Water Babies National Baby Swimming Week: Celebrating 10 Years

This National Baby Swimming Week, 7th–13th September 2026, we're celebrating the incredible benefits of introducing little ones to the water early.

Now in its 10th year, National Baby Swimming Week is about more than just learning to swim. From building water confidence and developing important safety skills to supporting physical, cognitive and emotional development, every splash can help little ones grow both in and out of the pool.

Why Start Swimming Early?

Baby swimming is a chance to play, explore and build confidence in a new environment, while enjoying precious bonding time with parents and carers.

And there are plenty of developmental benefits too:

• 🧠 Supports brain development: new movements, sounds and experiences in the water encourage babies to explore and learn.
• 💪 Develops motor skills: kicking, reaching, turning and moving through the water help develop coordination, balance and strength.
• 🤸 Builds physical strength: the resistance of the water encourages babies to use muscles throughout their bodies.
• 👀 Encourages sensory development: water provides a whole new sensory environment for babies to experience and respond to.
• ❤️ Builds confidence: gentle, positive experiences in the water can help babies become comfortable in a new environment.
• 👨👩👧 Strengthens bonding: swimming provides dedicated time for parents and carers to play, interact and connect with their baby.
• 🌊 Introduces water safety skills: early experiences help babies become familiar with the water and begin developing important water awareness.
• 😊 Makes learning fun: songs, games and playful activities help babies learn through exploration and enjoyment.

What starts as fun in the water can become so much more: confidence, water safety skills, physical and cognitive development, special memories and a lifelong love of swimming.

Because baby swimming really is more than just swimming.

How to Pack Your Baby's Swimming Bag

Heading to a baby swimming lesson? Here's what we'd pack:

• Happy Nappy™ — for award winning protection against those faecal leaks.
• Warm in One™ — to help keep your little one warm and cosy in cooler pools.
• Splash Mirror — perfect for babies to spot their reflection while practising floating on their backs.
• Changing Mat — because a clean, warm and comfy space makes changing after swimming much easier.
• After Swim Onesie — who doesn't love getting wrapped up warm and cosy after a splash?

Ready to Make a Splash?

This National Baby Swimming Week, we're celebrating a decade of splashes, smiles, milestones and memories.

So pack your swimming bag, grab your Splash About essentials and enjoy some special time in the water together.

Because it's about more than just swimming — it's about every little moment along the way.