Baby swimming

Are you looking for swim gear for baby swimming? Then you have come to the right place.
At Watery we have made it easy for you. On this page you will find all the swim gear and swimwear for baby that ensures you a safe and fun start in the water. Whether you are looking for motor-skill stimulating water toys for the pool or protective UV-safe swimwear for your holiday, we have the solution, including our Baby Swim Essentials.

Maybe you are missing water shoes so the little feet stand firm, or a secure swim ring with a seat for the first trips in the pool? Explore our carefully selected range below.

Packing list for baby swimming: The most important gear for the trip to the swimming pool

When the bag needs packing, it is nice to know exactly what is "need-to-have". In most Irish swimming pools there are specific hygiene requirements to avoid accidents in the water. We always recommend a two-layer system, which gives you peace of mind so you can focus on being present.

• The inner layer: A disposable swim nappy or a washable swim nappy. This ensures a secure, snug fit close to the body.
• The outer layer: A pair of snug neoprene nappy swim pants. They should fit well around the thighs and stomach to function as an extra safety barrier.

If you have these two parts in order, you meet the requirements in the vast majority of swimming pools and ensure the best hygiene for everyone.
Of course you can also buy lots of other equipment that makes the experience even better and more fun, but the most essential is the two-layer system.

Why you should do baby swimming with your child

Baby swimming is a really good idea, and with the right exercises and equipment, it can become an experience that creates a strong bond. This is because baby swimming always involves close contact with your child. The age group is between 0-2 years, and you can start as early as when the baby is 2-3 months old.

The exception is, however, if the child was born prematurely. Here you should be aware that you must first begin 8 weeks after the original due date.

But once you have the practicalities under control, baby swimming is good for your baby's development. As you are buoyant in water, it offers the opportunity to train certain muscle groups from a fairly early age. Since the child will always try to keep the head above water, it thereby trains the neck muscles.

It can also be challenging in baby swimming that your baby has to have its head under water, but you can be confident that the innate diving reflex will kick in. Remember that the child has been surrounded by water for 9 months, and that reflex is still present after birth.

But it must be maintained, and therefore baby swimming is a really good idea! For if too much time passes between birth and when babies again come into water, this diving reflex disappears, and it therefore becomes harder to get your child to feel comfortable being in water.

Baby swimming can in this way help speed up your child's development. And with the right exercises you will experience great development in motor skills, even when the baby is on land.

How to avoid your baby getting cold before and after baby swimming in the water

Although the water in the baby pool is typically around 32 degrees, the air in the swimming pool can feel cool for a small body that has just come out of the water. Babies lose body heat quickly, and a cold baby is rarely a happy baby. Therefore it is crucial to be able to dry and warm the little one quickly so the experience remains safe and cosy.

Many parents swear by large, soft cotton towels, which are gentle on the skin. If you want to make it extra easy and save space in the bag, you can consider quick-drying towels, which absorb water effectively and dry in record time.

Our absolute favourite for the smallest, however, is a poncho with a hood. You can quickly pull it over the child's head so it is wrapped up and kept warm immediately – perfect for a break at the pool edge or the trip from the pool to the changing room.

Baby gear for holidays, the beach and play

If you are swapping the safe setting of the swimming pool for a pool down south or a trip to the beach, the needs change slightly. Here it is not only about warmth, but to a large extent about protection from the sun's harsh rays, so you can enjoy the water's edge without worries.

Baby skin is delicate and requires extra care. In addition to the UV suit that covers the body, many often forget to protect the head and neck, which are particularly exposed when the little one sits in the sand or splashes in the water. A good sun hat with a wide brim and UV filter is therefore indispensable in the beach bag.

When it comes to safety in the pool, the swim ring with a seat is brilliant, as it lets the child float stably while the legs are free to kick in the water. It gives freedom to play, while you maintain full contact.

Remember to make getting used to the water a game

The water creates a completely unique framework for togetherness and development. In the pool your baby is weightless and can move in ways that are not yet possible on land, which strengthens everything from the back and neck muscles to overall balance.

But the most important thing is a sense of security. Start gently, keep close physical contact and let play do the work. If you have a child who is ready for the next steps in the water, there are plenty of fun aids designed specifically for children who need to learn to swim. The right equipment can help build confidence so that the water becomes associated with fun and a sense of achievement from the very start.

Buy all your Baby Swim Essentials and swim equipment for your baby on Watery.ie

Buy all your baby equipment for baby swimming here on Watery.ie and enjoy a range of benefits. We only stock quality products, which is important when it comes to the very little ones. And if you are even the slightest bit unsure, you are of course very welcome to contact our customer service so they can guide you to the right choice. In addition, we also offer:

• 3 - 5 days delivery on weekdays.
• Free shipping on purchases over €79.
• Customer support from 08:00 - 22:00 on weekdays
• 100 % price match so you can get the best at the best price

So get everything sorted so you and your baby are completely ready to share many water adventures together!