You can join the parent-child swimming lessons when your baby  is 6 months old. You will be with the baby during these  swim lessons. This type of swimming is an opportunity for the child to be comfortable in water and be around other kids. This swimming is not to learn true swimming skills. The child may not be developmentally ready for swimming lessons until  around about age 3 or 4.

CAUTION

The American Academy of Pediatrics says swimming in children younger than 4 can be enjoyable but it is important that parents do not become over confident in the child. Parents need to be close enough whenever infants and toddlers are in water.

It is important to know that your child can only take solo swimming classes when  she’s able to listen and follow instructions. She should also be comfortable around water. If the child  hates bathing and isn’t around water that much, it is a good idea to take the parent child swim lesson.

A lot of swim club offer this type of swimming . However before you join a club , make sure to look out for the following :

• The class should be well organized.
• The class demonstrates what the parent is looking for.
• There is a life guard on duty all the time.
• The pool is warm  which makes it more comfortable for the child.
• The class has no more than 10 parent – child pairs