Going into the water together with little Sef

The bag, the towels and a first pair of swimming trunks

I still remember packing the bag that morning and quickly checking whether I had everything: two towels, a spare babygrow, swim nappy, dummy. And his little swimming trunks, which he would be wearing for the first time that day. Blue with white stripes. Parent and baby swimming sounds relaxed, but with a four-month-old baby, even something as simple as that still feels like a bit of an expedition. With Sef in my arms, I walked into the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool in Alkmaar. Not for the first time, because I also did this with our eldest son Moos (now 1 year and 9 months old). That gave me confidence, even though it feels different with every baby.

“I want in!”

By the teaching pool, I laid Sef down on the changing mat. Beside us, the water rippled gently and he looked at it with a smile the whole time, as if he were clearly thinking: I want to get in. His legs went up and down enthusiastically and I had to laugh at his impatience. Even before we were in the water, he was already completely in it.

The atmosphere in the swimming pool was pleasantly quiet. No crowds, no echoing voices, but parents with large bags, wet towels over their arms and babies who were all awake or sleepy in their own way. A little later we also saw Jula, a 3.5-month-old little friend who was also taking part in the lesson that morning. That made it extra nice to get into the water together.

Laughing from the first moment

Once we were in the water, it was immediately clear: Sef loved it! As soon as he felt the warm water, he started laughing out loud. Not cautiously or tentatively, but full out. His whole little body joined in as his arms splashed happily through the water. The sounds, the voices and the movement only seemed to make him more curious. He looked around, looked at me and started laughing again.

Singing, games and baby pace

The lesson was taught by Sylvia and her calm manner of guidance made a big difference. She took the time to explain how to hold your baby and why certain movements feel nice. We sang songs, played little games and played with fun props in the water. Everything at baby's pace, without any rush. Sef loved it and followed everything attentively. I didn't need to encourage him anywhere, he joined in all by himself.

What struck me once again was how conscious this moment felt. No phone, no distractions, just Sef and me in the water. His wet little hands around my fingers, his little head pressed against me. I recognised that feeling from the old days with Moos. That baby and parent swimming it is not only about getting used to water, but above all about being together and discovering together.

A place where you feel safe

The atmosphere during parent and baby swimming at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool felt safe, calm and well-organised. Small-scale and warm, exactly what you hope for with a young baby. And nice to know that you can continue here too, because from 1 year of age children can take part in parent and toddler swimming.

Tired, satisfied and already planning for next time

On the way back, Sef was fast asleep in the car within five minutes. Exhausted, glowing and clearly satisfied. Me too, really. With wet hair, mild muscle ache in my arms and that lovely feeling of having done something special together. These are the kinds of moments that stick with you, precisely because they are so simple and real. And, to be honest: we'll be going again soon!

Lots of love,
Lisa