FAQ

Where are you located?

We are located in the Botolph Bridge Estate; the entrance to the site is next to Hilton Hire and directly opposite the Cross Keys public house. Once you enter the estate, turn immediately right at the mini roundabout. Our building is situated through the next set of gates in the far right corner of the estate.

What are your opening hours?

The Centre is open seven days a week, for fifty weeks of the year. We normally close for two weeks at Christmas each year. Please see our Opening Times page for more details.

Is there parking at the Centre?

Yes, there is ample free parking at the Centre. Our car park is not lined. Please park with consideration for others. Leaving two meters of space between you and the next car means not everyone can fit in and makes people late for their lesson!

Do you offer free WiFi?

No, at the moment, our WiFi network is for internal use only.

How do I check in?

When you arrive for your classes or courses, please come to our reception desk and check in yourself using the iPad. Once checked in, you can make your way to the changing rooms or our Studio for your class.

Do you have room for car seats and prams?

Our reception area and cafe are large spaces; however, we do not have unlimited room for car seats and prams. If you have driven to the Centre, we politely request that you carry your child into the building. If you have walked here, we will find space for your pram in the reception area or Selina’s. Car seats are not allowed in our changing rooms to prevent cross-contamination.

What if my baby needs feeding?

Please feel free to breast or bottle-feed your baby in any area of the Centre. Selina’s has a microwave to heat bottles, or if you prefer hot water, ask a staff member.

Are your changing rooms child-friendly?

Of course! We provide lockers and buckets for your personal belongings, baby seats and playpens and fold-down changing tables. Our showers also have baby seats and potties.

Are your premises smoke-free?

No smoking is permitted in our building, outside in the garden or in the car park. If you see anyone smoking on our site, please report it to a team member.

How do you handle my data?

We are fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). We only collect the personal data required to operate our classes and courses in practice. Please read our Privacy Policy for more details.

Can I take photos?

No photography is allowed in our pool hall, from our viewing area or in public play areas at any time. People come here to relax and swim with their children. They have a right to do so without fear of being photographed or filmed against their wishes. Images captured from our viewing window or play areas and shared on social media without consent may violate privacy. Children who may be vulnerable or at risk swim here. A photo taken covertly and shared innocently could have far-reaching consequences.

When can I start swimming?

The simple answer is when your baby is eight weeks old and weighs more than 7lbs, they can start baby swimming lessons. Babies do not need any injections to go swimming, so the only thing you need to consider is whether the pool you are using is warm enough, clean enough, and sensitive to your baby’s needs.

I can’t swim. Can I still come to swimming classes?

Yes. Many parents attend classes because they cannot swim or are nervous in the water, and want their child to grow up with no fear (and a healthy respect) for water. Our pool is 0.5m in the shallow end and 1.25m in the deep end, so you will always be able to touch the bottom. Our teachers are trained to help nervous parents settle and relax in the water. We will never ask you to do something you are not comfortable with, and even when your child is swimming happily underwater, you will not be expected to join them unless you are happy to do so.

Does my baby need injections before swimming?

No, your baby does not need immunisations before swimming lessons. As advised by the NHS, you can take your baby swimming from a very young age. There is no need to wait until they have had their vaccinations.

What does my child need to wear in the pool?

Children must either wear a double-layer system or a Happy Nappy Duo in our pool. For double-layer systems, the first layer is a swim nappy (Huggies Little Swimmers or equivalent) and the second layer is a Happy Nappy. We only allow Splashabout Happy Nappies in our pool, which can be purchased directly from Splashabout or in our shop.

Splash About designs its Happy Nappies to prevent leakage, and they must be fitted properly. The teacher will be on hand to make sure your baby’s nappy fits snugly around their legs and tummy.

Handy hint: The swim nappy (first layer) dries out perfectly, and you can use it several times!

Can I feed my baby/child before a swimming class?

Babies can have a small milk feed before and during the swimming lesson. Many parents sit on the steps during a baby swimming class to give their baby a little feed.

Children should not swim on a full stomach, not because of cramps (there is no connection), but because they may swallow water and be sick in the pool, potentially causing closures! Please do not feed your child any solids an hour and a half before swimming.

What happens if I miss a class?

We understand that life with children means that things don’t always go to plan! Through holidays, family days, and sickness, we know that classes may be missed from time to time. At Calmababy, we want you to have all of the sessions you book with us, and because of this, we are flexible in our approach to replacing missed sessions.

You can book missed classes using the Calmababy App or contact a reception team member. We have a few simple rules to help the process run as smoothly as possible and ensure we have the maximum number of spaces available. Please see our Terms & Conditions for details.

Can I bring another person into the pool with me and my baby?

Due to our pool capacity, swimming classes have space for one adult and one child in the pool only. Thank you for your understanding. For babies in Baby Swim 1 or 2 classes, you are welcome to come poolside to feed during a lesson if required. We request that this be kept to a minimum to avoid disruption to the class. Please return to the viewing area once the feed has finished.

Do you allow spectators?

We do not allow spectators to sit poolside during lessons; however, they can watch from our viewing window under the following conditions:

• Family and friends can watch the class specific to the related child only and must exit the area once the class has finished.
• For health & safety reasons, a maximum of six spectators can watch from our viewing window at any one time.
• No phone usage is allowed in this area, and strictly no photography or video is permitted.
• The corridor is a fire exit, and it must be kept clear of obstructions. We do not allow large pushchairs (car seats are acceptable), stools from the cafe or food and drinks in this area.

How do I know when my child is ready for swim school?

As every child is different, there are no exact markers to indicate when they are ready to transition to independent swimming. Emotional readiness to be in a class without their parent is really the most important factor. If your child is submerging and can move through water independently – in any fashion, it doesn’t have to be skill-specific – then they are definitely ready for swim school.

If they are emotionally ready to be in a class without their parent (school age) but can’t submerge underwater, we will start them in Grade 1.

Which swim grading method do you adopt?

At Calmababy, we use the STA (Swim Teachers Association) Learn To Swim Programme to grade children’s swimming level. Due to the size of our pool, we operate up to and including STA Grades 1, 2 & 3 levels. Our swim teachers are fully qualified to STA Level 2 and they will assess and grade students periodically throughout the year. Achievement certificates and badges are available from our Reception Team.

How do we let you know about a child’s medical conditions or allergies?

A medical questionnaire is sent with our booking confirmations. Please complete this prior to your child’s first lesson with us. The form can be completed online or printed and brought to the Centre.

What does my child need to wear in the pool?

Children must wear suitable swimwear for each lesson, long hair must be tied back or they can wear a swim cap. No swim specific footwear is allowed in our pool, unless it is for medical reasons – please provide a doctors note.

Can I feed my child before a swimming class?

Children should not swim on a full stomach, not because of cramps (there is no connection), but because they may swallow water and be sick in the pool, potentially causing closures! Please do not feed your child any solids an hour and a half before swimming.

What happens if I miss a class?

We understand that family life is busy and that classes are missed from time to time. At Calmababy, we want you to attend all the sessions you book with us, and we are flexible in our approach to replacing missed sessions.

You can book missed classes using the Calmababy App or contact a reception team member. We have a few simple rules to help the process run as smoothly as possible and ensure we have the maximum number of spaces available.

Please see our Terms & Conditions for details.

Do you allow spectators?

We do not allow spectators to sit poolside during lessons or watch from our viewing window unless we are running specific viewing weeks. Dates for viewing weeks are sent via email and published on our website. Please wait in Selina’s cafe during your child’s lessons.

What is Aquanatal Yoga?

Aquanatal Yoga is a water-based version of traditional pregnancy yoga with many additional benefits. The gravity-free environment means women feel virtually weightless in the water and can access deeper stretching and relaxation. Water exercise can often be more comfortable and safer than on land, meaning women with injuries, back, hip or pelvic problems can participate with confidence.

Accredited by the Royal College of Midwives,  Aquanatal Yoga is certainly one of the best ways to prepare your body, mind and baby for labour and birth.

How do I book classes?

You can book sessions by contacting the Centre or the Calmababy App. For Aquanatal Yoga, we sell single or five & ten class passes. Please see our Pricing page for details.

When can I start lessons?

We run Aquanatal Yoga four evenings per week from Monday to Thursday, and you can attend classes from 14 weeks to 40 weeks+. Please see our Timetable for class schedules.

What should I wear?

Whatever makes you comfortable! We heat our swimming pool to 34˚, and the air temperature is 32˚, so bear this in mind when choosing swimwear. Modesty suits are also okay to wear. Bring a water bottle to ensure you stay hydrated; no glass, please.

How many are in a class?

We have space in our pool for eight women in each class. There is plenty of room to stretch, exercise and relax at the end of the session.

What qualification does the teacher hold?

All our teachers hold the Birthlight Diploma in Aquanatal Yoga.

I have a medical condition, can I attend?

It depends on the nature of your condition; some contra-indications would prevent you from attending classes. Before attending your first class, please complete the medical questionnaire in your booking email. If you are unsure, please consult your GP.

What if I miss a class?

The Calmababy App lets you cancel and re-arrange classes and courses, buy new passes and view our class schedules. Our App is free to download from the Apple & Google Play stores.

What if my baby comes early?

Any remaining classes will be credited back to your Calmababy account for use against another service when you are ready to attend.

What is Baby Massage?

Baby Massage is renowned for being one of the best things you can do with your baby in the early months. There are endless benefits from a daily massage, too many to mention here individually! In short: every physiological system is supported and developed through massage. Babies thrive with nurturing touch. They cry less, feed better and sleep well.

How do I book the course?

You can book the course by contacting the Centre or the Calmababy App. Baby Massage is a five-week course; please see our Pricing page for details.

When can I start lessons?

You can bring your baby from approximately four weeks until they are sitting. When you start early, you benefit from learning how to massage your baby; however, the massage sessions are shorter. These lengthen as your baby gets older.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing to allow you to have freedom of movement. You only need to bring what you would typically carry for your baby’s requirements. We provide towels and massage oil for your class.

How many are in a class?

We have space for up to eight mothers and their babies in our studio for Baby Massage classes.

What qualification does the teacher hold?

All teachers hold an International Association of Infant Massage qualification.

I have a medical condition, can I attend?

There are no medical conditions that would prevent you from attending this course.

What if I miss a class?

The Calmababy App lets you cancel and rearrange classes and courses, buy new passes and view our class schedules. Our App is free to download from the Apple & Google Play stores.

What is Coffee Cake & Coping?

Coffee, Cake & Coping is tailor-made for new mothers with babies aged from one day to 20-weeks old. Over five weeks, the private group meets to discover the best of our postnatal knowledge – including baby development and communication, massage and calming techniques, postnatal recovery and pelvic health, baby yoga and more.  The sessions provide answers to the important questions of early motherhood and a safe space to discuss topics in a healthy and supported way.

How do I book the course?

You can book the course by contacting the Centre or the Calmababy App. Coffee Cake & Coping is a five-week course; please see our Pricing page for details.

When can I start lessons?

You can start the course as soon as you feel ready to venture out with your newborn! The earlier, the better, as we designed the program for the first twenty weeks. Starting in week one or two of each course is acceptable, so don’t worry if you have missed the start date. Get in touch, and, space permitting, we can add you to the group.

What should I wear?

We recommend you wear loose, comfortable clothing which allows you to move freely. You only need to bring what you would typically carry for your baby’s requirements.

How many are in a class?

We have space for up to eight mothers and their babies in our studio for Coffee, Cake & Coping.

What qualification does the teacher hold?

Our teachers hold a variety of qualifications for this course. International Association of Infant Massage. Birthlight Postnatal Yoga Diploma. Birthlight Baby Yoga Diploma. Closing the Bones Certificate. Brazelton Newborn Behavioural Observation.

I have a medical condition, can I attend?

There are no medical conditions that would prevent you from attending this course.

What if I miss a class?

The Calmababy App lets you cancel and rearrange classes and courses, buy new passes and view our class schedules. Our App is free to download from the Apple & Google Play stores.

What is Baby Yoga?

As a stand-alone course or a follow-on from baby massage, baby yoga helps your baby develop physically and socially. Yoga babies are bright, happy little people who love the movement and singing involved in every class. Aimed at the developmental milestones of rolling, sitting and crawling, the class is suitable for babies aged four months.

How do I book classes?

You can book sessions by contacting the Centre or the Calmababy App. For Baby Yoga, we sell single or six class passes. Please see our Pricing page for details.

When can I start lessons?

Baby Yoga classes are suitable for babies aged four months onwards. Please see our Timetable for class schedules.

What should I wear?

We recommend you wear loose, comfortable clothing which allows you to move freely.

How many are in a class?

We have space for up to ten mothers and their babies in our studio for Baby Yoga classes.

What qualification does the teacher hold?

All teachers hold the Birthlight Yoga Diploma.

What if I miss a class?

The Calmababy App lets you cancel and re-arrange classes and courses, buy new passes and view our class schedules. Our App is free to download from the Apple & Google Play stores.

What are your opening hours?

Selina’s cafe is open seven days a week; please see our Opening Times page for details.

Can I reserve a table?

Yes! During busy lunchtime periods, it can be harder to find a table. Please speak to a team member in the cafe if you want to reserve a table.

Can I use your cafe if I don’t have classes?

Of course! Our cafe is open to the general public, whether you attend classes with us or not. If you are using the facilities, we ask that you support us by purchasing some items when you visit.

Is your cafe child-friendly?

Very! At Calmababy, we believe in letting children be children. They are free to roam around the cafe, play areas and garden under your supervision. There’s no need to keep that at your table!

Do you have high chairs and baby seats?

Plenty! The cafe has lots of high chairs and bouncers; please help yourself!

Can I bring my own food?

Due to strict allergen control, only food purchased from Selina’s cafe can be consumed on our premises. This does not apply to prepackaged items for children under one year of age, provided the allergen advice is visible on the packaging. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

We have a menu to suit most families, and we are always happy to accommodate specific dietary requests. Please speak to a member of the Selina’s team for assistance.

What age are your play areas suitable for?

We have indoor and outdoor play areas at Selina’s, suitable for children up to five. Both play areas are secured with gates and fencing to keep your little ones safe and secure. We do request you supervise your children at all times, please.