Baby swimming

Bathing the baby in the bath

We have a special bathroom where each child can swim for up to 20 minutes with the help of a specialist in water at a suitable temperature. We recommend starting bath sessions when the baby is around 2–3 weeks old. During these sessions, parents receive useful tips and practical skills for bathing their baby.

The instructor encourages parents to support the baby in the water themselves. Gradually, the water temperature is lowered to help the baby adapt and prepare for pool sessions. Gentle water adaptation can help support a baby’s wellbeing and resilience.

You can start bath sessions with your baby even soon after birth. Babies are already familiar with the water environment from the womb, and water can help them adapt more easily. Bath sessions are offered for babies weighing less than 6 kg. Babies weighing more than 6 kg are welcome to join the pool lessons.

You can see how the instructor guides parents on the Family School website: www.perekool.ee/articles/beebipaevik-beebi-swimming/

If possible, we recommend feeding the baby before bathing so they remain calm and comfortable during the session. Please bring a towel for the baby. A swimming nappy is not required for bath sessions. Adults are recommended to bring flip-flops, as the bathroom is located next to the pool area. Leave outerwear in the wardrobe and take personal belongings with you to the bathroom.

After bathing, babies are often hungry and can be fed in the same room.

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Bathing a baby in the pool

In order for the titans to have a lot of fun, pleasure and play for 30 minutes in the pool, we use a minimum of chlorine in the pool water. A smaller amount of chlorine than the usual norm allows us to use the careful washing of parents and babies before going to the water.

Parents bathe the children on their backs, sides and stomachs, jump them, frolic and slap them for a moment under the water. The diving reflex, which is an innate skill, is practiced, and if it remains, then it will be easier for a child who has fallen into the water to cope with himself. To swim in the pool, a pre-bathing bath is not necessary.

See on the Family School page what can be done in the pool with a 3-month-old tit:www.perekool.ee/articles/beebipaevik-3-kuune-anne-beebiujutamises/

Swimming helps develop muscles, which in turn supports better posture. Babies who regularly spend time in the water are often calmer, emotionally balanced and sleep better. They may also become ill less often and recover more quickly when they do.

Please arrive 15 minutes before the class begins so you have time to change and wash. The cleanliness of the pool water depends on careful washing by both parent and baby before entering the water.

The water temperature in the pool is 33 degrees. Please bring a swimming nappy or swim pants for the baby. After bathing, the baby can be fed in the restroom.

During daytime swimming sessions, we welcome mothers with their babies in the water. In the evenings, there are special sessions for fathers and babies, when the changing rooms and washing facilities are reserved for fathers and babies only.

Please note: One parent and one child may attend each group swimming session. Group classes are available only for children up to two years old.

‍If you would like to use the Family Centre pool and your child is over two years old, you will need to book either an individual swimming session with an instructor or self-guided swimming.

You can also see how babies enjoy swimming in the pool here.

Please note: All sessions are held at the Family Centre (the entrance is located behind the maternity hospital).