Welcome to BabySwim.
At 4-6 months, your baby’s brain is rapidly forming neural connections and developing vital pathways.
Early sensory experiences, like water exploration, help stimulate this crucial brain development. Through guided aquatic activities, we enhance natural learning patterns, supporting memory development, sensory processing, and cognitive growth.
BabySwim sessions enhance your child’s full developmental potential.
BabySwim is a sensory program that stimulates neural pathways through structured water experiences and sensory exploration. The program is supported by early child development and education principles, and facilitated by qualified swimming instructors. The program improves:
Cognitive Development
- Enhances cognitive function, sensory integration, and overall brain development. Developmentally appropriate activities encourage the brain to form new connections, strengthen existing ones, and support neuroplasticity, which is essential for learning, memory, and emotional regulation.
- Develops cognitive processing through repetition and routine.
- Enhances listening and language skills through songs and verbal cues.
Physical Development
- Builds body awareness and coordination through guided movement patterns.
- Strengthens core muscles and motor development through supported water play.
- Strengthens vestibular system through supported floating and movement.
- Improves sleep patterns through physical activity and sensory engagement.
Social & Emotional Growth
- Develops social skills through parent-child bonding and peer interaction.
- Boosts confidence through positive early water experiences.
- Creates positive associations with water for lifelong swimming confidence.
Your journey with the Healthways BabySwim Program includes 3 FREE BabySwim sessions. Claim below.
OUR MISSION:
The BabySwim Program aims to empower families to begin their aquatic journey from 4 months, when neural pathways are rapidly forming and water experiences can enhance cognitive growth. Through research-backed methods, we transform natural water affinity into foundational skills that support both swimming development and brain development. Our program creates positive first experiences that build water confidence, safety awareness, and developmental milestones through purposeful play and sensory exploration. We believe these early aquatic experiences are fundamental building blocks for life, shaping both physical abilities and cognitive potential.
The Science Behind Water Learning
A groundbreaking four-year study by Griffith University, involving 7,000 children, revealed extraordinary developmental advances in children who swim:
- 20 months ahead in understanding directions
- 17 months ahead in story recall
- 11 months ahead in verbal skills
- 6 months ahead in math skills
- 2 months ahead in literacy skills
Did you know? Every baby is born with amazing natural talents – including a remarkable affinity for water! Children who participate in BabySwim develop strong physical foundations, enhanced coordination, and improved motor abilities. The activities are structured with developmental progressions and milestones that are challenging and then achievable and encourage building social and emotional confidence. Regular exposure to aquatic environments helps integrate swimming naturally into their movement patterns, creating a lifelong foundation for water confidence and enjoyment.
Start Your Baby’s BabySwim Journey Today!
BabySwim Welcome Information:
Welcome to Healthways BabySwim Program – Making waves in early brain development.
- Please book into a BabySwim session week to week via your client portal.
- Sessions go for 30 minutes, but 4-6mth olds generally start to tire after 20 minutes or so. So come any time during the session that’s suitable for you and your child’s sleeping and eating times.
- Our pool is set at 32 degrees Celsius and we have a teacher in the pool to guide you through activities, songs and baby holds.
We hope you enjoy your session and the special time with your baby. It’s a lovely time in their development.
What to Bring:
A parent/carer needs to be in the pool assisting your child. (To ensure a smooth experience, we kindly ask that only one adult per baby come in the water at a time. If you have multiple adults who want to be involved, feel free to alternate each session so everyone has a turn one-at-a-time. Thank you.)
- For the child:
- A swim nappy for your baby is essential (reusable or disposable). Swim nappies are specially designed for water activities, with secure elastic fits to contain solids while allowing water to pass through. We encourage as many people as possible to have a reusable swim nappy to reduce waste and be handed down child to child. To encourage this, we offer reusable nappies in the swim-shop at a SALE price every day! Available in pink or blue & 6 different sizes.
- Towel
- Swim bag for wet clothes
- (Bathers are optional, though at this age generally not needed. The sensory experience is enhanced when babies swim bare-chested and can feel the water and their parent’s touch on their bodies. Where babies particularly feel the cold, neoprene baby wraps are available for purchase from the swim-shop.)
- For the assisting adult:
- Bathers
- Towel
What happens in the sessions?
During a BabySwim session the pool is set up with lots of toys and teaching aids. There is a teacher in the water to help guide you through appropriate skills. As you progress from beginner to confident you’ll be able to do more activities under your own self-direction.
Research shows that early water exposure can enhance cognitive and sensory development. The movement and resistance of water stimulates neural pathways, supporting brain growth and coordination. Water-based activities also help develop spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and social interaction, all of which contribute to a strong foundation for learning later in life.
Additionally, babies have a natural affinity for the water. The time while children are young is a wonderful time to start helping your child be relaxed and comfortable in the water.
Tell a Friend:
Kids activities can be even more fun with friends! If you know other parents with babies, invite them to join a BabySwim session. Sharing this experience can be a great way to connect with other families while giving your baby a fantastic start.
Share the link https://www.healthways.com.au/boxhill/swimming-pool/swimming-lessons/baby-swim/
When are BabySwim sessions?
BabySwim sessions are available at both our Mont Albert North and Ringwood locations. Current session times can be viewed through your iClassPro Parent Portal. You can book sessions up to one month in advance.
If existing class times don’t suit your schedule, in your iClassPro parent portal you’ll see the place to register your interest for other days. We regularly review scheduling requests and aim to accommodate additional classes where possible.
To book/register for a session:
- Log into your Parent Portal. Instructions available at https://www.healthways.com.au/boxhill/swimming-pool/swimming-lessons/book-now/
- You might like to double-check the location you’re viewing. Click on ‘More’, click on ‘Change location’, select your preferred location.
- Click ‘Bookings’. Select ‘BabySwim’. Click ‘See Camps’.
- Select your preferred session. Follow the prompts to enrol and add to cart.
How much does it cost?
To help start every child on their BabySwim Journey we offer 3 Complimentary BabySwim Sessions per child. If you haven’t yet claimed yours, CLICK HERE to get your 3 Free BabySwim sessions.
Additionally, you can book and pay for sessions at any time. CLICK HERE for current prices.
What if I book and then can’t come?
Life happens! If you’re unable to make it to your session, please log your absence in your iClassPro Client Portal to free up the spot for another family. Go to ‘Account’, click your child’s name, click ‘Future Absences’, follow the prompts.
We appreciate your help in keeping our schedule flexible for everyone. If you’ve missed your class and given at least 2 hours notice, and you paid for your session (ie. it wasn’t a free complimentary session) at the end of the week you will receive a make-up token that you can use to book into another class in the future according to the make-up policies at https://www.healthways.com.au/boxhill/swimming-pool/swimming-lessons/what-happens-if-you-miss-a-class/.
What happens after your baby is 7 months old?:
To participate in BabySwim your child needs to be at least 4 months old, and before their 7 month birthday. The next step in the baby and toddler program starts at 6mths old with Aqua-Bubs classes, so somewhere between 6 & 7 months old your baby can transition into Aqua-Bub classes.
In Aqua-Bub classes the curriculum expands exponentially. These classes are booked in as a weekly program, whereby you choose a day and time of the week for your class and then we see you every week at that time. However, if you miss a class there are make-up class and family swim options available.
To book into AquaBubs please look up the timetable in your iClassPro Client Portal. Go to Bookings, ‘Find a Class’, and in the search magnifying glass write ‘ABub’. Select a class and follow the prompts to go on the waitlist or to book.
For more information about Aqua-Bub Classes and the next stages in the swimming programs CLICK HERE.
Other FAQ’s:
Do I need to book consecutive weeks?
BabySwim sessions are booked individually. So you are welcome to attend sessions consecutively, or with gaps between sessions, depending on your family’s availability and timetable. Book whatever session times work for you.
My child is not 4 months old yet, how can I book my first class to guarantee a spot?
If your baby is not quite 4 months old yet you can still create an account and sign-up to your 3 free sessions so that you’re ready to book a date for after your child is 4 months old.
You can book sessions up to one month in advance so log-in to your portal within 1 month of your child turning 4 months old and the sessions will be available for you to book.
Do I need to get in the pool with my baby?
A parent/carer needs to be in the pool assisting your child. (To ensure a smooth experience, we kindly ask that only one adult per baby come in the water at a time. If you have multiple adults who want to be involved, feel free to alternate each session so everyone has a turn one-at-a-time. Thank you.)
Water confidence is essential for your baby’s safety in our classes. All parents/guardians must be at least 16 years old and comfortable moving in chest-deep water while supporting their baby. This ensures both you and your little one can focus on learning and bonding during the sessions.
*We also offer adult swimming classes. These classes provide adults with the opportunity to gain confidence in the water, learn how to swim or improve technique in a personal and friendly environment. Adults can progress at their own pace, while gaining the additional health and fitness benefits of being in the water.
Is the salt water pool’s temperature warm and of comfortable depth?
All our pools are salt-water pools, heated to 32C degrees and ranging from 1.1m-1.2m in depth; creating an ideal teaching environment for parents and instructors.
We use a salt water system which works by converting regular salt into a gentle sanitiser – giving you all the benefits of a clean pool while being softer on sensitive skin, eyes, and swimwear. Many parents notice their babies are more comfortable in salt-water pools compared to traditional chlorine pools.
For more information about how salt water pools work, please CLICK HERE.
What if my child has sensitive skin/eczema?
Our salt-water pools are gentle on sensitive skin! Unlike traditional chlorine pools, salt-water swimming offers several benefits for those with skin concerns:
- The water is naturally softer and less irritating
- Salt can actually help soothe and heal eczema patches
- Lower chemical content means less skin and eye irritation
To best protect sensitive skin before and after swimming:
- Apply a waterproof barrier cream 30 minutes before swimming
- Rinse off in fresh water immediately after your session
- Apply a good quality moisturiser while skin is still damp
- Consider using a vitamin C spray to neutralise any remaining pool chemicals
Can I stay in the pool after the session to keep swimming?
For both scheduling and your baby’s wellbeing, we require all participants to exit the pool after their session. Our 30-minute classes are specifically timed to match babies’ optimal energy levels – swimming for longer can lead to overtiredness. Swimming lessons begin immediately after your class, making it important to exit promptly.
What can I do with my pram?
To maintain safe pathways around the pool, we have limited pram parking available. While prams are welcome if needed, we encourage using baby carriers or swim bags where possible to help manage space on our busy pool deck.
About us:
At Healthways, we specialise in progressive development and learn-to-swim lessons, so that everyone in the family can enjoy and be confident in the water all year round.
We offer educational swim programs for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers, primary school age children, early secondary school age students, and adults. We have lessons for everyone in the family. All our teachers are qualified, and our small class sizes mean that your children will receive more teacher attention. CLICK HERE for more information about us and our industry recognitions.
See you soon!
SWIM. SAFE. FUN
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Healthways – “Creating Healthy Happy Communities”