– Our top tips on what you need to bring to a Turtle Tots lesson…

It might be the start of the Easter holidays, but its always good to be prepared if you are planning on starting baby swimming lessons after the break.  To help, we’ve put a list together of all the baby swimming essentials you’ll need – and what you mind find useful – ready to start your Turtle Tots baby swimming lessons.

Swim Nappies

Number one is a swim nappy, and for your Turtle Tots lessons you will need a double-nappy or the all-new duo-nappy.

The most common double-nappy system comprises a disposable or reusable swim nappy worn under a swim nappy cover over the top.  We would always recommend using a reusable under swim nappy, as they are kinder to the environment.  There is also now a new all-in-one double nappy system – the ‘duo-nappy’ – which means there’s no need for a reusable OR disposable swim nappy underneath it, helping the environment and making life easier!

Take a look at our recommended swim nappy range here

So why a double-nappy system?

A double-nappy system is an industry-standard for baby swimming lessons. It is the most practical, and most hygienic way to prevent little accidents.

Baby Swim Suit

Sounds obvious, but there are many different types of swim suits available for baby swimming lessons; from the traditional swimming costume and shorts to neoprene baby wetsuits and baby wraps.  The wetsuits and wraps are designed to keep little ones warmer in the pool for longer.  All of our pools are lovely and warm, but some babies can feel the cold more than others. Baby wetsuits / wraps can sometimes be good as well for nervous parents who like the comfort of having a better grip.  Take a look https://shopturtletots.com/collections/baby-wraps

Towels

To be honest, you can’t have enough towels if you have room to pack them! You’ll need one to wrap your baby in, and one for yourself of course.  Also consider bringing one to lay to your baby on (if you don’t have a changing mat), or for you to stand on while you get baby changed.  Hooded towels are also great for wrapping and keeping babies warm as soon as they finish their swimming lesson.

Non-slip Baby Changing Mat

Anti-bacterial neoprene changing mats, with a non-slip back, are perfect for swimming pool changing rooms, and to lay baby on poolside while you get out.  They are practical and warm, and will ensure your baby is protected from wet slippery changing room floors and cold changing stations.  Ours are available in pink and blue, and you roll them up for ease of carrying https://shopturtletots.com/collections/pool-changing

Extra Clothes

Consider bringing another set of clothes, just in case things get wet. Maybe an extra layer for keeping baby warm after swimming.  If your baby is very young, a hat is also a good idea as babies lose heat through their head.  

Waterproof Onesies 

We’ve also recently introduced waterproof onesies, which are designed to be worn after swimming lessons.  They are very popular with Turtle Tots’ parents because they have a luxurious soft fleece lining and waterproof outer layer that keep their little ones warm on the way home. A large hood and cuffs on the wrists and ankles provide extra warmth and a cuddly layer too. https://shopturtletots.com/collections/pool-changing

Lots of Snacks

We all get hungry after being in a swimming lesson and babies are no different – who remembers going to the vending machine after lessons and getting a bag of crisps!!  So, bring lots of snacks that maybe little ones can hold themselves like bananas or rice cakes – plus it will keep them occupied while you get changed.  If your baby isn’t on solids yet, they will also be ready for a feed immediately afterwards (and hopefully a long sleep!).

Your Own Stuff!

Finally, don’t forget your own stuff.  May be come to baby swimming lessons with your swimming costume already on for ease – and remember to wear easy to remove clothes. Plus, many of our parents, also like to bring a pair of goggles to lessons.

For more in-depth information about our recommended baby swimming products, visit https://shopturtletots.com/collections/all

Our Turtles Tots parents have also recently been sharing their top tips on Facebook and Instagram:

• Take a light dressing gown, you can pop it on while you change baby, that way your not dripping wet and getting baby wet while you dry and dress them (also it’s easier than a towel slipping off all the time) and baby isn’t waiting for you to dress and getting cold themselves.
• Definitely a non-messy snack to entertain them whilst you’re getting yourself sorted and if you can, someone to help you.
• Take a second towel. One for getting out the pool and one for laying down to get changed
• Snacks for after and don’t let your baby’s first reaction to their first lesson put you off! My boy cried at his first lesson and we nearly gave up there and then but after a while he loved it and has now been with turtle tots for 4 years nearly
• Wrap the little one in loads of dry towels, you get ready first then the wee one. It’s so much easier.
• Putting little one in a onesie rather than an outfit after swimming, so much easier and quicker!
• Get a towelling robe for yourself. Means you stay warm and get dry whilst getting baby sorted after swimming.