My Water Baby

Imogen and I have started swimming lessons. I've been wanting to take her for a while, and we decided to pay a bit more, and go to lessons with Water Babies. We've been a couple of time so far, and it's been great. Imogen didn't smile and laugh, but she didn't cry, so I guess that means it's just a bit different for her and she needs time and practice to get used to it.

The classes are really small - just 7 babies - and take place in a hydrotherapy pool, so the water it lovely and warm. Double layers of nappies ensure no accidents and contamination! We've also bought her a little baby wet suit, so when we go on holiday etc, we can take her to "normal" pools and she won't get too cold. That also goes for during the school holidays 'cos the lessons don't run then :(

It's all about building confidence - both mine and hers - and using a baby's natural gag reflex to "teach" them to hold their breath under water. She's been for a couple of underwater adventures already, using the cue "Imogen, ready, go!" We can practice in the bath at home too, using the same cue before pouring water on her face. Not surprisingly, there's a lot of use of songs as well, so if you hear me singing Humpty Dumpty at a swimming pool near you, don't laugh too hard!