Aqua Babies was set up in 1999 by Wendy Edmondson a baby swim instructor and qualified primary school teacher. Wendy took the step of leaving full time teaching to set up Aqua Babies when she saw that there was a lack of local programs using these techniques in the North West. Having taught classes one evening each week popularity grew with classes now running on a daily basis in many areas.

Babies have a natural response underwater using the gag reflex (often confused with the mammalian diving reflex) to allow breath holding when submerged. This reflex is at it's strongest in small babies, though our techniques can be used with babies up to 18 months. The sooner your baby is introduced to water after birth the more natural the transition is.


Learning to be an Aqua Baby should be as enjoyable as possible... and through a program based on play, word association and popular nursery rhymes we aim to encourage babies to become confident relaxed and able to help themselves in the water. Many parents also report excellent sleeps on the day of their lesson!


Babies are very liberated in the water. Due to it’s weightless properties water is extremely enabling for babies. It allows tremendous freedom of movement also exercising a multitude of muscle groups, strengthening both the heart and lungs. This in turn stimulates appetite leading to improved sleep and eating patterns.


Developing your special bond; Aqua Babies classes focus on the development of that special bond between adult and child. This is achieved through facial expression and both skin to skin and eye to eye contact whilst in the water.


In addition to this; Aqua Babies sessions , especially those in hydrotherapy pools have been recommended for babies and toddlers with downs syndrome, cerebral palsy, babies in hip harnesses and babies with delayed motor skills(for a wide variety of reasons). The combination of warm water temperature and weightless exercise encourages muscle use and development.

For all known medical conditions always seek clearance from your doctor prior to attending sessions.


Starting to swim early helps avoid traumatic experiences. One to one adult and baby support develops trust and confidence even in deeper water. This along with the absence of floatation aids enables toddlers to experience their own buoyancy level and swim comfortably below the water surface.