Baby Swimming Lessons in Chicago

There are general common sense guidelines which apply to any place that offers baby swimming lessons. Special disposable swim diapers are required by the Illinois State Health Department and are available at many of the schools and other facilities that offer infant swim lessons. There are also plastic pants which can be used in addition to swim diapers for further protection against unwanted leakage.

While swimming lessons for babies will vary from class to class, there are basic principles which all establishments go by. The primary step is to get the infant acclimated to the water environment by taking the baby into the water with the parent and splashing and playing so that they feel comfortable and happy. Next is the practice of assisted floating and dumping water over the baby's head.

Breathing is important in baby swimming lessons as well. Getting them used to holding their breath under water is crucial to their comfort in the water. Then the ideas of movement, such as rolling in the water, splashing their arms and legs, and being helped to the side while they use these movements will get the infant used to the feeling of swimming by themselves.

The Chicago Swim School offers their StarBaby classes, which are based on guidelines set by the United States Swim School Association. Their approach is to provide swim lessons in three steps based on different age groups, each targeting the development of comfort with being in the water and having fun. They have sites in Arlington Heights, Oswego, and Rolling Meadows. Visit them at chicagoswimschool.com to register and for more information.

The Galter Life Center, next to the Swedish Covenant Hospital, features their Aquababies program for around $60 for eight lessons for members. Parents are required to be in the pool during infant swim lessons in the indoor, heated pool. Classes run from June 3 to August 3. For registration information, visit them at galterlifecenter.org

The city of Chicago itself offers baby swimming lessons that are generally around $20. Swimming lessons are offered at Chase Park, for instance, on a walk-in registration basis every Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. Contact the Chicago Park District at their website, which is chicagoparkdistrict.com

It should be noted that swim lessons fill up fast, so those interested in swimming lessons for babies should sign up early to make sure they get a spot in the class they want.