index | swimming for babies | FAQ        

FAQ        

Do you encourage floatation aids?
No! Bangkok Dolphins' progressive teaching method encourages babies/toddlers to swim naturally without the help of aids or "floaties". From the initial stages, if a child is taught the correct body position, then aids are not needed. In fact "floaties" encourage a more vertical position in the water instead of horizontal. In many cases children have come to classes in "floaties" and realize that no one else has them! By the end of the first or second lesson they are off and never to be seen again. However, if a parent has 2 or 3 children, all non-swimmers, then "floaties" might be the answer to all of them getting a swim if they are at home.

When will my child be drown proof?
Never! You must always watch your child in and around the water. Between the age of 2 and 3 years old, children become very confident and many think they can swim. Bangkok Dolphins teach water safety as a top priority and the programs reinforce this as Bangkok many pools are without barriers or fences.

What can I do before coming to swimming lessons?
At home you can encourage "getting ready" for swimming lessons from birth. Don't be scared to pour a little sprinkle of water onto your baby's head and let it roll down their face - they won't like it at first. There is no need to wipe splashes off your baby's face as it gets them used to the feeling.

index | swimming for babies | FAQ        

FAQ        

Do long breaks affect swimming?
Long breaks from swimming either through vacation or illness, do affect your infants development. However, they soon get rid of the "cob webs" and within a few lessons they are back to their confident selves. Remember that it's not a race and that patience is key and several small steps will be more effective than a couple of big steps. Remember to encourage, praise and take it at the child's pace to get the best results.

What should my baby wear?
A swim diaper. Huggies little swimmers diaper is the only brand that Bangkok Dolphins recommend and we insist that any child who is not toilet trained wears one. A swimsuit of your choice is also advised.

What should I take?
You will need a towel, for both yourself and your baby to dry off with, and a swimsuit for yourself while you're in the water with your child. Babies get hungry after a session in the water so make sure you have milk to offer afterwards, if you are bottle feeding, as well as some snacks if your child is eating solids.

Where should my baby learn to swim?
When organizing lessons for your baby, look for a qualified, reputable swim school. Ask about qualifications of the school's staff. Take a look at the cleanliness & safety of where the swim lessons are being held. The most beneficial environment to learn swimming in is a heated, salt water pool. Babies cannot regulate their own body temperature so a heated environment is a happy one.

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