The swimming position is a horizontal position and gives baby the sensation of swimming through the water on their tummy, using the ‘book and hook’ hold, hands look like an open book and thumbs hook over baby’s shoulders.

Fingers and hands support baby’s chest and the base of your palm supports babies chin out of the water.

Keep your arms extended but relaxed and stay low in the water whilst maintaining eye contact and slowly walk backwards so that baby is traveling forwards.

Alternatively once baby is happy and relaxed in the water you can introduce baby to the 'Next To Me' swim, start by holding baby around the torso with baby facing away from you then bring them round to one side, ensure baby's mouth is clear of the water and stay low in the water so that you are at eye level with your baby. The next to me swim is allows baby's arms to be free for when they start to chase toys in the pool to encourage a scooping action.