A daily swim lesson in your very own home from 0-6mths old ...

Bath Time Babies can maximise your babies' time in the water- complementing what we offer at Kapiti Learn to swim or 0-6mths familiarising your baby to water prior to beginning structured lessons.

Did you know your baby’s journey to becoming a confident little swimmer can begin with

something as simple as bath time? Those cosy moments in the tub are the perfect opportunity to

lay the foundation for water safety skills and future swimming lessons. When filled with coos and

laughs, play, and gentle challenges, your baby learns to experience water as a source of fun

and comfort, making the transition to the pool smoother.

Key Foundations You’re Building

✔ Water Comfort – Helping baby adjust to new sensations such as water trickling over their

head

✔ Breath Control – Preparing for eventual submersions

✔ Safety Skills – Creating positive associations and life-saving skills from day one.

✔ Bonding – Research shows that early bonding experiences shape a child’s ability to form

healthy relationships throughout life.

Creating the Perfect Bath-Time Environment

Timing

• Choose a consistent time when baby is alert (not hungry or sleepy)

• Bathing before bedtime can become a soothing ritual

• Allow plenty of time—no rushing!

Comfort and safety

• Check both room and water temperature (aim for lukewarm)

• Keep supplies within arm’s reach—never leave baby unattended

• Add warm water as needed to maintain comfort

Water Confidence Activities During Bath time

• Gentle Pour: Slowly trickle water over baby’s body using your hand, a sponge, or a cup.

• Tummy and Back Floats: Newborns and young babies have a natural advantage in the water

– their little bodies are perfectly designed for floating! Their higher percentage of body fat gives

them built-in buoyancy, and after spending nine months floating in the womb, water is already a

familiar environment. Most infants under six months relax easily during back floats, and they're

typically not bothered by water in their ears - it's a sensation they've known since before birth!

Make sure to keep eye contact and smile.

• Face Wiping Game: Use a wet cloth to wipe baby’s face while smiling and talking, then wipe

your face.

• "Rainfall" Technique (builds breath control): Gently pour water over baby’s head using a

sponge or your hands. Start with one gentle pour and gradually build up to 4–5 as your baby

becomes more comfortable. Always use the same verbal cue, like “Sophie, ready? Go!”—and

keep baby upright so water flows gently and safely over their face.

Baby might stiffen slightly as water passes over their face—this is a normal response. Offer

plenty of soothing encouragement, praise, and smiles to create a positive, reassuring

experience. By adding this simple step into bath time, you’re helping your baby build confidence,

safety skills, and a strong foundation for future swimming—all in a loving, playful environment.

• Toy Squeeze Play: Let baby squeeze water from sponges and toys to understand cause-and-

effect.

• Sing action songs ("This is the way we wash our face...", “The wheels on the bus”, etc.)

• Float toys for baby to "rescue" (encourages reaching and movement through water)

The Golden Rules of Bath-Time Learning

Follow Baby’s Lead – End activities before frustration sets in

Be the Cheerleader – Smiles, claps, and praise build confidence

Make it Routine – Consistency helps skills develop naturally

Safety First – Always keep one hand on baby and stay present

Closing Thought:

Bath time routines and activities can lay a strong foundation for a lifetime of water confidence.

When the time comes for swimming lessons, your little one will already know: water is for fun,

discovery, and joyful moments with you.