Baby Swimming Lessons

My daughter takes swim classes at the New City YMCA at Halsted and North Ave. They start at 6 months and are for 8 week sessions.

I did a lot of research into swimmming lessons for our son and chose the YMCA program. It was really well done.

My husband went to the YMCA on Irving Park Rd.(perch classes) when she was 6 months. They had fun.

I live in the South Loop too with a 7 1/2 month old. One of the other parents from my son's school took their child to the YMCA on Halsted or CLybourn (don't remember which one) off of North Ave. THey only went to a couple of sessions because he got sick but I think they take babies starting at 6 months. Also, UIC may have a class too.

Dear L.,
Have you looked into the chicago park district? Thay offer swimm class during the fall, winter and spring for mom and baby. They adv. for 18 months to 36 months but if you call and speek to an instructer most parks don't have a problem with the younger baby! And it is pretty cheap too like $20 dollars during the fall and winter and only $10 during the spring. (sorry no summer classes) The classes are great I've done the classes with my now 5 year old and now with my one year old. They even cont. with 3-5 year old classes where the preschooler goes in the water with an instructer. (For the same fees) You can either call your local park or try www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. It really is a great program I use to work as a lifeguard for the park district for 8 years. If you have any more questions please contact me!

Check out your local YMCA. THey start lessons the earliest. They do not believe in forced submersion - and generally their lessons involve a lot of singing. Good Luck.

Try the YMCA "gym and swim" classes

The YMCA is a wonderful referral. I have a 5 month old and I was researching the same thing on Friday. The YMCA has parent/child swim classes. They have sessions starting in the spring and summer. They have classes Monday through Saturday and you choose which is better for you based on your convenience. The fees are economical. Go to www.ymcachgo.org and search for the locations because the New City YMCA on 1515 North Halsted has the classes but I am sure one near you may offer them as well.

L. try the park district. Go online and search chicagoparkdistrict.org

I think that the is the website. The classes offered by the city are really reasonable and they offer a variety. You may also want to try a community college. I know that Wright college (north side, i know your south side) offered a couple classes as well.

When I lived in the West Loop we took our son to Presidential Towers for infant swim class. You may want to check out if they are still holding classes.