Here is how it goes.
1. Babies as young as 1mth old would be able to join the swim. For Eva, I only decided to bring her there at 3mth old where I thought she would have a longer awake period sufficient for the swim. And from observation, well, most of those really young ones that I seen didnt quite enjoy the swim. I guess its because they are usually sleepy or hungry at that age and either of which will make them fuss and not enjoy the swim. So you need to 1st decide at what age do you want to bring baby along. Not to wait till they are too old either as they may start to be too conscious and refuse to get into the waters.
2. You can drop by at any of their outlets for a 1st time trial which will supposedly cost you around $38 with a free swim diapers. If you decide to sign up the package (10 sessions of swim plus 5 free swim diaper) after the trial, they will give you this 1st session free but the free swim diaper will be included in the 5 free diapers. Subsequently you can purchase swim diapers at $1.50 each from them or bring along your own. They also gave me a free photo shoot voucher which I can redeem at the photo studio.
3. Prepare your own towel (else you will be asked to purchase from them), new sets of clothes (for me, I let Eva wear back what she was wearing prior to the swim), normal diapers and swim diaper (as included in the package) and definitely milk! Lotions are available there as well but you might want to use your baby's regular ones so do bring along.
4. Set your timing right. Estimate when baby will nap and drink as you need to ensure that baby slept well and has the last feed at least 30min to 45min prior to the swim. You will get your turn as long as there is vacant spot.
5. Always bring along your member card as they will not allow swim if you dont produce the card.
*Point to note: there is an expiry period tag on to the various package. For eg. 10 sessions to be completed within 6months.
What to expect
If it is your first time
1. inform the staff that you would like to have a trial swim for your baby. Normally for first-timer, the staff is very prompt to attend to you.
2. you will enter the room which is warm so you do not need to worry about baby catching cold. Note: Plaza Singapura outlet has a very nice warm room while Serangoon nex is slightly cooler.
3. you will be asked to change baby into swim diapers. and wait for staff cue before removing baby's clothing as they need time to prepare the warm water for the swim.
4. first-time swimmers will be assigned to the individual tub pool and will be limited to 15-20min max for the babies to get used to it. By 3rd swim, baby can move on the the big pool.
5. Staff will help baby do a little warm-up exercise before putting on the neck float. The neck float may seem dangerous and umcomfortable but so far, Eva has no complaints about it!!
6. Get ready your camera as your baby takes the 1st dip into the pool.
7. After awhile, the staff will on the jacuzzi bubbles for your baby.
8. At the end of the swim, the staff will remove the swim diapers 1st. Baby will continue to swim for a lil while more before getting out of the tub.
9. you will dry and dress up your baby.
*I strongly suggest that you prepare milk (unless latching on) before baby gets out of the pool or while you are dressing baby, daddy should prepare as baby is very likely to be very hungry after the exercise! And likely to have a good nap and night sleep afterward.
After the 1st time, if you are on package, the above procedures apply except that you will only need to pass them your member card upon arrival.
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I personally been to Plaza Singapura and Serangoon Nex for Eva's sessions - both outlets were convenient since one is near my MIL place while the other near my place.
Eva enjoyed all her swims where she moved from the individual pool to the big pool and from neck float to the seat float. I could also see the significance in improvement in her tummy time right after her 1st session of swim.
Of course I have to say, Eva loves water right from birth and that was what prompted me to bring her to BabySpa. And I never regretted the choice.
Here are some photos of Eva at swim:
