Between busy schedules and life’s daily demands, simply being with your baby can feel like an impossible task.
That’s why setting aside protected time each week for activities like baby swimming can be a real lifeline. As well as learning an important life skill, it’s a chance to press pause, take a breath, and share special moments that you and your baby will remember forever.
For families across Buckinghamshire, Water Babies Bucks & Beds has been helping parents create these special moments for over 20 years. Through their fun, nurturing swimming classes, parents enjoy dedicated bonding time with their babies – with benefits that stretch far beyond the pool.
“For so many working mums and dads, there’s that constant feeling of guilt – the worry that you’re not spending enough time with your little one because of work commitments,” said Tamsin Brewis, owner of Water Babies Bucks & Beds. “Finding time can be tricky, but making the most of the moments you do have is what really matters. Our classes give parents a protected window each week to be fully present, enjoy their baby’s company and celebrate those precious little milestones together.”
Tamsin adds that while swimming is an essential life skill, it’s the emotional and developmental benefits that really make the experience so special. “In the water, babies build strength, coordination and confidence in such a natural way. But the real magic is in the connection – the eye contact, skin-to-skin contact and shared experiences all help to nurture a strong, secure bond. For parents, it’s a chance to step out of ‘busy mode’ and into a calmer space where the focus is just on their little one. We see so many families leave the pool with huge smiles because of that.”
One parent who knows this first-hand is Natalie Wrightson, a wedding dress designer from Marston Moretaine. Running her own boutique in Ampthill keeps life busy, but Natalie has carved out time to attend Water Babies classes at Milton Keynes Hilton pool every Monday with her one-year-old son, Harry.
“Mondays have become our special day,” said Natalie. “I take Harry to Water Babies in the morning, then we spend the afternoon with my mum before I head to fittings in the evening. Because I work Saturdays, my husband has Harry then, so this is our one-on-one time. It’s a part of our week I really cherish.”
For Natalie, Water Babies has become a treasured opportunity to focus on Harry without distractions. “At first, like most babies, Harry found it a little overwhelming, but now he’s really growing in confidence. Seeing him learn and enjoy the water is such a joy. For me, it’s about having that dedicated time where I’m not thinking about what’s going on outside of the pool – it’s just us.”
Tamsin explains that this balance of structure and flexibility is exactly why so many busy families choose Water Babies. “Our classes are designed to fit around family life, whether you’re working full-time, part-time or running your own business. More importantly, they encourage parents to stop and focus on the moment. Yes, you’re helping your child learn to swim, but it’s also about making memories that stay with you long after you’ve left the pool.”
With Harry’s swimming confidence growing each week, Natalie is grateful for the opportunity to enjoy these moments – even amidst a busy work life. “Running my own business means there’s always something that needs doing, but our Monday mornings have become a little bubble of calm in the chaos. It’s not always easy to carve out that time, but it’s so worth it. For those 30 minutes in the pool, nothing else matters. We’re just together, having fun, and I know these are the memories I’ll always look back on. Mondays really have become one of my favourite parts of the week.”
For more information about Water Babies Bucks & Beds, visit: www.waterbabies.co.uk/lp/baby-swimming/bucks-and-beds