great baby acitivity (Waterbabies Swimming Lessons)

Member Name: wisemind

Product:	Waterbabies Swimming Lessons
Date:	11/01/09 (115 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: teaches water safety , in a warm pool

Disadvantages: Expensive

Water babies teaches babies both how to swim but also teaches water safety and takes babies from any age but must be under one when they start the course. My son was on the waiting list before he was born.

The terms are split up into terms of nine to ten lessons which costs about £10 per lesson but have to be paid in full before the term and missed lessons are not credited. The Lessons are held in small pools, mostly hydrotherapy pool so are like stepping into a bath.

The babies are required to wear a disposable swim nappy under a happy nappy which cost £8.99 each.

The lessons are for 30 minutes which is plenty time especially for the very young babies and you get into the pool with your little one as is the instructor who will demonstrate the activities.

My son started when he was two months old and has loved it from the start. The idea is that they learn how to swim under water while they have a natural relax to hold there breathe under water and are taught how to breathe under water so this replaces there relax as time goes on.

On the first lesson they swim under water which is a bit scary and initially they can be upset by this but they soon get used to it. I have noticed that the younger they start the more confident and enjoyable they seem to find it.

They not only learn how to swim but how to fall in without been startled so don't panic , how to hold on and essentially can be life saving.

A lot of the Skills are taught using Rhymes and repetitive words so the babies enjoy themselves and learn through familiar songs.

Every lesson ends with singing Twinkle, twinkle little star which is a marker for the babies to understand it is the end of the lesson.

You do get to see your baby swimming under water at times and when I see my son always looks so relaxed and happy.

I had a photo shoot of my son swimming under water which cost £45 and then I spent another £100 on the photo but it is so amazing everyone who comes to my home comments and it is a truly unique item to keep as a reminder of their childhood. This is optional and at a different time to the lessons.

My Son has thoroughly enjoyed these lessons, initially he found them exhausting and even fell asleep in the pool once. He has completed the water babies' course and now attends the toddler sessions which are the same price.

At 20 months old he can swim a meters independently, swim and grab on the side on the wall and then climb out. He is learning how to dive in and jump in His does use his arms and legs but he is a bit lazy doing this to be honest. He is very confident in the water and doesn't bat an eyelid when he goes under the water.

I would recommend this to anyone with a small baby. It is expensive but the best activity I have ever done with my son.

For more information www.waterbabies.co.uk

Summary: A worthwihile investment as it teaches water safety aswell as swimming