons. Baby swimming lessons help:
- Babies have a real affinity with water and baby swimming lessons help to improve coordination and balance.
- Develop baby’s fitness –swimming strengthens the muscles, ligaments, heart and lungs.
- Improve baby’s sleep patterns and appetite and help your baby to relax.
- Develop baby’s motor control and agility.
- Equip baby with vital lifesaving skills and develops an awareness of danger and respect for the water.
- Develop baby’s social stimulation with other children and adults.
- Develop the bonding between parent / guardian and the baby with plenty of skin contact.
For bookings contact us on Tel: 01527 821 978 or go to our contact page.
Baby swimming course structure
Our baby courses run for 50 weeks of the year including bank holidays. Every baby gets one 30 minute session per week. There are a maximum of 8 babies plus their caregiver per session, and we invite one spectator per baby to watch from the poolside.
Most babies start swimming with us aged between 2-6 months but you are welcome to start at ANY age, and we will guide you into the right class for you.
For bookings contact us on Tel: 01527 821 978 or go to our contact page.
Introductory / taster baby swimming sessions
Baby swimming taster sessions take place in our luxurious pool with a qualified teacher and are a way of trying out our baby classes before committing to a full 10-week course and for baby to enjoy his or her first swim.
You can find out where we are, what the pool is like, meet the teachers as well as other new parents/guardians and babies. We run these sessions regularly throughout the year, but spaces are limited and they are really popular.
Bookings can be made by contacting us directly.
For bookings contact us on Tel: 01527 821 978 or go to our contact page.
Baby swimming lessons programme
We structure our programme using the “Chessgrove Way” ethos. Using the elements of baby sensory to develop the baby’s ability and confidence at their own personal rate. New practices are delivered weekly to compliment the developmental stages of the baby and the reflexes they exhibit. All baby swimming lessons are delivered with a safe, sensitive and fun approach. Learning to swim is like learning to crawl or walk, it requires practice!
The course is divided into four key stages:
Baby Dolphins
Aimed at babies aged 3-6 months, Baby Dolphins is designed to begin to see free movement and water confidence. At this stage, baby led submersions are introduced.
Baby Turtles
Aimed at babies aged 6-9 months, the Turtles session is designed to introduce the platforms of water safety and movement.
Baby Seahorses
Aimed at babies aged 9-12 months, this is where we try to introduce independence in the water.
Baby Stingrays
This session is the final class in the baby series before moving onto our Nursery lessons and is aimed at babies aged 12-15 months.
What to wear for baby swimming lessons
All infants need to wear special swim nappies, not ordinary disposable ones, as these will not hold in any leaks and will become extremely heavy when wet. At Chessgrove Swim, we enforce a double nappy policy.
This system comprises of either a disposable swim nappy or a washable swim nappy as the base layer with a snug fitting neoprene nappy on top, like the Nappicova from Konfidence, or the Happy Nappy from Splash About. This gives a closer fit around the legs and the waist giving a good seal and prevents any solids leaking into the pool. A swimsuit, trunks, wetsuit or UV suit may NOT be substituted for the nappy cover, as it will not prevent leaks, although they can be worn as well, if you wish.
Babies tend to be slippery when went, so if you are using any creams on your baby, it is quite a good idea for baby to wear a swimming costume on top of the nappy, to give you something to hold onto!
We sell neoprene nappies, disposable swim nappies and re-usable swim nappies to avoid waste. All available from our reception.
Parents / Guardians
One parent or guardian will need to go into the pool in all the baby swimming classes. It is not necessary for them to be able to swim – the pool is only 1.2m deep. We try to be as flexible as possible in lessons, and do not expect the same parent or guardian to come swimming every time.
Skin to skin contact is prominent in all of our activities during a baby session. It increases levels of security and bonding between baby and caregiver.
Spectators
Spectators are welcome but no photos may be taken without prior permission.
