Baby Bonding Swimming Classes – More Than Just a Splash!
Are you hoping to build an excellent bond with your new baby, right from the start? Our Baby Bonding classes at Make Waves help to get you on your way. In the warm, clear water, taking your baby for a swim is a peaceful, personal, and magical experience that we want everyone to enjoy.
We offer every parent access to a free 4 week set of baby bonding sessions. Taking place each month, they provide an opportunity for little ones to get their first taste of the water in a safe, secure, understanding, and caring environment.
There has been extensive research into the benefits of swimming (particularly lessons) for babies and toddlers. Swim England has summarised some, but not all points here; Swim England research.
We believe in what we offer at Make Waves absolutely, which is why we provide our Baby Bonding sessions for free. Here are some of our favourite reasons why;
A Special Bonding Experience
Life gets busy, and time flies! A baby bonding swim class gives you dedicated one-on-one time with your little one to make the most of this precious age and just be. No distractions, just the two of you enjoying the water together. Skin-to-skin contact, and the comforting, familiar feel of the water, all help strengthen your connection – and make for some pretty adorable memories.
Encourages Physical Development
Swimming provides increased mobility that allows babies to work muscles that they can’t yet use as much on land. Being in the warm pool and feeling the flow of water around them helps with coordination, balance, and overall strength. It also helps them develop their vestibular system and proprioception, setting them up for integrating important reflexes that are instrumental to physical development. Plus, the water’s ability to provide freedom of movement makes swimming a great (and fun!) mini workout. You’ll be amazed by how tired they can be after a swim!
Builds Water Confidence and Safety Awareness
Getting babies comfortable in the water from an early age can make a huge difference. It helps them feel at ease, reduces any fear of water later in life, and lays the groundwork for essential safety skills. While these classes aren’t a substitute for formal swimming lessons, they’re a fantastic first step towards water confidence. We can see the difference in older children’s swimming technique when they have been regular swimmers as babies; they have a stronger, more effective and efficient action in the water because they have learned through early exploration how the water moves under and around them.
Supports Cognitive and Social Development
Baby swim classes are packed with new sights, sounds, and sensations – all of which help little ones develop their senses and awareness. Being in a group setting with instructors and other babies gives them a gentle introduction to social interactions, which we can help you understand and encourage. We also will give you tips and tricks on how to recognise your baby’s cues, including some important reflexes and how they make up part of your little one's development.
Helps with Better Sleep
Ever noticed how a bit of activity helps with a good night’s sleep? Swimming can have the same effect on babies! The gentle exercise and sensory stimulation can help regulate their sleep patterns, meaning they might settle more easily and sleep for longer. (A win for both of you!)
Provides a supportive environment for you too!
Having a new baby can be an isolating experience. Joining our Baby Bonding classes can give you the opportunity to meet other new parents and interact in a place where we care about you and support you with whatever parenting choices you make. We are happy for you to take your time, feed your baby, settle your baby, whatever either or both of you need. We also provide free access to our soft play and cafe where you can grab a coffee and chat further with your new friends.