A dad guides his child at the water surface during a parent-and-child lesson in an indoor pool — Parent-baby (1-2 years)

Water confidence

Parent-baby 1-2 years: discovering water through play

The parent-baby 1-2 years course guides children who have learned to sit and walk into a more active exploration of warm water, always together with a parent. It works on autonomy, balance and confidence through play.

◐ 1-2 years ◈ 32–34 °C (Ponte Tresa, Mendrisio, Balerna, Sementina)

📍 Ponte Tresa · Mendrisio · Balerna · Sementina

Who it’s for

Children aged 1 to 2 with a parent in the water. Ideal for those who have already attended Acquababy, or for those approaching the water for the first time at this age.

Benefits

What your child learns

◈Greater autonomy and confidence in the water

◈Coordination and motor patterns through play

◈Comfort with floating and brief dips underwater

◈Continuity of the bond and trust with the parent

Concentric ripples spreading across the water surface after a movement

A year later

From a parent’s arms to independence

Those who’ve learned to sit and walk want to try on their own. In warm water they can, with support that eases off little by little.

How it works

The path, step by step

Step 1
Playful warm-up

Playful activities to rebuild confidence with the warm water.
Step 2
Balance and moving around

Support, push-off and assisted gliding exercises.
Step 3
First dips underwater

Brief, guided dips underwater, in complete safety and calm.

Every child has their own group.

We form groups by age and level, so your child is always with peers at the same stage. Tell us how old they are and what they can already do in the water: we’ll point you to the right course and time slot.

Tell us your child’s age or message us on WhatsApp

Groups are small. They fill up fast.

The calendar tells you when the lessons are, not how many spots are left. Tell us the course and time you’re interested in: we’ll let you know right away whether there’s still room in the group for the 2026-27 season.

Check available spots or message us on WhatsApp

How much it costs

Cycle of 12 lessons, price depends on location — see the Prices page.

See prices by location · WhatsApp

How much it costs depends on you.

Frequency, location and number of courses change the quote — and those who attend more courses or enrol more family members pay less. Tell us what you have in mind: we’ll reply with an exact figure.

Request your quote or message us on WhatsApp

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between water familiarisation and swimming?

Water familiarisation doesn’t teach swimming: it helps the child get comfortable with water and stimulates sensory and motor development through play, in a parent’s arms. Actual swimming, learning the strokes, generally starts from age 4, when the child has enough autonomy and coordination. Water familiarisation is the foundation that makes learning easier later on.

What temperature is the water?

The water is warm, between 32 and 34 °C: it reassures the child, protects their thermoregulation and allows for calm sessions without getting cold. It’s warmer than a standard sports pool (26-28 °C). The exact pool temperature is being confirmed with the host facility.

Do I need a medical certificate to sign up?

No. In Switzerland a medical certificate is not required for pool courses and Ondarte does not ask for one: you can sign up directly, with no medical visits or health documents. We only ask you to let us know of any health conditions the instructor should be aware of, so we can support you as well as possible in the water.