How to prepare for your first Little Nessies class

Getting in the water with your baby or toddler for their first swimming lesson is an amazing experience. The memories you will make in the pool with your little one will stay with you forever.

To help with your pre-class nerves and to ensure that everything goes well, planning is key.  We all know little ones do not always work to the same schedule as their parents so let’s try to stay one step ahead of them!

So, here are our top tips for your first class:

1. Read through your booking confirmation to ensure that you have everything you need for class
2. Plan your journey - do a trial run beforehand to check the timings and the route.  Remember to build in some extra time in case you have a last minute nappy change or feed before you leave the house
3. Pack the swimming bag the night before with everything you need for class – don’t worry we have a check list
4. Wear your swimming costume under your clothes before leaving the house – it helps to reduce the time you take to get ready (remember to pack underwear in your bag if you are wearing your costume! )

So what do you really need for class? The checklist:

• Disposable swim nappy
• Happy nappy – neoprene over nappy
• Warm in water wrap - to help maintain baby’s temperature in water
• Swimming costume / shorts for the grown up in the pool - so easy to forget! 
• Towels for you and baby - hooded towel or robe will help keep little one warm
• Changing bag with changing mat, nappies, wipes and spare clothes – just in case they sit/roll in a puddle of water in the changing room
• Milk / water and snack if little one is eating solids. Swimming is hungry work! 

Why is a neoprene Happy Nappy necessary? To help prevent little poops from popping up to say hello in class (little accidents do happen occasionally), we have a strict double nappy policy. This means all young children who aren't fully toilet trained must wear a disposable swimming nappy with a neoprene over nappy too. The Little Nessies approved brand is a Splashabout neoprene nappy called the ‘Happy Nappy’, which we sell poolside.  However, there are lots of brands out there so just check with us before you purchase to ensure they are fit for use in class.

Hopefully after reading the above, you should be feeling prepared and organised for your first class.  The final and most important piece of advice is stay calm and try to relax.  Don’t worry if you aren’t confident in the water, our instructors will look after you and give you any support you need.  Exploring this new watery world with your little one is a fun, bonding experience for both of you. All of your little one’s senses will be stimulated in this new environment and they will look to you for reassurance. So, take a deep breath, smile and let’s start making those memories together.

See you at class for some splish splashing fun!