Swim class logistics

[microworm]

So I’m registering for a mommy and baby swim class for DS and I starting in a couple weeks – I’m so excited! But the planner/worrier in me is already thinking about the logistics of it.

So we get there and go to the locker room to change. Where am I supposed to put a 8.5 month baby who will roll and crawl all over the nasty floor if I set him down? I thought maybe I could take his stroller and keep him strapped in while I change before/after class, but now I’m thinking there won’t be room in the locker to stow it during class.

I must be missing a simple solution here, but it’s Friday, it’s been a long week, and I can’t think about anything but getting out of work, picking up my sweet baby, getting home, and pouring myself a BIG glass of wine.

[BurritosAtEveryMeal]

Do you have an umbrella stroller? It may make things easier- you can probably leave it at the pool if needed. Maybe bring a big blanket to plop the baby on while you change or stick him in an armed chair. I'd wear my suit under my clothes there to save time too. Note: I've not tried any of these things but when I used to lifeguard, I'd always be impressed with the organized moms!

[BurritosAtEveryMeal]

Also, cheers! TGIF!

[kittenzilla]

Those classes are so fun! What kind of facility is the class located in? I second going in with your suit on under your clothes; I did that when I took one with T, and I was able to get my sweats/t-shirt off without putting him down.

[microworm]

The class is at the YMCA and I was planning on wearing my suit there for simplicity but then there's also after the class to think about; I can't be coming home in a wet suit in the middle of winter in Illinois! I do have an umbrella stroller but it's not a super compact one. I'm not too familiar with the layout of the facility, but there is the possibility I could keep it by the pool. Maybe a big towel/blanket will be my best bet to lay down on the gross floor while I change. Hopefully he will stay relatively put so mama doesn't have to run through the locker room naked! Thanks for the suggestions ladies  

[bazingaa]

Can someone explain to me what these classes are? What do you do?

[ricola0522]

DS and I are in week 4 of swim class at the YMCA (also in Illinois!). Like others have suggested I wear my suit under my clothes as well as have him dressed and ready before arriving. There is a large changing station that I use (lay a towel down before laying him down). I change him first then I use the private, carpeted dressing room to change myself. It has a locking door and again I put a blanket or towel down then put him down. He's confined to a small area, it's cleaner than the "regular" changing area and I'm not on display while changing.

[ricola0522]

bazingaa our class is basically an introduction to the water. We sing songs, practice splashing and kicking their legs, "swimming" to toys in the water and then free play. DS absolutely loves it. Bonus for me, my non-napping son takes a 2.5-3 hour nap when we get home every week.

[junebug060609]

Umbrella stroller would be my first thought. Bonus it will help you lug crap in and out. Bumbo still works with my 9 monther as well.

[danabsd]

Where is the class? We go an aquatic center, they have a wall of changing tables and these cool seats on the wall. If I can figure out how to put a picture here I will.
They specifically ask you not to bring strollers in the locker room. But it's very baby friendly. After all, they teach a lot of babies to swim!

[danabsd]

I hope that works.

[letal316]

I bring my car seat in, she's still a peanut so it's fairly easy to carry. I have my bathing suit on under my clothes and change her when we get there. After swim class I change her first and then plop her back into the car seat so I can change. I leave the car seat off to the side in the change room, doesn't seem to be a nuisance. I've seen other moms actually bring their car seats out into the swim area.

[Mandy]

I have no advice for you, but I have a question! I would love to do swim classes with my son. Did you think it was worth it at this age? Did he enjoy it? I think my son would- he loves tubby time- but my husband disagrees (MEN!). Worth the money?

[microworm]

Oh wow that seat on the wall is nice! I didn't notice anything like that at the YMCA when I toured but I wasn't looking. Maybe I'll give them a call to see what others do. Baby boy has grown out of his infant carseat so I don't use it anymore, but that was one of my first thoughts.

[microworm]

Jan 23, 2015 20:26:59 GMT -5 Mandy said:

I have no advice for you, but I have a question! I would love to do swim classes with my son. Did you think it was worth it at this age? Did he enjoy it? I think my son would- he loves tubby time- but my husband disagrees (MEN!). Worth the money?

I haven't taken the class yet but my son loves bath time too so that's why I think he'll love it!

[ricola0522]

Mandy I would highly recommend swim classes! DS has so much fun and surprisingly has learned things over the past 3 weeks. He now kicks his feet while "swimming" and knows to close his eyes when water is poured on his head. We are working up to putting his face in the water.

[Mandy]

Thanks ricola0522! I decided to sign him up. I want to spend a lot of time at the pool this summer, so this is the perfect first step! microworm - can't wait to hear how it goes for you! We don't start until Feb 28. Good luck!

[microworm]

During my bout of insomnia last night, I seem to have remembered that the locker rooms do have smaller private family changing rooms, like ricola0522 mentioned. They must have a changing table, etc, in there and at least I can keep him confined to that space. We start Valentine's day weekend - can't wait to see my little fishy in the water!

[haykay13]

Is anyone doing infant self rescue swim lessons or is everyone doing the tradition swim lessons?
There is a ISR instructor very close to us & I'm wondering if I should go with that since we're in FL and I'm sure LO will be around water a lot this summer.

[becole]

We will probably do both isr and regular because all summer we are at the pool

[birdhut]

I bring her in her stroller and pack puffs just in case she gets fussy. I also wear my suit under my clothes. That way all I have to do is take my clothes off and I put on swim shorts and a tank top. Then I put her stuff on. We use the family locker room. It has a big bathroom with changing table so it makes it easier. Then I put her back in the stroller and bring everything in the pool area.

[microworm]

Another question - do you guys just have your baby wear a swim diaper or do you get a bathing suit too?

[birdhut]

Jan 24, 2015 13:35:09 GMT -5 microworm said:

Another question - do you guys just have your baby wear a swim diaper or do you get a bathing suit too?

Mine wears a swim diaper and suit.