Frequently Asked Questions - Lessons
Bubble Tots – Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
1. What age can my baby start Bubble Tots swimming lessons?
Babies can join our Bubble Tots swimming lessons from birth!
We offer three age groups to help your little one learn and develop at their own pace:
- Baby Tots: Birth to 9 months
- Little Tots: 9 to 18 months
- Big Tots: 18 months to 3 years
Our lessons introduce babies and toddlers to the water in a fun, safe and nurturing environment, helping them develop water confidence and essential early swimming skills.
2. Does my baby need to have had their vaccinations before starting swimming?
No. Babies do not need to have completed their vaccinations before attending swimming lessons, in line with NHS guidance.
However, if your baby has any medical conditions or you have concerns, we recommend speaking with your healthcare professional before attending.
3. Do I need to get into the pool with my baby?
Yes. Bubble Tots is a parent-and-child swimming programme, so a parent or responsible adult will need to accompany their little one into the water.
Our qualified swimming teachers will guide you through activities and exercises, helping you and your child feel confident and comfortable throughout the lesson.
4. Can dads, grandparents or another family member attend instead of mum?
Absolutely! Any responsible adult can accompany your little one into the water. It doesn't have to be the same adult each week, so parents and grandparents are welcome to take turns.
5. How long are Bubble Tots lessons?
All Bubble Tots lessons last 30 minutes. This is an ideal length of time for babies and toddlers to enjoy the water without becoming too tired or cold.
6. How many babies are in each class?
Our Bubble Tots classes have a maximum of 12 children, each accompanied by an adult.
This allows our teachers to deliver structured lessons while providing guidance and support to each family.
7. What happens during a Bubble Tots lesson?
Our lessons use songs, games, toys and age-appropriate activities to develop water confidence, movement, coordination and early swimming skills.
As children progress, we introduce skills such as floating, kicking, safe entries and exits, and water safety awareness.
Activities are adapted to your child's age, ability and confidence, and we never expect every child to progress at the same pace.
8. Will my baby be put underwater?
We understand that underwater activities can be a concern for parents.
Our lessons focus on building water confidence gradually, and any submersion activities are introduced sensitively and appropriately. We will never force a child underwater or expect them to complete an activity they are uncomfortable with.
9. What if my baby cries or doesn't enjoy their first lesson?
Please don't worry! It is completely normal for babies and toddlers to take a little time to become comfortable in a new environment.
Some children settle straight away, while others need several lessons to build confidence. Our teachers are experienced in supporting little ones and will help you adapt activities to suit your child.
We recommend attending at least four lessons to give your child time to settle into their new routine.
What to Bring and Preparing for Lessons
10. What does my baby need to wear?
All babies and toddlers who are not fully toilet trained must wear appropriate swim nappies.
We require a double-nappy system, consisting of a disposable or reusable swim nappy underneath a snug-fitting Happy Nappy, or a Happy Nappy DUO with its integrated absorbent inner layer.
This helps protect pool hygiene and ensures everyone can enjoy their lessons safely.
11. Does my child still need a Happy Nappy if they are toilet trained?
Children who are fully toilet trained and reliably able to communicate when they need the toilet do not normally need to wear a Happy Nappy.
However, if your child is still potty training or occasionally has accidents, they must continue to wear the required swim-nappy protection.
12. What should I bring to our swimming lesson?
We recommend bringing your child's swimwear, required swim nappies, a towel and any usual changing essentials. The accompanying adult will also need suitable swimwear.
You may find it helpful to bring an additional towel or warm clothing for your baby after swimming.
13. Can I feed my baby before swimming?
Yes, although we recommend avoiding a large feed immediately before entering the pool if your baby is prone to bringing milk back up.
Every baby is different, so follow their normal feeding routine and allow time for them to feel comfortable before swimming.
14. What if my baby is poorly?
If your child is unwell, please do not bring them swimming.
Children experiencing diarrhoea, vomiting, a fever or a contagious illness should remain at home until they are well enough to return. Following diarrhoea, please follow current public-health guidance on when it is safe to return to swimming.
Please record their absence through your AMES Connect Parent App.
Our normal missed-lesson policy applies, although eligible families may be able to request a replacement lesson, subject to availability and our replacement-lesson policy.
15. Why do I still have to pay if my baby or toddler is poorly or misses a lesson?
We completely understand that babies and toddlers can become poorly unexpectedly, and sometimes missing a swimming lesson is unavoidable.
When you book Bubble Tots lessons with us, you're reserving a regular weekly space specifically for your little one. This space remains allocated to your child whether they attend or not, and our costs for pool hire, swimming teachers and lifeguards remain the same.
For this reason, we're unfortunately unable to offer refunds or credits for individual missed lessons, including those missed due to illness.
However, we do offer a replacement-lesson benefit to help families when they occasionally need to miss a lesson.
You can request up to two replacement lessons per year, with a maximum of one per month, subject to availability. Absences must be recorded through our AMES Connect Parent App at least 48 hours in advance, and replacement lessons must be used within 60 days.
Replacement lessons can only be booked into an alternative suitable class where we have availability.
We kindly ask that you don't bring your little one swimming if they're unwell, helping us keep all our babies, toddlers and families safe and healthy.
Thank you for your understanding and for helping us continue to provide small, friendly and high-quality swimming classes for everyone.
Progression and Awards
16. Will my child receive swimming awards or certificates?
Yes! Our Bubble Tots programme follows the STA Starfish and Stanley award schemes, recognising children's achievements as they develop their water confidence and early swimming skills.
17. What happens when my child turns 3?
Once your child is ready, they can progress into our independent children's swimming lessons, where they will begin working towards the STA swimming awards.
Our team can advise you on the most suitable class and help make the transition as smooth as possible.
18. Can my child move to the next Bubble Tots age group early?
Our age groups are designed around typical stages of development, but we recognise that every child is different.
If your child is approaching the next age group or you feel they may be ready to progress, please speak with our team so we can advise you.