Seeking Swim Lessons for My 6 Month Old

6 months is not too young. I started my son at 6 months and he LOVES the water/pool! He is now almost a year. We go to South Bay Aquatics. He quickly learned how to hold his breath when going under the water which I think is a great skill for them to learn as soon as they can! At this point it's more about having them comfy in the water. You get in the pool w/ them and sing songs as well as float them on their backs, go under water, etc. I read an article recently that said kids that get in the pool earlier have less chance of drowning. Almost everyone in our class at South Bay started their kids around 6/7 months so it's very common. It's a fun event to do with your baby! They are only in the pool for 30 minutes and it wears them out for some good naps! There is always an instructor in the pool with you and they come around to everyone for some one on one time. The facility is only about a year old. It's very clean and the staff is very nice. You always get greeted when you walk in the door.
Occasionally we've had an older child (1.5 yrs older) be in our class and I've seen these kids when they first get in the water. They freak!!! I truly believe you have a window to get your baby in the pool where they won't be scared.
I've also talked to my pediatrician about it and she was not concerned at 6 months to have my baby in the pool.

6 months is a little young. I didnt start mine until now and she is 2. We go to Akai in Torrance. Its more mommy and me fun stuff though. I don't know much about Southbay Aquatics.

6 months is not too early! I started my son at 3 months old at the Australian Swim School in RPV (it's inside the Bally's). He loves the water now (he's almost 2). I agree, at this age it's all about getting the babies familiar with the water. Good luck and enjoy!

Hello Mommies,

I'm also looking for a place to start swimming lessons for my 2 year old.Any idea about prices in these schools?

I would ask your pediatritian if he/she recommends swim lesson for your little one. As you can see, people's opinions vary. If your child has weaker immune, or any kind of illness, the doctor would probably recommend that you wait. It is not uncommon to get sick from being in a public pool.

My son goes to South Bay Aquatics. I like it in general. They go by monthly, so if it's close to you give it a try. It's not a lot of commitment. Some teachers are great, but they recently hired a lot of new teachers, and some of them are really green. I agree with the other comment you received - the staff is friendly, and the place is new. Clean? I am not too sure about that. 2 times my son's lesson had to be moved to the other pool because a baby from the other class puked in the pool. They spent a total of 15 minutes cleaning the pool, then the next round of classes go back in the same pool. The moms of my son's class all voted to go to the other pool, but of course the next classes' parents didn't see what happened and their classes continued without a hitch. It was pretty gross. And two times too.

Hi,

Not sure where you live, but the Westside Jewish Community Center on Olympic and San Vicente just opened a brand new aquatic center (beautiful salt-water pool) and the Lenny Krayzelburg swim school provides all kinds of programming, including Parent and Me in the pool and private lessons. If you're intereseted, let me know and I'll send you all the contact information.

D. Markovic
Concierge for Jewish Education
Bureau of Jewish Education of Greater LA
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http://www.jkidla.com