Top tips for swimming safely with your little one at home or abroad this summer!
Be water safe this summer!
The highlight of any family holiday is having fun & relaxing at the swimming pool at your hotel or resort. Below is a checklist to help you get the most out of your next break and ensure you can enjoy it as safely possible and to make sure you’ve packed everything you need!
Before you book
Does your hotel or holiday resort have baby-friendly swimming facilities?
What is the water temperature? Babies over 3 months or 12lbs need water that’s heated to about 30 degrees, for babies under 3 months or 12lbs require the water to be heated to 32 degrees
Is there a separate baby pool or baby area? Swimming pools can become very lively at peak times. Babies & toddlers could become freighted if older and rowdier kids are making lots of noise and jumping in and out.
What to pack in your suitcase
Get your little Aqua-baby kitted out with some cute little swimming gear!
You should invest in a little baby wetsuit perfect for babies and little tots to enjoy the water for longer as most outdoor pools are unheated. Even in heated pools babies can get cold quite quickly, so the soft neoprene fabric that fits snugly around baby’s body creates a warm, loving hug. It’s easier for parents too as the fabric ensures you keep a firm grip on your baby. With both of you relaxed and happy, you can enjoy yourselves to the full.
Keep baby protected (and other swimmers!) with swim nappies and nappy covers.
It’s also an idea to get protective swimwear for your little one if you are swimming in the sunshine. If you are abroad; the sun is generally a lot harsher than the Irish sun.
Get some baby-friendly sunscreen for babies over six months (and yourself!). For babies younger than six months, look for full shade or better yet, indoor pools and remember to keep applying throughout the day, even if it looks overcast and if you in the water most of the day, that is when you and your little one can get the most burnt!
Bring some familiar pool toys or bath toys, this will make swimming even more enjoyable for you and your little one, Swimming with baby & toddlers safely!
NEVER EVER LEAVE ANY CHILD UNATTENDED IN THE WATER REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY LESSONS THEY HAVE HAD!
Wait at least an hour after you have fed your little ones before going swimming.
Only take your baby into the shallow end of the pool when you start and always test the temperature of the water yourself, outdoor pools are unheated so keep baby close and moving and if temperature under 30degrees only stay in a max of 10 to 15 mins.
When at the swimming pool, always keep very young children within arms reach. Never multitask when supervising children at the pool. An adult should always be present to supervise in the water
It is vital to keep your concentration and don’t rely on baby floats or armbands to keep your baby or toddlers safe.
Be safety conscious on the poolside. Check where the rescue equipment and first aid kit are and if there are any lifeguards on duty.
The moment your baby or toddler starts to look cold and shiver, take him or her out the water and wrap them in a warm towel.
Remember to never take your baby swimming if they have been sick, always wait at least 2 days after they have recovered from a tummy bug, cold or infection.
It’s not advisable to take a baby into the sea if they are under 12 months as their kidneys can’t cope with the salt water they may swallow. If you want to take a baby into the sea make sure you hold baby’s head up and out of the water!
Before you go, why not sign up for baby and toddler swimming lessons classes, Aquababies run classes all through the Summer. It will give you all the confidence you need to be safe and confident in the water with your little one. Check out your local class now on https://aquababies.ie/pools-and-dates/
Below is great water safety holiday advice leaflet for parents and guardians from the STA, free to download.
Our Aquababies annual 12 Days of Christmas Giveaways is back! We are giving away 12 fantastic prizes this Christmas each day starting Monday 11 December 2017! All on our @aquababiesirl Facebook page
All you need to do to enter is LIKE, COMMENT AND SHARE our 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway Facebook posts as they appear from Monday December 11th.
Giveaways will only be open to everybody living in the ROI. Prizes cannot exchanged for cash.
Winners will be picked a random each day from Facebook page. Judges decision will be final.
We will announce each morning the winner of the previous day on the page.
Jingle all the way 🙂
Merry Christmas from all of the Aquababies team!
Reduced Office hours for the next three weeks to cover summer holidays
Reduced Office hours for the next three weeks to cover summer holidays.
We would just to like to let you know we are operating reduced office hours over the next three weeks to cover summer holidays. The office will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays.
Your phone calls and emails are important to us and we aim to have returned all calls and messages with in 48 hours, so thanks in advance for your patience.
All available classes can be booked on our online line booking system 24/7 at www.aquababies.ie
We will be back to normal office hours from Monday 14, of August
Happy Jolly’s!
The Aquababies team 😉
DROWN PROOFING YOUR CHILD – THE BABY SWIMMING INDUSTRY SPEAKS OUT
Below is a copy of the report that has just been released from the UK baby swimming industry in light of the increase in the number of Drown Proofing courses that have started to pop up across the UK & Ireland and you may have come across some disturbing videos on social media sites. We completely agree with this report and we have always promoted a holistic approach to infant swimming and making the classes fun, safe and completely child led. The whole idea of infant swimming classes is to build water confidence, swimming will come as they get older but its getting them comfortable in the water from a young age, making classes fun while teaching water safety in a fun way and this will carry forward as they get older.
Evidence for or against drown-proofing a child is necessary, but it would be unethical to subject babies and toddlers to these methods to assess the methodology. Therefore, a new report titled ‘Sink or Swim’ has been published by the UK baby swimming industry today to argue the case against drown-proofing teaching methodologies based on authoritative scientific research.
All the major UK bodies involved in baby swimming have come together to speak out and warn parents about the dangers of ‘survival’ methods being taught to young infants. This united call to action comes after videos, which show distressed young learners being taught these ‘drown-proofing’ methods, going viral across social media and gaining increasing media attention in the UK.
Baby swimming is a wonderful sensory activity; as such it has rapidly become a cultural must of early parenting because of all the known benefits it provides, including the progressive teaching of age-appropriate lifesaving skills. But in recent times, videos have been circulating the internet about so-called drown-proofing methods for babies. These sink or swim methods actively promote the de-risking of drowning accidents for toddlers through classes in which learners are taught, and forced, to roll-on-the-back-to-float.
While some may see this highly stressful, forceful method of teaching as being ‘a means to an end’, the wider baby swimming profession argue that there is an urgent need to examine if these drown-proofing techniques, which are being promoted to parents as insurance for their child’s water safety, are actually safe, acceptable and effective. The industry consensus is that this evidence must be based on current scientific research – and NOT the views of parenting experts who are not recognised scientists.
Furthermore, it must be recognised that confidence imparted to a child by either baby swimming classes or water survival techniques should not substitute parental supervision.
Dr Francoise Freedman, a medical anthropologist at the University of Cambridge and the founder of Birthlight, is considered one of the world’s leading experts on baby swimming and she says in the report: “Drown-proofing methods through floating have been around for decades, but the techniques are becoming more prevalent and have recently caught widespread international attention – leading to us, uniting as an industry in the UK to speak out about our concerns.”
Francoise explains that the causes for concern are that this methodology is based on a conditioning that is unnecessarily aggressive. She explains: “Conditioning (forcing) a baby or toddler to float relies on extreme traumatic methods and sadly no amount of praise will compensate for the memory of inflicted pain – it just gets pushed into the recesses of our brain, where it is recorded. While some children will escape unscathed, for others, the trauma may resurface in later years and cause a fear of the water. And because we do not know who is at risk, we have to question if it is worth doing; and the simple answer is no, based on scientific evidence and statistics.”
Kaylë Burgham, Head of Aquatics at STA, the UK’s leading experts in baby swimming teaching and a registered charity dedicated to the teaching of swimming and lifesaving skills, adds: “While we wholly agree that teaching water safety is essential – it’s at the core of everything we do – we morally cannot agree with this drown-proofing methodology. There are far gentler child-focussed swimming teaching and water safety practices readily available that parents are advised to follow.”
“For STA, the potential neurologically harmful practices of forceful conditioning, as outlined in the report, are simply not justifiable in any circumstance.”
Michael Dunn, RLSS UK Deputy Director of Education and Research said: “As the drowning prevention charity, the Royal Life Saving Society UK advises against the use of these types of infant self-rescue or survival programmes. The RLSS UK has taken this position following close scrutiny of the evidence base which shows no proven drowning reduction benefit to the infant, and which has raised significant concerns nationally and internally about the potential for an increased risk of drowning during or following participation in these types of programmes.
The Society does support parent and baby sessions, and basic water safety and swimming lessons for children starting whenever the child is developmentally ready to engage with the activities fully and comfortably.”
Swim England Learn to Swim Director Jon Glenn, said: “A child’s first experience of water and the pool environment should be positive, fun and memorable. It is important that children become comfortable and safe in the water at an early age, but any form of forced techniques are unacceptable. Not only can these be physically harmful, they may also result in children being put off going in the water, leading them to miss out on a lifetime of fun that learning to swim can bring. This is such an important area that it is good to see the whole sector coming together to support this report.”
Francoise concluded the report by saying: “Our message is that drown-proofing methods have no place; their statistical benefits are unproven and their potential developmental risks are compelling. It is a moral duty for all aquatic teachers to inform parents that drown-proofing methods have possible detrimental effects. ‘Each child matters’ and in the promotion of water safety, this is best served by ensuring the wellbeing of all children.”
Repetition is key to learning how to swim
Why Repetition is SO important in Swimming
So you are with your little one at their swim class, week after week, and it looks like they are doing the same thing without really learning anything. You may be getting a bit frustrated and rethinking this whole swimming lessons thing since progress isn’t happening as fast as you imagined.
Let’s set the record straight: They are learning the building blocks of swimming and increasing their strength, skill’s and stamina, little by little.
With children, anything they learn in the formative years tends to be by doing the same things over and over again — especially when they are learning. Take cycling a bike, they will start off on a Trike, they will then move onto a balance bike then onto a Big Bike with stabilisers and then comes the time to take the stabilisers off. It takes years of practice and confidence building to get to this stage
The exact same concept is seen when a kid is learning how to swim (or any other skill)!
You wouldn’t expect your kids to communicate in full sentences as soon as they start staying words, right? It takes a lot of work to master a new skill, whether it is talking, walking, swimming or cycling a bike.
Practice makes perfect!
When your baby first starts swim lessons, you are excited about how quickly they become comfortable in the water and acquiring new skills — such as their first submersion, expecting the splash on Name-Ready-Go or kicking their feet. But then it seems like they hit a pause and they are not making any progress, when in fact, they really are.
Practicing the same skill over and over again is important. “Doing the same movements each week, even though they may not display a lot of progress, is like cycling a bike – where one day it will click and they’ll be off!”
Why repetition is important!
It’s common for babies to grow in leaps and bounds in their swim skills, but then appear to slow down. However, that’s not really the case — they’re just being introduced to activities that are much more difficult and they’re working harder to attain these motor skills associated with those new activities.
For instance, your Baby may be working on breath control (Name-Ready-Go’s). While it may look like he or she’s doing the exact same thing every week, they are making slight improvements every week. After a couple of weeks, you will first start to see them Closing their eyes when you do your Name-Ready-Go’s, next you will see them trying to avoid the splash and next you will hear them taking a little breath.
For Toddlers, they may be gliding short distances (1-2 feet) in the first couple of weeks, next they will be Gliding 3-4 Feet and over time they will swim 2-3 feet all by them self.
But there’s something even more important at play when it comes to repetition in swimming lessons, something that you may not be able to see: Confidence. Your little one is gaining confidence — in their abilities, in their instructor and in knowing what’s coming next.
Year-round swimming is important!
Why? Because you want them to retain that confidence and continually build upon the skills they have been learning every week. The repetition helps it become second nature — plus it’s important for muscle memory and all the physical aspects involved developmentally so whether it’s in Swimming classes or you bringing them to the pool yourself, make it a weekly treat and have some fun.
Call for entries for our Halloween photo contest!
It’s that time of year again, we have our annual Halloween costume photo contest. To be in for a chance of WINNING A FREE Aquababies courses dress your little pumpkin up, submit a photo on Facebook or email it to info@aquababies.ie before the 1st of November and you can to like your favorites on facebool.
There will be 2 prizes, a baby winner under 1 and a Toddler winner age 1-4.
Good Luck everyone, we’re looking forward to seeing you & your littleones costumes. Take a look at some of our previous winners.
Judging Criteria:
Submissions will be judged by members of the Aquababies team based on creativity, quality, originality and number of likes. So, remember to vote for your favourites!
Photo Contest- Terms and Conditions
The following information relates to the Aquababies ‘Photo Contest’ Competition:
1. This free Competition will run from 29 Oct. 2016 to 1 Nov. 2016.
2. The Competition is open to ROI Ireland residents aged 18 or over.
3. No purchase is necessary.
4. To access the Photo Contest , you must like the Facebook and simply upload you picture under the photo contest post
5. During the Contest Period, you may submit an entry via email to info@aquababies.ie
6. Ten maximum photos per facebook entry per person, per e-mail address, and per household during the Contest Period.
10. Winners will be notified by email and announced on our Facebook page
11. There is no cash alternative to the stated prizes, and the prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable.
12. The aquababies administrator’s decision is final
13. Aquababies retain the right to publicise the winners’ names across all marketing materials.
14. Copyrighted, obscene, provocative or otherwise questionable content will not be considered. Aquababies Ireland retain sole discretion as to what constitutes inappropriate content.
15. Aquababies reserves the right to amend or withdraw the Competition in the event of any unforeseen circumstances outside their reasonable control.
16. Aquababies accepts no responsibility for difficulties experienced in submitting an entry to this Competition.
17. The winners’ names will be available after the Competition closes (Nov 1, 2016)
18. Entrants are deemed to accept these terms and conditions by entering the Competition.
19. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to aquababies Ireland and not to Facebook. The information you provide will onlshared with any third parties.
Winter is just around the corner but not an excuse to stop swimming!
Just because it gets a little colder outside parents, there is no excuse to stop taking little ones to the pool!
Swimming lessons are not just for spring/summer, it should be enjoyed with children all year around. Many parents ditch swim classes in the belief that their will kids will develop colds, flus, ear infections and sore throats.
However research proves the exercise is beneficial for both parent and child and swimming as part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Swimming all year around improves kids’ immune system and children who swim all year around and have an active lifestyle are less likely to become ill
After a swim parents should make sure you wrap up warm, be sure you dry children’s hair and ears properly before they walk outside and wrap them up in warm clothing and a hat!
Here’s our top five reasons why you should keep up your swimming lessons in winter:
All the swimming pools we teach classes in are warm, heated to 30 degrees or more, so still nice and warm to enjoy
Repetition and practice of exercises key as little ones will forget! They will progress much faster to independent swimming
Swimming is a confidence-based activity for children and a break in lessons could negatively impacts on their confidence
Many children who stop lessons over winter can no longer have the same strength and stamina that they previously had when they return.
Why miss out in fun and precious bonding with your baby or toddler and enjoying family water-based activities just because its colder outside
So stay active this winter, find your local Aquababies class and have splashing great time!
12 days of Christmas
Don’t miss our 12 days of Christmas giveaways on the Aquababies Facebook Page. Let the holiday count down begin!
It’s Christmas and it’s time for giving presents. We are starting 12 days of giveaways on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/aquababiesirl
Don’t miss out your chance of winning some really great swimming gifts! Follow the instructions each day on our facebook page to be in with a chance.
Terms and Conditions
The winner is choosen at random each day
The Competition is open to ROI Ireland residents aged 18 or over.
No purchase is necessary.
Prizes are non refundable
The aquababies administrator’s decision is final
Aquababies retain the right to publicise the winners’ names across all marketing materials.
. Copyrighted, obscene, provocative or otherwise questionable content will not be considered. Aquababies Ireland retain sole discretion as to what constitutes inappropriate content.
Aquababies reserves the right to amend or withdraw the Competition in the event of any unforeseen circumstances outside their reasonable control.
Aquababies accepts no responsibility for difficulties experienced in submitting an entry to this Competition.
The winners’ names will be available after the Competition closes
Entrants are deemed to accept these terms and conditions by entering the Competition.
This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to aquababies Ireland and not to Facebook. The information you provide will onlshared with any third parties.
Halloween photo competition
We have a Halloween costume photo contest. Dress your little pumpkin up, submit a photo on Facebook or email it to info@aquababies.ie before the 31 October and like to vote for your favorites. The to winner will be awarded a FREE aquababies term.
There will be 2 prizes, a baby winner under 1 and a Toddler winner age 1-4.
Good Luck everyone, we’re looking forward to seeing you & your littleones costumes
Judging Criteria:
Submissions will be judged by members of the Aquababies team based on creativity, quality, originality and number of likes. So, remember to vote for your favourites!
Photo Contest- Terms and Conditions
The following information relates to the Aquababies ‘Photo Contest’ Competition:
1. This free Competition will run from 29 Oct. 2015 to 31 Oct. 2013.
2. The Competition is open to ROI Ireland residents aged 18 or over.
3. No purchase is necessary.
4. To access the Photo Contest , you must like the Facebook and simply upload you picture under the photo contest post
5. During the Contest Period, you may submit an entry via email to info@aquababies.ie
6. Ten maximum photos per facebook entry per person, per e-mail address, and per household during the Contest Period.
10. Winners will be notified by email and announced on our Facebook page
11. There is no cash alternative to the stated prizes, and the prizes are non-transferable and non-refundable.
12. The aquababies administrator’s decision is final
13. Aquababies retain the right to publicise the winners’ names across all marketing materials.
14. Copyrighted, obscene, provocative or otherwise questionable content will not be considered. Aquababies Ireland retain sole discretion as to what constitutes inappropriate content.
15. Aquababies reserves the right to amend or withdraw the Competition in the event of any unforeseen circumstances outside their reasonable control.
16. Aquababies accepts no responsibility for difficulties experienced in submitting an entry to this Competition.
17. The winners’ names will be available after the Competition closes (31 January 2015)
18. Entrants are deemed to accept these terms and conditions by entering the Competition.
19. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to aquababies Ireland and not to Facebook. The information you provide will onlshared with any third parties.
How to avoid tears in the Swimming Pool!
How to avoid tears in the swimming pool
Swimming should be a fun activity for both baby and parent. As a parent myself, no one likes to ever see a distressed child, especially not in the pool. We have seen some parents become embarrassed and panic if there little one cry’s and they sometimes they automatically assume that their child doesn’t like the water. It was this in mind, I decided to write this in the hope that I can explain reactions like crying can be for normal reasons and so parents can apply some resolutions and won’t just give swimming up and hopefully start to enjoy the water.
If your child cries in the water, it could be for any number of reasons. Here are some common reasons below and tips on how best to avoid these problems before swimming
Baby/ Toddler is tired: It is best to swim in the morning or after their nap time
Baby/ Toddler is Hungry: Try feed your baby 1 hour before the class and maybe have a top-up ready for after the class
Baby/ Toddler is over stimulated: Never bring the baby into the water before class starts or do any other activities that will over stimulate your little one.
Baby/ Toddler is cold: this is really to do with the weight of the baby, and also the length of time the baby is in the water. Again don’t get into the water with baby before the class. Some children feel the cold more than others, we advise to wear a baby wetsuit for children under a year. Also the pool should be suitably heated to a minimum of 30 degree and don’t spend more than 30 minutes in the water.
Baby is having a bad day or is unwell: We all have an off day, if you think your little one is physical ill it is best not to go to the pool, you won’t go swimming if you felt unwell. Everyone has a bad occasionally, it could be for five minutes or for an entire week. Often crankiness maybe unrelated to swimming- it could be caused by teething or any of the above hunger etc. or simply change in routine.
Parents are stressed: If you have been rushing to get to class, the little ones can pick up your body language. If you are nervous or stressed then the baby will be too! Arrive early to lessons to ensure that both you and your child are calm and relaxed before the lesson starts, this is especially good idea for toddlers so they can watch other children enjoying swimming lessons. Remember the saying: monkey see monkey do!
Before you start swim lessons, if you can take your child to the pool at a quiet time. Remember the swimming pool is a completely new environment and it can be a sensory over load for your little one without even adding new adults parents, children, noises like splashing and laughing to the mix.
If your baby gets overwhelmed stay calm and remain positive, maintain close skin and eye contact, sing or talk to baby/toddler to sooth them.
Avoid getting out of the pool early because you are embarrassed, remember you are there with other parents in your class and we all understand as we all have been there before at one time or another.
Please stay in the pool, find a quite area and comfort baby or toddler and re-join the class as soon as they are calm. We do not want to create a situation where the child thinks that if they cry then they exit the pool or indeed we do not want to end the lesson on a negative note or associate crying with the pool or an activity being stopped. This will make it harder when the parent and child return the following week.
Learning to swim should be positive for everyone involved. We take a holistic approach at Aquababies Ireland and all our policies are trying to create a positive teaching & learning environment. You should NEVER submerge a child who is visibly distressed or force them aggressively to do an activity.
Finally, parents need to be very patient and persevere in a loving caring environment, and learn to respond to their child’s cues, then very soon the child will be swimming happily and confidently.
If you have any questions, you a can talk to your teacher before or at the end of the class our even give the office a call but don’t worry, most children go through a bad time in the water at some stage but they all get over it, some quicker than others but have patience, keep calm and try and have as much fun as possible.
We’re Hiring! We are looking for Swimming Teachers to come work with us
We’re Hiring!
Thinking about a career change to suit your family life?
We are looking for Swimming Teachers to come work with us teaching Babies & Toddlers our pioneering Aquababies Programme
drop us line and we are happy to help you get the necessary swim qualifications.
We’re looking for candidates with a great personality, good interpersonal skills and customer focused, and with the know how to make classes amazingly FUN for parents & babies/toddlers. Please only apply if you seriously love kids and are not allergic to chlorine.
This is Drowning Prevention week! Educate your family on water safety.
drowning provention
Keep your family SAFE near water always, educate and protect your family by educating them on dangers of water as part of ‘Drowning Prevention Week!’
The highlight of any family holiday is having fun & relaxing at the swimming pool at your hotel or resort or by the beach.
NEVER EVER LEAVE ANY CHILD UNATTENDED IN THE WATER REGARDLESS OF HOW MANY LESSONS THEY HAVE HAD!
Wait at least an hour after you have fed your little ones before going swimming.
Only take your baby or toddler into the shallow end of the pool when , always test the temperature of the water yourself, outdoor pools are unheated so keep baby close and moving and if temperature under 30 degrees only stay in max of 10 to 15 mins.
When at the swimming pool, always keep very young children within arms reach. Never multi-task when supervising children at the pool. An adult should always be present to supervise in the water
It is vital to keep your concentration and don’t rely on baby floats or arm bands to keep your baby or toddlers safe.
Be safety conscious at the pool side. Check where the rescue equipment and first aid kit are and if there are any lifeguards on duty.
The moment your baby or toddler starts to look cold and shiver, take him or her out the water and wrap them in a warm towel.
Remember to never take your baby swimming if they have been sick, always wait at least 2 days after they have recovered from a tummy bug, cold or infection.
By the beach!
It’s not advisable to take a baby into the sea if they are under 12 months as their kidneys can’t cope with the salt water they may swallow. If you want to take baby into the sea make sure you hold baby’s head up and out of the water!
Beaches with Lifeguards will use coloured flags – always swim between red/yellow flags
We’ always suggest swimming at beaches with trained Lifeguards on duty
In a coastal, beach or cliff emergency dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard
Know what beach flags mean
Never leave children unsupervised!
Double nappy system
Why is a double nappy system required for Aquababies swim classes?
To avoid any accident babies must wear a double system, by this we mean an aqua nappy this can be disposable or one that can be washed and a Happy Nappy. Children not yet potty trained must wear a swimming nappy that is snug around the thighs and tummy. We are looking to avoid any accidents in the pool. These can either be disposable or reusable. We do advise you to use a happy nappy over the swim nappy, to ensure no leaks.This is very important and you can not swim without this double nappy system. A baby warmer wet suit and a swim nappy will not be enough.
The Happy Nappy should be snug around the waist and thighs. If it is too small, too loose or has completely lost its shape it’s not going to do its job. If you are in any doubt please have any of our Aquababies staff at your classes to check it out for you!
Thanks for your cooperation in ensuring our pools are a safe and clean place for all our Aquababies!
Aqua Yoga programme, aqua-natal & postnatal.
Calling all expectant mothers & all our new mums,
Aqua yoga classes resume 14 Jan 2015.
Congratulations on your pregnancy or on your recent arrival! Our Aqua Yoga classes are designed for you to maintain your health & fitness, both emotionally & physically during this amazing journey to motherhood.
Aqua Yoga helps prepare expectant mums for labor and relieves many of discomforts pregnancy and increase your energy levels in a supportive environment.You can attend classes as soon as you have had that 12 to 14 week ante-natal check up and you can attend classes right up until you give birth.
After you give birth you can attend classes after you get the go ahead at 6 week post-natal check up.
Classes 4 weeks long and are held in Harolds Cross medical hydrotherapy pool on Wednesdays at 6.30pm
For more information, please contact Aquababies on T: 01 853 2989 M: 087 697 9195 or E: info@aquababies.ie
Aqua Yoga pre & postnatal brings the prefect combination of the benefits that yoga & swimming can bring.
Aqua natal aqua yoga
Aqua Yoga Classes combines slow stretching with the use of breathing and relaxation as the water provides resistance for the muscles to work against. Bodies feel virtually weightless in water, so that stretches that might not be possible on the ground can be achieved without strain
all exercises are safe and within a comfortable range of movement
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from Aquababies!
Book a class before 31 Dec. and get 10% off
Merry Christmas everyone! As Santa has arrived we are giving everyone a 10% discount, just use the code XMAS14 in the coupon code while booking and you will automatically get your discount and the code will be valid up to the 31st December. Ho ho ho!❄️❄️
To check when aquababies lessons & aqua yoga will resume in your area see https://aquababies.ie/pools-and-dates/ , you still can book online https://aquababies.ie/bookings-2/
Have a Merry Christmas and Holiday Season with your family & friends! Best wishes from the Aquababies team! Phil, Dee, Aoife, Debbie, Aimie, & Faith.
Looking forward seeing you all in 2015!
What to pregnant ladies can expect in a Aqua Yoga class
Being in water whilst pregnant offers a sense of calmness and relaxation. The water supports the mother’s body and her growing baby enabling stretching and exercise in ways that cannot be achieved on land. Classes are excellent for swimmers and non-swimmers alike and especially those suffering from pelvic pain, backache and SPD.
For pregnant women in particular, pelvic movements and pelvic floor exercises in water using yoga principles create elasticity for childbirth and greatly facilitate the return to healthy pelvic floor tone afterwards.
Yoga: movements in water:
Simple, classic yoga poses are adapted to the water making exercise enjoyable for all pregnant women, particularly if they are suffering from backache or pelvic pain, or if they are overweight. Bodies feel virtually weightless in water enabling deep stretching. Spinal alignment and exercise to open the hips and pelvis are a welcome part of each session.
Breathing exercises:
Deeper, more expansive breathing has many benefits for the mother and baby, and is of great importance through all stages of pregnancy, labour and birth. With practice, all the muscles of the pelvis become involved in full breathing, which provides a powerful tool in labour.
Relaxation:
Aqua Yoga brings a sense of deep relaxation. Floating in water offers a unique experience of unity, as the baby is suspended in water (amniotic fluid) inside the mother, so the mother can share this experience of hanging in water and connection with the baby.
Preparing for birth:
Using the water as a medium to explore and expel fears attached to labour. Explore positions for labour, how to open the hips and pelvis allowing optimal space for the baby, prepare for delivery and birthing the baby.
Group work:
To offer and receive support, and get to know the other expectant mothers in the group
Swimming:
Swimmingis the best form of exercise available to pregnant women. Learn the correct adaptations of classic swimming strokes to accommodate the growing baby and support the pelvis and changes in the body.
Free Taster Class with Aquababies this July
Come see what all the fuss is about!
Join us for a FREE Aquababies taster class for babies over 3 months old or over 12lbs in weight and under 12 months of age on Sunday the 13th of July in Energie Fitness, Park West, Dublin.
We aim to provide positive associations with swimming and the lessons are informative, friendly and lots of fun.
You can book your free place using our online booking system, places are limited so hurry!
For more details about Aquababies and our Swim Programme check out our website or call us at the office on 01 853 2989 or 087 697 9195 or you can email us atinfo@aquababies.ie
The launch of Birthlight Aqua Yoga
New Aqua yoga classes for pregnancy & postnatal.
We are delighted to announce the launch of Birthlight Aqua Yoga – Pre-natal & Post-natal
To celebrate our new pre-natal aqua yoga classes in Dublin we are giving everyone who books online a 20% discount off the cost of the course. All you have to do to book is click here, pick your pool and enter the coupon code AY0514. Spaces are limited!!!
What is Aqua Yoga?
Aqua yoga is a natural and all-encompassing way to promote and sustain fitness and health. It offers a gentle and easily available way to enjoy movement and breathing using the supportive element of water.
Aqua Yoga combines slow stretching with the use of breathing and relaxation as the water provides resistance for the muscles to work against. Bodies feel virtually weightless in water, so that stretches that might not be possible on the ground can be achieved without strain. Aqua yoga is the perfect combination of the benefits that yoga and swimming can bring.
Aqua yoga is the perfect combination of the benefits that yoga and swimming can bring.
Benefits of Pre-natal Aqua Yoga:
Expansion of the breath
Open pelvis in preparation for birth
Strengthen abdominal muscles
Stretch and alignment of the spine
Gain control of the pelvic floor
Deep relaxation helps to sooth away muscle tension experienced from daily weight bearing
Connecting you with your baby
Feeling of well being
Benefits of Post-natal Aqua Yoga:
Closing pelvis after birth
Re knitting abdominal muscles
Realigning and strengthening the spine
Regaining strength to the pelvic floor
General toning and feeling of well being
Water is a medium especially suited to pregnant women and wonderfully soothing to those who have just given birth. It is therapeutic and supportive, allowing you to stretch and breathe far beyond your capabilities on dry land. Yoga is a centuries old practice that promotes balance, energy, deep breathing and relaxation. Together they provide theoptimum workout for you and your baby.
Birthlight www.birthlight.com is dedicated to the greater enjoyment of pregnancy, birth and babies. Birthlight is a charity and teacher-training organisation focusing on the holistic approach to pregnancy, birth and babyhood.
Birthlight is the only Pre- and Postnatal training provider accredited by The Royal College of Midwives.
Birthlight is the 1st Pre and Postnatal training provider recognised by the Federation of Antenatal Educators.
Birthlight is a Professional Association within the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council through the BYTC (British Yoga Therapy Council)
Birthlight has created the Parent and Baby course for the STA (Swimming Teachers Association)
Birthlight is a member of the European Yoga Federation
We are in the finals of the What’s On 4 Junior Awards
Vote for us in What’s On 4 Junior Awards
Whoo hoo!! Thank you for helping us reach the finals on the What’s On 4 Junior Awards. VOTING IS NOW OPEN – JUST CLICK HERE to show support.VOTE NOW! Competition is fierce so please spread the word to make sure Aquababies & Phil Casey to Winthe Most Outstanding Activity Leader for Children. Phil was over the moon last year with his win and doesn’t want to let the title go in 2014 so pleaseVOTE NOW!
Phil Casey – Most Outstanding Activity Leader for Children
Aquababies– Best National Baby & Pre-Schooler Development Activity (0 to 5 years)
We want to say a big THANK YOU in advance , it really means alot to us.
Aquababies now run classes for babies & toddlers in Limerick
Aquababies now in Limerick
We are delighted to have Aquababies classes in the fantastic hydrotherapy pool in St. Gabriel’s School, Limerick. As you can see from the picture our Aquababies have a absolute ball, if you would like to join us in the pool for some fun there is a new course starting Monday 24th March. Please call our office or on 0876979195 or book online
The pregnancy & baby festival is this weekend in the O’Reilly Hall, UCD, Dublin 22-23 February 2014, 10am – 5pm
Tickets are great value at €10 per day or €15 for a weekend pass.
There’s fun for all the family with face-painting and a children’s play area plus our exciting entertainment programme of music, stand-up comedy and children’s entertainers. There will be lots to do with your baby, wobbler or toddler and older children are very welcome too.
For more info see http://babytalkfestival.ie/
2013 Aquababies round-up
What a magnificent year 2013 was for Aquababies!
What a great year we had in 2013 & we would like to thank you our Aquababies customers, family & friends ! We are looking forward to even more exciting times ahead in 2014! Here are some of the definite highlights for us of 2013.
Finalist in Best Mum & Baby Activity Maternity & infant Awards 2014
Philip Casey Winner for Most Outstanding Activity Leader For Children What’s On 4 Junior Awards 2013
Phil wins whats on for junior awards
Finalist in Best National Baby & Pre-Schooler Development Activity (0 to 5 years) What’s On 4 Junior Awards 2013
startupawards 2013
Winner of bronze in Franchisee Start Up of the Year 2013 at the 2013 Start up Awards
Aquakiddies/babies Ireland Finalist in “Best Activity Provider for Babies/ Tots” category, the Families First Awards 2013
New Office & New teachers
We moved to a new office in 11 Marino Mart, Fairview and in the new year Aoife will be joining the Office team if you want to pop in. We welcomed Aimie, Faith & Debbie to the Aquababies teaching team.
Happy 2014 to all of our wonderful Aquababies customers and friends and thanks most sincerely to everybody who encouraged and supported us during the last Year! We are looking forward to a splashing New Year & welcoming new babies & toddlers to the wonderful Aquababies programme.
Check out some of our little Aquababies photoshoot stars.
Our next underwater photoshoot is Dec. 7
‘Tidal the Turtle’ will be ready to capture our Aquababies truly magical moment underwater, and prints on time for xmas.
For more info or to book a place call 0876223300
Please note the photoshoots are only open to babies/toddlers who are currently on or finished up classes within 2 weeks of the photo shoot and who have completed 10 weeks of classes and are comfortable being submerged.
AquaKiddies/babies winning Awards in 2013!
Phil wins whats on for junior awards
AquaKiddies/babies winning Awards!
Phil wins for Most Outstanding Activity Leader For Children. He is absolutely over the moon-Way to go Aquababies!!! A huge thank you to everyone who voted for Phil in the What’s On 4 Junior Awards – with Konfidence! .AquaKiddies/babies also were also finalist in Best National Baby & Pre-Schooler Development Activity (0 to 5 years) sponsored by Konfidence
We’re delighted announce that AquaKiddies/babies won bronze at the 2013 startup Awards at the RHA Dublin for Franchisee Start Up of the Year. Here we are with pictured below with Irish entrepreneur and businessman, Chairman of Insomnia Coffee Company and RTE Dragon Mr.Bobby Kerr, what a great night!
startupawards 2013
We were also finalist this year again in Families First Awards 2013 for Best Activity Provider for babies/ tots category. What a fantastic year so far. A huge thank you goes out to all wonderful Aquababies customers and friends and a sincere thanks to everyone who voted for us and who encouraged and supported us.
Phil & Dee & Aquababies team
Think water safety this summer!
National Water Safety Awareness Week 2013 Mon May 27th – Mon June 3rd.
As the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors during summer holidays, it is a perfect time to ensure you and your family are prepared to spend a fun and safe time by the water. Water is everywhere and water safety is not just for the swimming pool but should be practiced in the home, on the farm and on the beach and while boating! Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children between 1 and 4 years old and it’s the third leading cause of death among children.
67 children drowned in Ireland in the last 10 years. Irish Water Safety Week’s appeal: “Teach children how to stay safe from drowning this summer.”
Whether you’re bathing your baby or splashing around with your toddler in the bath, water is great fun for kids. But it’s also a place where safety must come first, so here are a few tips for kids who love to get wet.
Never leave your child unattended around water. We know it sounds strict, but there is no room for compromise on this one. It is possible to drown in as little as one inch of water.
Put the mobile phone away, forget about all the other things you have to do and give young children 100 percent of your attention when they are near or around water.
Empty all tubs, buckets, containers and wading pools immediately after use around the home & farm. Store them upside down and out of children’s reach.
Keep toilet lids closed and use toilet seat locks to prevent drowning. It’s also a good idea to keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
Parents have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind – and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better.
Swimming is the most popular summer activity and can be enjoyed by young & old. While the best thing you can do to help your family stay safe is to enroll in age-appropriate swim lessons by a fully qualified & insured instructor.
It is important to follow these water safety tips whenever you are in, on or around water:
Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
Always swim with a buddy
Never leave a young child unattended near water
Establish water safety rules for your family and enforce them without fail.
If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning
Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.
2013 What’s On 4 Junior Awards in association with Konfidence!
Thanks to all the parents who voted for Aquababies in 2013 What’s On 4 Junior Awards in association with Konfidence. We are through to the voting stage, and are over the moon!!
Best National Baby & Pre-Schooler Development Activity (0 to 5 years) sponsored by Konfidence
Aquababies
Most Outstanding Activity Leader for Children as sponsored by Kelliher Electrical
Phil Casey
Our next Aquababies underwater photoshoot
Our next Aquababies underwater photoshoot will be Sat 20th April. ‘Tidal the Turtle’ will be ready to capture our Aquababies truly magical moment underwater.
For more info or to book a place call 087622330
Aquababies on Kildare tv
Aquababies on The Saturday Show, Kildare tv
Wendy Quinlan from The Saturday Show talks to Deirdre Casey from Aquababies about the swimming programme with babies & Toddlers.
Happy New Year to all our Aquababies Customers and Friends
Happy 2013 to all of our wonderful Aquababies customers and friends and thanks most sincerely to everybody who encouraged and supported us during the last Year! We are looking forward to a splashing New Year & welcoming new babies & toddlers to the wonderful Aquababies programme.
I think this picture sums up how excited we are about getting back into the pool in 2013!!
Katie Rose having amazing fun swimming with Aquababies
Merry Christmas Everyone from Aquababies Ireland.
It’s a wrap from us for us for a few days. Here is our Christmas message, Happy Holidays – http://eepurl.com/tmctz
Thanks to all our Aquababies, parents & friends. We look forward to welcoming you back in 2013 and welcoming to all the new Aquababies to our baby swimming programme
Latest posting dates to ensure delivery before Christmas.
Wednesday, December 19th is the latest posting dates to ensure delivery before Christmas.
Looking for a prefect last minute gift, why not order an Aquababies Voucher. The gift of swimming is a gift for life! Vouchers are guaranteed stocking pleaser from family & friends for any parent. We also stock a range of affordable & trustworthy Konfidence multi -award winning baby swimwear range.
Don’t miss our next underwater photo opportunity Dec. 8th, Enable Ireland, Naas!
Pictures are of our own Aquababies, their underwater images were captured on previous photo shoots!
Only a few spaces remain so call today to avoid disappointment!
We hope to have photo orders printed in time for Christmas, a wonderful Christmas gift for family & freinds!
Spaces are limited and will go on a first come first served basis. To book a place simply give us a call on 0876223300.
Please be aware that we like babies to have completed at least 2 stages of Aquababies and they are confident with going under the water.
The cost of the photo shoot is €40 for the booking which covers the cost of the pool hire, photographer and equipment.
It is our belief that forced submersion should never be practiced and especially not for the purpose of a photograph. Therefore, underwater photography is only available to babies and children who attend Aquababies swimming classes.
Baby & Toddler’s Christmas Portraits with a Vintage Twist, just €49!
DOK Photography are running a one-day Children’s Christmas Portrait Session in Clontarf Castle on Saturday 24th November. For just €49 you will receive an 8×10 framed print or 10 beautiful Christmas cards with your child’s photo. Ages 4 and under (older siblings welcome).
PLACES ARE LIMITED SO CONTACT DOK PHOTOGRAPHY TO BOOK NOW
You can now purchase items by Pay Pal from online shop
You can now purchase via PayPal any of the items from our online shop . Your items should be delivered by post within 3 working days.
If you are currently on or joining one of our classes you can still order items directly by phone or email and we will happily deliver to your swim class free of charge with sufficient notice!
For every booking this September we will donate €5 to Laura Lynn House!
We are delighted to be celebrating our first year in business this September. It is hard to believe it is a year since our first Aqua Babies class in Kildare! To celebrate we are donating €5 of each Aqua Babies term booking to Laura Lynn House for the month of September.
Laura Lynn House is Ireland’s First Children’s Hospice which also officially opened in September 2011 by then President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.
Laura Lynn House do the most amazing work with children that have been medically diagnosed with life limiting conditions.
A big thank you to all our customers and our gorgeous Aqua Babies of course!
Aquababies Photo Shoot
The next Aquababies Photo Shoot is Saturday 1st Sept, in Enable Ireland in Naas.
Baby Daire, 5 months doing his Superman pose at our last shoot!
Only a few spaces remain so call today to avoid disappointment!
The times for the photo shoots will be 9.30am, 10.00am, 10.30am & 11.00am. If you would like to book a place on the photo shoot, just give us a call on 0876223300. Spaces are limited and will go on a first come first served basis.
Please be aware that we like babies to have completed at least 2 stages of Aquababies and they are confident with going under the water.
The cost of the photo shoot is €40 for the booking which covers the cost of the pool hire, photographer and equipment.
It is our belief that forced submersion should never be practiced and especially not for the purpose of a photograph. Therefore, underwater photography is only available to babies and children who attend Aquababies swimming classes.
New Baby Changing Mats available in our swim shop
New Roll & Go Baby Changing Mats in our swim shop
Roll & Go Baby Changing Mat
These mats a excellent way to ensure that you can change your baby as safely as possible in any swimming pool!
Soft and comfy for baby to lie on
Hygienically clean
There is a grip on the mat so baby will not slipe or slide on a wet surfaces
We are now running Advanced Babies classes in the following venues:
ALSSA, North Dublin – July 2nd
Glenview Hotel, Wicklow – July 9th
If you have already completed Babies 1 & 2 with Aquababies, then your little one is ready for Advanced Babies! Just give us a call on 0876223300 if you would like to book on.
This summer we are also running Babies 1 & 2 and Toddlers classes in various venues so please give us a call today if you would like further info.
Extraordinary results are achieved with progressive Aquababies classes & lots of fun for you and baby too!
Aquababies Photo Shoot May 29th
Our next underwater photo shoot will be held in Citywest Hotel on Tuesday 29th May 2012
The times for the photo shoots will be 10.00am, 10.30am, 11.00am & 11.30am. If you would like to book a place on the photo shoot, just give us a call on 0876223300. Spaces are limited and will go on a first come first served basis.
The cost of the photo shoot is €40 for the booking which covers the cost of the pool hire, photographer and equipment.
Please be aware that we like babies to have completed at least 2 stages of Aquababies or they are confident with going under the water.
It is our belief that forced submersion should never be practiced and especially not for the purpose of a photograph. Therefore, underwater photography is only available to babies and children who attend Aquababies swimming classes.
Families first awards finalist in “Best Activity Provider for Babies/ Tots” category
We are delighted to be finalist in“Best Activity Provider for Babies/ Tots”, the Families First Awards.
To help us WIN register your vote for us athttp://www.the-baby-hub.com/families-first-votingthe Voting is now LIVE and will close on Thursday, 24th May @ 1PM.
Only one vote per e-mail address is allowed, so spread the word to all of your family and friends, we need to get as many votes in for Aquababies as we can! They are also looking for you to submit stories/ reasons why you voted for us by emailing voting@the-baby-hub.com
Welcoming Julie Ann James, UK’s leading baby swimming consultant to the Pregnancy & Baby Fair
We are very excited to welcome Juile Ann James founder of Aquakiddies/babies & one of the UK’s leading baby and toddler swimming consultants to the Pregnancy & Baby Fair, RDS this weekend!.
Juile Ann will be giving expert advice on baby and toddler swimming at the main stage RDS at 13.00 this Saturday and Sunday!!
Juile Ann still teaches classes and has a roster of private clients for one-to-one sessions. Satisfied customers include Thierry Henri, The Prime minister Tony Blair son Leo for many years, Jack Dee, Ruby Wax and Pat Cash. Sophie Ellis Baxter, Saudi Ambassadors children Robin Van Persie and many more celebrities.
Juile Ann has been teaching baby and toddler swimming over 20 years ago and is responsible for introducing the Aquababies baby and toddler swimming program not only in the UK but internationally. She was invited to open the first baby swim school in China, Poland, Indonesia, Barcelona, Cyprus and is at present training people from Turkey and Sri Lanka.
Please do pop over to the AquaKiddies/babies Ireland we are at stand A8 so please stop & say hello and enter our competition. We will have a FREE Aquababies term to give away on the Saturday & Sunday of the Pregnancy & Baby Fair. Looking forward to seeing loads of babies, toddlers , parents, & Mums to be. 😀
Aquababies Photo Shoot April 2012
Our Photo shoot will be Friday April 6th ( Good Friday) in Enable Ireland, Jigginstown, Naas.
The cost of the photo shoot is €40 for the booking which covers the cost of the pool hire, photographer and equipment.
If you are interested in attending this photo shoot and would like to put your name down then please contact us on 0876223300. Please be aware that we like babies to have completed at least 2 stages of Aquababies or they are confident with going under the water.
It is our belief that forced submersion should never be practiced and especially not for the purpose of a photograph. Therefore, underwater photography is only available to babies and children who attend Aquababies swimming classes.
Job Opportunity
Would you like to join the Aquababies team?
Aquababies is one of the original baby and toddler swimming companies. We teach parents to teach their baby/toddlers to swim with our pioneering programme that has been developed over 20 years.
We are looking for swim instructors to bring our extremely popular Aquababies programme to other locations. If you love babies & toddlers, have friendly and out going disposition, love the water and are very enthusiastic and reliable, please get in touch.
If you are a suitable candidate and don’t have comprehensive baby & preschool swim qualifications we can ensure you get the right internationally recognised certifications and our specialist inhouse Aquababies training.
To Apply
If you think you fit the above profile, please send you up to date CV with a covering letter explaining how you’d fit in this post with Aquababies. Only applications with both a CV and a covering letter will be considered.
Email CV to: phil@aquababies.ie
Aquababies coming to Meath
Aquababies are coming to Meath.
We are delighted to announce that from Wednesday 15th Feb we will be starting our classes in Bellinter House Hotel in Navan. We will also be running a Free Taster Class on Wednesday 25th Jan so if you are interested to joining this course or coming to the taster class just give us a call on 0876223300.
Now Taking bookings for 2012
We are now taking bookings for 2012! We have classes running in locations in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.
We teach you to teach your child to swim from newborn up to 3. Call us today on 0876223300 to join in the Aquababies fun!
With just 1 sleep to go until the main man himself SANTA! 😀
We are signing off here from the office for a few days.
All that is left to say to all our AquaBabies, family, friends, and fans :“Have yourself a merry little Christmas……….”
from Phil, Dee , Aisling and baby Ryan.
We hope all your dreams come true, we are dreaming of a lay in, but that maybe with Aisling & Ryan a few years from now! LOL.
Oh, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Santa is on his way!
Free Taster Class
FREE Taster Class: We are going to have a couple of free taster classes inLife: Health + Leisure in Naas on the 2nd & 16th Dec at 9.30am. If you are interested in attending one of these classes, you must book in advance by calling 0876223300, quick before they are all gone!
We’re Hiring! 
