north east - waterbabies v puddleducks

[1982emmac]

Hi ladies

I took DS to waterbabies and did two lots of courses, absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone.

My next LO is due soon and I'm excited to take them to swimming classes too BUT i am now limited to childcare (ie having someone to look after DS whilst i take LO swimming.) I have found the timings of puddleducks to be much better and they run a sunday class which is ideal.

My only worry is the class wont be as good as water babies? I know they will be probably be quite similar but from looking at the website I could see the photoshoot pics aren't as good as the water babies photoshoot (i would def want to do this again with LO).

Also anyone got information of how much the underwater photoshoot is with puddleducks?

Thanks

 

[1982emmac]

just bumping this

 

[Kiki09]

We got to water babies and they do a Sunday class, could you phone and check if they do one near you? Agree with you,we love it and think it is the best thing we have done

 

[3011busyyear]

Glad you bumped it as i tried to respond on my phone twice last night and it kept crashing!
I've been to Puddle Ducks since LO was 12weeks and love it. My friends go to water babies and there seems to be a few differences.
With puddle ducks, although there is a lesson plan each week it is adapted and each child is catered for with different holds and ways of doing each activitity dependant on age and things like confidence etc. From what i've heard water babies are quite structured in their approach, all doing the same activity the same way etc.also you can join mid way through a term with puddle ducks where as i've heard you have to wait until the enxt term with water babies.
I cant compare to water babies but the puddle ducks songs are fantastic and the babies love when the puddle duck glove comes in for the final sing a the end of each lesson.
They have a money back guarantee if you're not happy after 3lessons so maybe give it a go and see how you think it compares.

I paid £42 for the underwater shoot and was very pleased with it. Cant add pics but they are lovely.

*disclaimer, i loved puddle ducks so much i've now trained with them to be a teacher and start teaching next term

 

[mygorgeousboy]

Hi all,

I took my first little one to WB as Puddle Ducks wasnt around in the north east when he was little.

My second baby is now 1 and ive had him at Puddle Ducks since he was just a few weeks old.

I loved WB but Puddle Ducks is better in every way. I have found more variety in the activities, the teachers (in my experience) give a more personal experience. They really do try hard to get to know your individual child and their needs. Their customer service is INFINITELY better (had a few issues with WB).

They also allow you do do a catch up class if you miss one if your child is sick or anything so you dont lose the money. I think this is a big advantage as swimming is obviously quite expensive.

We also had the shoot - its £40 to book on then the pictures start at £20 so really reaosnable. I was very happy with my shots - every bit as much as the ones I had done of my elder child with WB.

Id go for it with PD - you'll be hooked ;0)

 

[3011busyyear]

Hi all,

I loved WB but Puddle Ducks is better in every way. I have found more variety in the activities, the teachers (in my experience) give a more personal experience. They really do try hard to get to know your individual child and their needs. Their customer service is INFINITELY better (had a few issues

Id go for it with PD - you'll be hooked ;0)

Good to hear! All the teachers and management team I've met are so passionate and believe whole heartedly in teaching children to swim with style and grace and enjoy every step along the way. Hope the OP sees your positive feedback x

 

[Babyd14]

Im in the north east and im interested in this, can you give me more info? How old does baby need to be? Sophie is 13 weeks today.
Thanks

 

[3011busyyear]

Im in the north east and im interested in this, can you give me more info? How old does baby need to be? Sophie is 13 weeks today.
Thanks

Babies can be any age really, dont need to wait for injections as current nhs guidelines say its fine. Between birth and 6months she would be in the 'floaties' class which is a lovely class all about bonding with your baby. Its not the most active class as you can imagine as they are very small but it is an excellent age to start getting familiar with the feel of water on them as you do various movements and sing songs to them. The use of floats and rubber ducks helps gve them a focus and as she grows she will learn the signals to indicate when she will be going underwater. By the time she reaches the next class 'splashers' after 6months she will already know to hold her breath and close her eyes when you give the signal (it's amazing to see!)
Here is the link, just type your postcode in the top right to find your nearest class. https://www.puddleducks.com/ hope there is one close to you but just so i'm not advertising you can also try other swim schools and local leisure centres for classes.
The pool will be at least 30c for babies so it will feel warm when you get in, but while she is still young maybe invest in a wetsuit (see the shop part or look on amazon) This is optional but you will defo need a swim nappy (about £4 for 12-enough for the term) and an over nappy (like a wetsuit fabric just to hold any leaks in!) again amazon sell these.
Take two towels so you can wrap her up whilst you dress and just take her in a sleepsuit for easy dressing, she'll most likely sleep when you get home! Hope that helps and remember to enjoy it, it is still the highlight of my wee when i go swimming with her, cant wait to start the new term next friday

 

[beccybobeccy]

Love love love love love our puddleducks class... worth every penny!

 

[1982emmac]

Hi everyone

I don't come on here much but thank you so much to everyone who replied. I can't wait to start puddleducks with dd, thanks again for all of the advice x