Baby & family swimming

Baby swimming

Baby swimming offers various water activities for children accompanied by their parents in heated water under the supervision of a trained instructor.

The best age to start baby swimming is 3 months and above. Babies over three months stay awake for longer and have more energy to move around. The upper age limit for starting baby swimming is ideally under 12 months old. Babies must weigh at least 5 kg, so that they stay warm in the +32 degree water.

Baby and family swimming is a shared family activity carried out on the child's terms. In baby swimming, the babies don’t learn to swim independently, but instead learn to play and dive in the water under the supervision and assistance of their parents. Learning happens through the diving reflex, which is a protective reaction that occurs in babies under 6 months old. The diving reflex is utilised to teach babies to actively hold their breath when under water before the reflex is lost with age. The instructor will adjust and monitor the number and duration of dives according to the child’s age.

Goals of baby swimming

• to create fun shared playtime
• to encourage social interaction between families
• to encourage healthy and regular exercise
• to help children feel comfortable in the water
• to make it easier for children to learn to swim later on
• to increase water safety

Registration for baby swimming groups

• Send email at uimahalli@uusikaupunki.fi. (Family contact information, baby's date of birth and name.)
• Swimming spots are allocated by age group.
• Groups are filled in the order of registration.
• Swim sessions are on Saturdays from January 17 to May 23 2026 from 9 am to 12 pm.
• Once you receive a confirmation, the seasonal fee is paid on the first swimming session. After this, any absences do not need to be reported, and they will not be refunded, except for cancellations caused by the swimming hall.
• If you are a new baby swimmer, please mention it during enrollment. We will send an information package to families who have secured a swimming spot.

Adult–Child Swimming Group for 3–4-Year-Olds

The child gets to know water in a safe and playful way together with their own adult. Lessons take place in a multi-purpose pool. The adult is in the pool with the child at every session.

In the swimming school, children practice moving in water, floating, gliding, jumping, and basic diving skills. The instructor teaches the adult the correct ways to support and help the child learn to swim. Pool noodles and kickboards are used. You do not need to bring your own flotation aids. You may bring your own swim goggles if you like. Teaching is child-centered and encouraging, and the adult can stand on the pool bottom.

The goal of the group is for the child to become familiar with water and swimming pool routines, develop water skills, and gain confidence in deeper water. Depending on the child’s skill level, basic swimming skills may also be practiced.

Practical information

Time: Saturdays 11:30–12:00
Spring term: 7 Feb – 23 May (no swimming on 4 April). You can also join during the term.
Price: €90 + pool entry fee for the adult and for children aged 4 and over. If you start during the term, the price is based on the remaining sessions.
Who can join: Children aged 3–4 with their own adult. The adult is in the pool at every session.
Registration: Via Vello