| Q |
At what age can my baby start Aquatots? |
| A |
Babies retain their natural breath-holding reflex (the dive reflex) up to the age of six months, so babies can start the course as early as four weeks - and do! For babies/toddlers who have not been taught to swim with the Aquatots methodology we now run starter courses for 18 months to 3 years. Toddler courses will use Aquatots methods above the water and only when the child is ready will they go below the water. |
|
| Q |
If my class is cancelled - how will the office let me know? |
| A |
The office will send you a TEXT message via our SMS system if the cancellation is within 24hours of your class time. If it is longer than 24hours, the office will email you. It is very important that all your contact details are kept up to date and the office is informed of any changes. If the office has trouble getting through to you by the above 2 methods, you will be telephoned. |
|
| Q |
Does my baby need to have completed the full course of immunisations? |
| A |
Current medical guidance is that there is no reason to delay swimming with baby until immunisation is complete. For further information see the NHS Immunisation Website |
|
| Q |
Do I need to be able to swim to bring my baby? |
| A |
Not at all. Aquatots has had many mothers who cannot swim and have completed the course with flying colours. |
|
| Q |
What should my baby wear? |
| A |
ALL babies need to be 'double-bagged'. This means they need to wear two forms of 'swim nappy' under their costume. An absorbent layer follwed by a secure and snug fitting second layer. Aquatots recommend the washable swim nappy by 'Tots Bots', coupled with the 'Happy Nappy' by Splashabout make the ideal combination to a safe and happy swim.
They both provide a snug fit around the waist and legs which prevent leakages and contain any possible accidents. These are available from our Swim Shop.
You can also purchase disposable swim nappies from most supermarkets which can be used as an alternative to the 'environmentally friendly' washable under layer. They MUST NOT be used on their own under a swim costume, but only in conjunction with secure fitting outer swim nappy. Such as the Happy Nappy by Splashabout. |
|
| Q |
What do I need to take with me to my Aquatots Swimming lesson? |
| A |
A towel/bathrobe for you and baby. Spare swim nappy in case of accidents. A drink (in case of hiccoughs, and also because some of our pools are very warm). A snack for afterwards - it is hard work! (But please no food or drink in the changing rooms). A Hair band or Swim Hat for you/your baby if the hair is shoulder length or below when wet. Swim hats for you and Baby are available from our Swim Shop. |
|
| Q |
Is my Partner able to get in the water as well? |
| A |
Unfortunately no. Due to the latest Health & Safety regulations we are only allowed to have one Parent/Carer per baby in the water at one time. Please check with the office, it may be possible for you to take someone with you to watch, depending on the Pool. It may not be possible at all our pools as some do not have any onsite seating. |
|
| Q |
Can I find directions to the Pool? |
| A |
Visit our Locations page, and click on the pool you want directions for and there are downloads and entry instructions available. |
|
| Q |
Is there any time when I should not submerge my baby? |
| A |
Yes, if baby has hiccoughs, or is coughing then submerging must wait until they have passed. A drink of water will sometimes help, or if you are still breast feeding that is the quickest and most effective way of stopping them.
|
|
| Q |
When shouldn't I take my baby swimming? |
| A |
As a general rule, mum generally knows best! But if your child has a cold and they have a blocked nose, which is very green then taking them swimming could result in pain in their sinuses, also they might have an ear infection, so submerging your baby with a blocked nose may make them cry. German measles, chicken pox (wait until spots have crusted over and there are no new ones coming through), and most importantly - DO NOT BRING THEM SWIMMING IF THEY HAVE DIARRHOEA -. |
|
| Q |
When should I feed my baby before coming Swimming?
Can I feed my baby after swimming? |
| A |
To avoid accidents at both ends, it is adviseable not to feed babies within 1 1/2 hours of coming swimming. Breastfeeding is the exception to this as breastfed babies need to be fed more often.
Bring something for babies to eat/drink after swimming as they will be hungry, but PLEASE DO NOT FEED THEM IN THE CHANGING ROOMS. |
|
| Q |
Does my baby need a wetsuit?
Can I hire a wetsuit from Aquatots? |
| A |
Most of our pools are warm enought not to need a wetsuit, however, whilst all babies are different some will feel the cold more than others. Your Teacher will either have a supply of wetsuits on poolside for you to borrow if the temperature is consistently cool at the pool you swim at or they will have different sizes for you to try on and then hire from the office should you wish to have one for practising.
The cost for hiring a wetsuit is £10 with a returnable deposit of £15. |
|
| Q |
Can I or my Partner take a photo of our baby during a lesson? |
| A |
I'm sorry but no photography is allowed during ANY Aquatots sessions. This is due to the child protection act. We do offer underwater photo sessions at the end of the term in house, see Gallery
|
|
| Q |
Will I need a pair of goggles? |
| A |
If you are a new Parent to Aquatots starting in the Preliminary class, you will need a pair of goggles from week 4, when we start to ask you to submerge with your baby. Wearing goggles is for your comfort so that you can see your baby clearly under the water. Also if you wear contact lenses, you will have no worries about them floating off. See our Swim Shop for Adult goggles.
It is a good idea to carry them with you to all of your classes just in case you need them thereafter. |
|
| Q |
How old should my child be before buying them goggles and where can I get them from? |
| A |
As a rule of thumb, your child should be at least 2 years old. Ask your Teacher if your child seems to be struggling and they will advise you. You can purchase Aquatots recommended goggles through our Swim Shop. Aquatots only recommend goggles that have a fixed bridge as being suitable for young children. Your Teacher will have a supply of demonstration goggles you can try on to get the best fit, so do ask first and try before you buy! |
|
| Q |
Are all Teachers qualified lifeguards? |
| A |
Yes - All Aquatots Teachers hold the NRASTIC life-saving qualification. All Aquatots Teachers attend regular life-saving classes throughout every term, to keep all aspects of CPR, and other life-saving related issues fresh as these are regularly updated by the Life-Saving Society. |
|
| Q |
At what age will my baby swim on her own? |
| A |
Babies are able to lift their head out of the water and take a breath from about 16 months. However, all babies are different, and some may take longer. |
|
| Q |
How many children are in each class? |
| A |
A class will have an average of eight children, and one instructor. |
|
| Q |
My Baby does not seem to be enjoying her swimming session. Can you help? |
| A |
At Aquatots we have compiled a help sheet for you. If none of these suggestions help, please ask your Teacher or ring the office and speak to Fiona. Click here to download fact sheet. |
|
| Q |
What happens if I miss a lesson?
|
| A |
The office can arrange a catch up class at the additional cost of £6. Please call to check availability. |
|
| Q |
Is it possible to purchase any of the toys or equipment we use during the classes? |
| A |
Yes. All the equipment and a lot of the toys can be purchased either on line via our Swim Shop or through the Aquatots Office |
|
