Baby Swimming
Under our Dolphin Babies brand, we offer baby and toddler swimming classes in Oldham, Rochdale, and Ashton-under-Lyne. We help create a positive environment where you and your little one can feel loved, nurtured, and cared for. We support the health and well-being of babies and their parents, creating a place of bonding and security, reducing stress, and helping to encourage a restful night's sleep.
Dolphin Babies stands out by offering specialised swimming classes designed for babies and toddlers, giving parents and children a shared experience that's both fun and beneficial. Our baby swimming lessons are the perfect way to introduce your child to water safety, fitness, and health from an early age, making swimming a skill that will last a lifetime. These sessions aren’t just about teaching babies to swim—they also offer parents an opportunity to stay active and create deep, meaningful bonds with their little ones in the water.
From your baby's very first dip in the pool, our lessons help them develop vital motor skills and water confidence that will stay with them as they grow. These early lessons could even prove life-saving one day, instilling in your child a sense of comfort and familiarity with the water that forms the foundation of strong swimming skills. Our program is about more than just learning technique; it’s about fostering a love of water and creating joyful memories together.
We carefully craft each swimming journey to meet your child’s developmental milestones. Our classes are filled with sensory elements designed to engage your baby’s curiosity and aid their learning. As you move through each stage together, you’ll not only watch your child grow in the water but also strengthen the bond between you. Our lessons provide a safe, supportive environment where both you and your child can enjoy the water and connect on a deeper level, all while learning an essential life skill.
Our Stages
Tiddlers - 2-12 months
As a baby’s strength develops, so will the journey. From splashing to paddling and from swaying to kicking – our beginner class is where we start to see these movements progress into swimming skills. This class will teach vital safety skills while equipping them with basic skills for their swimming pathway.
Splashers - 12-24 months
This class brings together confidence, swimming skills, and your baby’s curiosity to start performing their skills with less support. We will introduce new equipment and allow them to explore at their own pace.
Swimmers - 24-48 months
The final part of their Dolphin Babies journey, we work together with you and your little one to equip them with the skills to move to our Academy. Taught with a parent, we allow your little one to develop into independent, confident swimmers.
Dolphins - 24-48 months
This class is an invite-only class, designed for those who have passed our baby and toddler programme and are now ready to enhance their skills. In this class, we will go at a faster pace to cover more swimming and aim for your little dolphin to become more independent, ready for our Academy.
Testimonials
I love our Parent and Baby class, it’s such a lovely experience to have with William. He has made so much progress in the water with Becky, who is such an amazing teacher! William is fearless in the water now at just 5 months old. I would highly recommend Parent and Baby swimming lessons to everyone. I feel safe knowing that William will always be confident around water.
Samantha Lancashire (William, Aged 5 Months)
My son has attended Parent and Baby classes since he was 6 weeks old. Before our first lesson, I thought it would be singing and games with the baby, but I was so wrong. From the first lesson, the babies are learning to relax in water and basic swimming techniques. Now, at 8 months old, he can float with only the aid of a swim tube. All the staff are lovely and reassuring. The bonus is that he has a big sleep after every lesson; he’s so relaxed!
Alisha Sonmez (Zeyn, Aged 8 Months)Benefits of Baby Swimming
Water Safety
Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death in children under 5 in the UK. From their first lesson, babies are taught critical safety skills such as holding onto the wall, moving to safety, and climbing out, making swimming not just fun, but safe! These lessons could help protect them in the future and might save their life.
Promotes Bonding
This special half an hour per week, dedicated solely to your baby, allows quality bonding time in the water and away from the day-to-day stresses. You get to focus entirely on each other, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, sharing joyful moments together in the water.
Builds Strength
Paddling, kicking, and splashing not only bring giggles but also strengthen your baby’s muscles. Water resistance strengthens muscles through movement, often resulting in babies reaching physical milestones like crawling and walking earlier than non-swimmers.
Physical and Mental Health
During swimming lessons, your little one will take part in a full-body workout, strengthening the heart, lungs, and muscles. The lessons also aid stimulation as your baby will listen and respond to commands, interact with parents and teachers, and increase their coordination and motor skills. Lessons also help them become more social by interacting with other babies and adults, fostering early socialisation skills.
Develops Coordination
Swimming helps babies improve coordination through playful movements like kicking, paddling, and floating. These actions build muscle control and balance, supporting important milestones like crawling and walking. Plus, responding to cues in the water helps develop hand-eye coordination, setting the foundation for future skills.
Boosts Confidence
Early exposure to water helps babies feel comfortable and confident in aquatic environments. With each splash, your baby will become more at ease in the water, setting the stage for a lifelong love of swimming. As they learn new swimming skills and begin to do more independently, their confidence will grow not just in the water but outside, too.
Cognitive Development
Swimming engages your baby’s senses, helping to boost brain development. The sensory engagement of sights, sounds, and motions in the water stimulates learning, enhances memory, problem-solving, and communication skills. Splashing in the water isn’t just fun—every lesson becomes a playful learning experience.
Improves Sleep
The soothing effects of swimming can help your baby sleep better after a fun lesson. The gentle movement in the water tires out their body but also relaxes their mind. Swimming has a calming effect, perfect for winding down. Your baby will be both relaxed and all tired out, ready for a peaceful nap or bedtime.
Ready To Dive In?
Whether you’re a parent looking for baby swimming or an adult wanting to improve your skills, we have a range of classes suited for you. Explore our options and book a session today!
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