Glossary
Parent-child swim class
A water class where a parent is in the pool with a baby or toddler. Good for comfort and habits; not drowning protection under age 1.
A parent-child swim class is a water class for babies and toddlers in which a parent or caregiver is in the pool, holding and guiding the child. The AAP (opens in a new tab) says it's fine to enroll in a parent-child water play class to help an infant get used to the pool, and that classes including parents are a good way to introduce water safety habits.
What these classes can and can't do:
- they can build comfort in the water and teach safe habits, such as getting in only with an adult;
- they are not drowning protection for babies under 1: the AAP does not recommend infant swim programs for that purpose, because there is no evidence they lower drowning risk;
- the AAP recommends formal swim classes after a child's first birthday, depending on readiness (AAP (opens in a new tab)).
What to look for: warm water (87 to 94°F for children 3 and younger), certified instructors, lifeguards on duty, and encouragement for parent participation. The AAP also notes that parents who learn to swim alongside their children help the whole family be safer (AAP (opens in a new tab)). See swim classes for babies and the Drowning prevention is a family activity infographic.
What you can do today: ask your local pool or YMCA when its next parent-and-child session starts.