What It’s Like to Be a Baby Swimming Teacher?
At swim! we know our teachers are at the heart of everything we do, especially when it comes to introducing little ones to the water for the very first time. I, Rebecca Adlington, caught up with Kerrie, our fab baby teacher from swim! Chatham to find out what life is really like as a baby swimming teacher.
What does a typical baby lesson look like?
A typical baby lesson starts with a warm welcome and our hello song, which, even some of our youngest babies begin to recognise as the start of the lesson with excited splashes. I like to use a range of familiar activities, that our babies have shown that they enjoy. By using a few different resources and our imagination, I can break the lesson up into nice small activities which hold the attention of our little ones. We always end with the goodbye song, which really helps with routine.
How do you introduce babies and parents to the water for the first time?
Introducing babies and adults to the water for the first time can be daunting especially with some younger babies, so it’s really important to me that I try and make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. I always start with a friendly chat, finding out a little bit about both baby and parent. I always remind the grown ups that I’m here to help and to please ask me about anything. I let the grown ups know that there is no pressure to follow the group activities, they are welcome to enjoy the time in the water getting to know their little one, finding out how they are in the water, their likes and dislikes and we can see how they get on. I check on new parents throughout the lessons and give them reassurance.
How does swimming strengthen the bond between parent and baby?
Swimming strengthens the bond between parent and baby in many ways, it’s a fun and relaxing environment with lots of close physical contact, the water can be soothing, it also encourages lots of eye contact, nonverbal and verbal communication, all of this can really strengthen an emotional connection between a parent and baby. Swimming lessons are a great way to spend quality time together.
What inspired you to become a baby teacher?
I have always worked with children but mainly in early years so once I had qualified as a swimming teacher it felt like a natural progression. I was excited to bring my childcare knowledge and swimming knowledge together.
What is the most rewarding part of being a baby teacher?
There are so many things that I find rewarding in my role, and I love to celebrate the small wins as well as the big. If I had to pick the most rewarding part, I’d pick when a baby moves through the groups and then onto core lessons and you see them continue to thrive without the parent by their side because you have worked so well as a team to prepare them for those big girl/boy lessons.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a baby teacher?
Go for it. It’s so much fun, and so rewarding, you won’t regret it.
What advice or top tip would you give to a parent coming to a lesson for the first time?
My advice is, don’t be nervous, everyone there has had or is having their first lesson. Top tip, always have a snack/bottle waiting for after your lesson, and wrap your towels in a hot water bottle for extra toastiness when you get out.
