A baby smiles at the water surface, resting on a floating tube, during an Acquababy water-confidence lesson in an indoor pool — Acquababy · Parent-baby (0-12 months)
Water confidence

Acquababy: the first encounter with water, in mum or dad’s arms

Acquababy is our infant water-familiarisation course for children aged 0 to 12 months, in warm water and in a parent’s arms. The goal isn’t to teach swimming: it’s to guide the baby in discovering and getting comfortable with water, an element they already knew during life in the womb. Sharing moments of joy, closeness, love and trust in the water is the most important value of this journey, which puts the parent-child relationship at its centre.

◐ 0-12 months ◈ 32–34 °C (Ponte Tresa, Mendrisio, Balerna, Sementina) ✚ Health-insurer reimbursement
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📍 Ponte Tresa · Mendrisio · Balerna · Sementina

Who it’s for

Babies from about six weeks old up to 12 months, always with the paediatrician’s go-ahead, together with mum, dad or a reference adult. The paediatrician, who knows the child, indicates the right moment to start: in the first months thermoregulation is still immature, and our warm water is designed exactly for this. One parent at a time gets in the water with the baby.
Benefits

What Acquababy builds

◈Supports motor development, balance and coordination
◈Recreates the sensations of the womb: relaxing and reassuring
◈Strengthens the parent-child bond
◈Builds a calm relationship with water for the future
Soft light filtering across the calm surface of the warm water in an indoor pool
In the water from the first months

The first contact, unhurried

Time in the water grows gradually, following the child’s own pace of settling in: it increases only when they’re ready. We don’t teach swimming — we let the water become familiar.
How it works

The path, step by step

  1. Step 1

    Settling into warm water

    Gradual entry into the pool, in a parent’s arms, with short sessions.

  2. Step 2

    Play and sensory stimulation

    Songs, games and gentle movements to explore the water.

  3. Step 3

    Assisted floating

    First experiences of support and gliding, always in safety.

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

At what age can infant water familiarisation begin?

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You can start as early as around six weeks of age, provided the paediatrician gives the go-ahead: they know the child and can say when they’re ready. In the first months a newborn’s thermoregulation is still immature, which is why we work in warm water and with short lessons. There’s no rush either way: you can start at any point within the first 12 months, and the baby is guided at their own pace.

How long does an infant water-familiarisation lesson last?

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A water-familiarisation lesson generally lasts around 30 minutes. For the youngest babies, the actual time in the water is increased gradually and progressively, respecting the child’s own pace of settling in: it grows longer as they gain confidence, without forcing it, so they don’t get cold or overloaded with stimuli. Better short and calm than long and tired.

What water temperature is right for newborns?

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For infant water familiarisation the water needs to be warm, between 32 and 34 °C, with the surrounding air at around 27-30 °C. Under 6 months, around 32 °C is preferred. Newborns don’t yet regulate their body temperature well: water that’s too cold chills them quickly. Standard sports pools (26-28 °C) are not suitable.

What do I need to bring for the baby’s water-familiarisation course?

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You’ll need a snug-fitting swim nappy, a bathrobe or towel to dry and warm the baby up right after getting out, a full change of clothes and shower essentials. A moisturising cream after the bath is handy. No technical equipment needed: the parent is in the water with the baby.

Can I bring my newborn to the pool if they have a cold?

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Not if the child has a fever, flu-like symptoms, conjunctivitis or a skin infection: in these cases, skip the lesson. A mild cold without fever is not in itself a contraindication — the humid environment can even help breathing — as long as the baby is otherwise well and doesn’t get chilled getting in and out of the water. When in doubt, ask the paediatrician.

Can dad take part, or only mum?

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The parent-baby course is open to mum, dad or a reference adult: one parent at a time gets in the water with the child. It’s an activity designed precisely to strengthen the parent-child bond, so dads are warmly encouraged to take part. Some families alternate parents from one lesson to the next.

Do I need a medical certificate to sign up?

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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.

Is the course recognised by health insurers?

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Ondarte is recognised by several health insurers. Reimbursement conditions are set by each individual health insurer: we recommend checking them with your own insurance.
Contact us

Sign up — acquababy · parent-baby (0-12 months)

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