Baby Swimming Activities: Fun Pool Games and Top Tips
Five tips for fun baby swimming
Ali Beckman shares advice to make swimming sessions extra special
| Tip | How to do it |
| 1. Try to be water confident yourself | If you aren't a strong swimmer or feel nervous in water, taking your baby swimming is a time to overcome your fears. Stay in the shallow end, don't panic if you get splashed, and be a positive role model for your little one. |
| 2. Take it slowly | Some of us have little daredevils, others are more cautious. Either way, don't underestimate the impact of having their face or head under the water for the first time; it can upset even the most boisterous of babies. |
| 3. Encourage mental stimulation alongside the physical | Snap like a crocodile, jump like a frog, go for a ride on a seahorse or swish your fins like a mermaid. Toddlers especially love imaginary play, so don't hold back! |
| 4. Sing repetitive songs and rhymes in the pool | Repeating a rhyme is a super effective way to communicate with your baby. The repetition is reassuring and helps them learn, and using the same words to match actions helps them feel more confident as they recognise what will happen next. |
| 5. Support independence as they become more confident | Introduce a float to help them kick their legs, let them explore and experiment, and give positive praise. Try to keep the use of baby floating aids to a minimum, as you want to promote independence and confidence in the water. |
Fun water games to play with babies and toddlers in the pool
Ready to put those awesome tips into action? Why not introduce these exciting water games for toddlers and babies, provided by our resident parents?
Blow bubbles to get them used to being underwater
"Lie your baby on their tummy in the water facing you and hold them under their armpits. Then put your face half under and blow bubbles in the water. After you've done it a few times and your baby is used to having their mouth in the water, encourage them to blow bubbles, too."
- Lisa, mum to Alma
Bring "football" to the swimming pool
"Hold your baby out in front of you in the water with your hands under their armpits and around their chest and have a floating toy or ball in front of them. Encourage them to kick the ball, either to another person or the side of the pool so they practise kicking in the pool while having fun."
- Jo, mum to Tilly
"What's the time Mr Wolf?"
"This one needs two adults - one to be Mr Wolf and one to hold the baby. Mr Wolf stands at one end of the pool, you and your baby at the other. Mr Wolf turns his back. You call, "What's the time Mr Wolf?", Mr Wolf turns and answers "3 o'clock" and turns back. You take 3 steps. At any time, Mr Wolf can answer "It's dinner time!" and chase you back to the starting line."
- Jo, mum to Gene
Fun and games for every occasion
It's not just baby swimming that we can help you make a splash at. Why not take a dip into our extensive range of playtime and adventure activities and see what you can find? Discover stress free ways that make the journey to the pool easier and exciting advice that makes a breeze of going to the beach. What are you waiting for? The adventure awaits.
Find out about Little Swimmers® Swim Pants
