You don’t have to wait until summer, or until your baby is walking, to start swim lessons. In Aqua Babies, babies can start as newborns, with their favorite grown-up right there in the water with them.
A lot of families find us by searching for mommy and me swim classes. Others are looking for daddy and me swim lessons, parent and me swim lessons, or parent and child swim lessons. And more and more, we’re getting calls from grandparents who want a weekly pool date with their grandbaby.
Here’s the good news: Aqua Babies is all of those things. “Mommy and me” is just what most people call it, but it’s not always a mommy in the water with us. It might be a mom and her daughter, a grandma and her granddaughter, a dad and his son, or an aunt who has Tuesday mornings with her nephew. That’s why we call it our Grown-Up and Me program. The grown-up in the water can be mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, an aunt, a nanny, or any trusted adult who loves your kiddo. Whoever your little one’s biggest supporter is, there’s a spot in the pool for them.
What Is Aqua Babies? Parent and Me Swim Lessons, Explained
Aqua Babies is our parent-participation swim class for babies and toddlers from newborn through age 5. You’re in the water with your child for the entire lesson, and one of our trained instructors guides you through every hold, song, and activity.
Every class is 45 minutes. The first 30 minutes are guided instruction, and the last 15 minutes are open practice and play. A typical class includes:
- Circle time with a welcome song and baby sign language
- Skill instruction, where your instructor shows you the focus skill of the day and gives you one-on-one tips
- Sensory and gross motor play with bubbles, instruments, textured toys, and movement games tied to a monthly theme
- Skill review to practice the day’s skill one more time
- Exit trivia (correct answers earn stickers for your child’s progress chart!)
- Goodbye routine and free play so you can splash, practice, and just enjoy each other
Our indoor pools are kept at a warm 94 degrees, and our classes are small on purpose. That way our instructors can actually help each family, and you still get the fun of learning alongside other babies and parents.
Learn more about Aqua Babies, to the Aqua Babies service page
Who Can Get in the Pool? Mommy and Me, Daddy and Me, and Beyond
Aqua Babies needs one adult in the water per child, and up to two adults can join. You do not need to be a swimmer. Every activity happens in water where adults can stand comfortably. The adult in the pool just needs to be comfortable in the water and able to support your child’s weight.
Mommy and me swim classes
For a lot of moms, Aqua Babies becomes the best part of the week. It’s time with your baby with no dishes, no laundry, and no phone. Just you, your little one, and the water. I love watching new moms connect with each other on the pool deck, too. You’ll meet families who are in the exact same stage you are.
Daddy and me swim lessons
Dads, we see you, and we love having you! Aqua Babies is a wonderful way for dads to build their own weekly routine with their baby. Some of our families have mom take the Tuesday class and dad take Saturday. Babies love it, because they get time with both of their favorite people.
Grandparent and me swim classes
Grandparents are some of our most dedicated Aqua Babies regulars. If you’re helping with childcare, or you just want quality time with your grandbaby, this is such a special way to spend it. You’ll learn right alongside your grandchild, and you’ll get to see their progress up close every single week.
Nannies, caregivers, and every other supporter
Nannies, aunts, uncles, and other caregivers are all welcome. If your child spends regular time with a trusted adult, that adult can absolutely be their Aqua Babies partner. Consistency matters much more than who’s in the pool, so pick whoever can make it every week.
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Why Fall Is the Best Time to Start Swim Lessons
This is one of my biggest pet peeves. People, especially here in Colorado, think swim lessons are a summertime activity. First of all, drowning happens year round. And second of all, it takes time for kiddos to learn to be safe and comfortable in the water.
We live in a place where we don’t grow up with backyard pools, lakes, or the ocean. Our kids don’t just pick up water skills because it’s part of our culture. We have to give them that gift. So if you have a spring break trip on the calendar, or you’re planning to spend next summer at the pool, the time to start is now.
Starting Aqua Babies this fall gives your child months of weekly, consistent time in the water before those trips. And when it’s cold and snowy outside, a 94 degree indoor pool is a pretty wonderful place to spend a morning. It’s one of the best ways I know to get the wiggles out on a winter day.
Play With a Purpose: What Your Baby Is Actually Learning
Yes, there are songs and toys and a lot of splashing. But underneath all that fun, your baby is building real skills:
- Learning to kick
- Practicing floating positions
- Getting comfortable with water on their face
- Building the foundation they’ll need for independent swim lessons
Most importantly, they’re learning that water is something to love and respect. That’s the foundation for everything that comes next.
One thing you won’t see in Aqua Babies is floaties. I’m a huge advocate for never using them. Floaties, water wings, and puddle jumpers hold kids in an upright, legs-down position, which is the drowning position. They also give kids a false sense of security. In Aqua Babies, you’ll learn safe ways to hold and support your baby so they get used to the right body positions from the very beginning.
And if your baby cries the first few times? That’s okay. Some babies take to the water on day one. Others need a few lessons to feel safe. Both are completely normal, and our instructors are experienced with every kind of little swimmer.
What Comes After Aqua Babies?
I always want parents to know exactly what each program is, so let me be clear. Aqua Babies is a parent-participation water introduction program. It is not survival swim instruction, and it doesn’t take the place of adult supervision around water.
For families who want their child to learn to save themselves, our Infant Survival Swim program offers one-on-one lessons for babies 6 months and older. Little ones learn to roll, float, find an exit strategy, and get to safety using the Swim-Float-Swim method.
Many of our families do both! Some start in Aqua Babies and move into one-on-one lessons when their child is ready. Others use Aqua Babies as extra time in the water with mom, dad, or grandma between one-on-one lessons. Your Aqua Babies instructor can help you figure out the right timing for your child.
How to Get Started With Aqua Babies
Because our class sizes are limited, pre-registration is required. There are two ways to join us:
Try a single class for $35. This is a great way to see the pool, meet your instructor, and see how your little one takes to the water. Single classes are based on availability, so spots aren’t guaranteed.
Start a monthly plan for $125/month. Monthly plans save your weekly spot, so you get the same class time every week. Plans include one 45-minute class per week, one rollover class at a time if you need to miss a week, and a three-month minimum. Call or text us to set one up.
Aqua Babies classes are held at our Union Boulevard location, serving families across Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Security-Widefield, Cimarron Hills, Manitou Springs, and Woodland Park. View Locations & Hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer mommy and me swim classes in Colorado Springs?
Yes. Our Aqua Babies program is a mommy and me swim class, and it’s also open to dads, grandparents, nannies, and other caregivers. Classes are held at our Union Boulevard location in a warm 94 degree indoor pool.
Is there a daddy and me or parent and me swim class?
Yes. Aqua Babies is a parent and me swim class, so any parent can be the adult in the water. Moms, dads, and co-parents are all welcome, and up to two adults can join each child.
Can grandparents take my baby to Aqua Babies?
Absolutely. Grandparents, nannies, and other trusted caregivers are welcome as long as they’re comfortable in the water and can support the child’s weight.
Do I need to know how to swim?
No. All activities happen in water where adults can stand comfortably, and your instructor guides you through every hold and movement.
When can babies start swim lessons?
We welcome newborns in Aqua Babies. For babies under 6 months, lessons focus on gentle water introduction without submersion. Around 6 months, as babies develop head and neck control, lessons include more active movement and brief submersions. Babies 6 months and older can also start one-on-one Infant Survival Swim lessons.
Is fall a good time to start baby swim lessons?
Yes. Fall is one of the best times to start. It gives your child months of consistent practice before spring break and summer, and our indoor pools stay at 94 degrees all year, no matter the Colorado Springs weather.
Can I try a class before signing up for a monthly plan?
Yes. Single classes are $35 and can be booked online based on availability. It’s a great way to see how your child likes the water before committing to a monthly plan.
