When can I start swimming with my baby?

- Parents used to be advised to wait until their baby had had their immunisations at two, three and four months before they took their babies swimming
- government health experts no longer believe this is necessary, so it's really up to you when you start taking your baby to the pool. "There are no medical grounds for waiting until your baby is immunised
- most pools start classes at around 12 weeks," says Libby Tucker, a swimming teacher who specialises in parent and child courses
- Remember too, that a noisy public swimming pool could be daunting for your newborn, so it may be worth waiting until he's a bit older
- You will probably have to wait until you've had your six-week check before you can go yourself

What does he need to wear?

- Swim nappies are a good investment but aren't compulsory in most swimming pools
- Most pools do insist that babies wear a swimming costume of some kind though. "Don't worry if your baby has an accident, as staff will know exactly what to do," says Libby Tucker
- Water wings aren't suitable for babies under one but there are other swimming aids available for this age group