Infant & Baby Swim Lessons: Trust Comes First, From Six Months Old.
Infant & Baby Swim Lessons Austin, TX · Ages 6 Months to 2 Years · Parent-in-the-Pool · 90°F Heated Pool. Starting this young is not about teaching a baby to swim: it is about teaching a baby that water is safe, with a parent beside them the entire time. These are the infant swim lessons and baby swim lessons Austin families ask for by name, built around trust first and skills second, in water warm enough that babies actually relax instead of shivering.
Classes meet once per week at $36 per class, billed monthly, continuous enrollment. Maximum four families per instructor, with a parent or guardian in the water for the entire class. All classes follow the structured SSI Swim curriculum in our 90°F indoor pool.
Not sure if your baby is ready? See the signs below, or jump straight to what a class looks like.
A 30-Minute Class, Built Around Trust
Guppies is the entry level of our Early Childhood track, and it is where nearly every infant and baby starts. You are in the water with your baby for the full 30 minutes: there is no drop-off format at this age. Your instructor leads the same core routine every week, so your baby learns the pattern of class as much as the skills themselves — blowing bubbles, kicking on their front and back with your support, floating on their back while you hold them, and getting comfortable being gently lowered into and lifted out of the water.
None of it is forced. If your baby needs a few extra weeks just getting used to the water before anything else progresses, that is normal, and your instructor will tell you plainly if your baby is moving at a different pace than most families, rather than leaving you to guess.
As babies grow more comfortable — often somewhere between 18 months and 2 years, though every child is different — many move into Starfish, the next level in the same track, where a child starts doing more on their own: blowing bubbles with their face in the water, an independent monkey-crawl exit, and a first front glide with assistance. See the full Early Childhood level breakdown, including what comes after Starfish, on our group swim lessons page.
Is Your Baby Ready to Start?
We accept babies from 6 months old, once they can support their own head on their own. There is no upper age limit to start here: plenty of toddlers take their first class at 18 months or 2 years old, and Guppies works as a first class at any age in this range, not only for true infants.
A few things that make the first class go more smoothly: feeding your baby on their normal schedule rather than right before class, a diaper change shortly before you arrive, and a swim diaper (disposable or reusable) under the swimsuit — required for any swimmer who is not yet potty trained. If you are not sure whether your baby is ready, book a free assessment and an instructor will tell you honestly, not just sign you up.
Why Austin Parents Start Here
90°F, every month of the year.
Most pools built for lap swimming run cooler than this. For a baby, the difference between a pool that is merely heated and one that is genuinely warm is the difference between a class your baby tolerates and one your baby settles into.
Parent-in-the-pool, every Guppies class.
At this age you are the one holding your baby through every exercise. Your instructor is coaching you both at once, not just working with your baby while you watch.
Four families per instructor, maximum.
That is not a target average: it is the ceiling, every class, at every level we teach.
Austin's trusted swim lessons since 1998.
Nearly three decades teaching Austin families, including some of the infants in this program today whose own parents learned to swim at Tom's.
What Parents Say
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From our over 400 five-star Google reviews.
“Morgan Lee is the best swim teacher for young kids! She is gentle and encouraging, and my 2 year old will only swim with her!”
Jennifer W., Infant Swim Lessons
“We had a very positive experience with our 2.5 year old in their swim lessons. Small groups, very attentive and skilled staff.”
Amanda T., Toddler Swim Lessons
Frequently Asked Questions
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What age can my baby start swim lessons?
We accept babies from 6 months old, as soon as they can support their own head on their own. There is no upper limit for starting in this track: toddlers starting at 18 months or 2 years old begin at the same Guppies level. If you have questions about whether your baby is ready, call us at (512) 451-3425.
Do I need to get in the pool with my baby?
Yes. For Guppies (ages 6 months to 2 years), classes are parent-and-child format and you are in the water the entire class; one parent or guardian per child. At least one parent or guardian who is 18 or older needs to stay in the building for the full class either way.
My baby cries or seems upset during class — is that normal?
Yes, especially in the first few sessions. We do not treat it as a problem; we treat it as information about where to start. Instructors build trust before pushing skill, using warm water, encouragement, and small steps that give your baby genuine wins before asking for harder things. Consistent weekly attendance is what creates comfort, and your instructor will tell you if your baby's adjustment period is running longer than typical, rather than leaving you to wonder. For more on helping a nervous swimmer of any age, see our guide to overcoming fear of water.
How much do infant swim lessons cost?
$36 per class, billed monthly with continuous enrollment — the same pricing as every group swim class at Tom's. If you want to confirm Guppies is the right starting point before enrolling, a free placement assessment is available.
What should we bring to class?
A swimsuit and a towel for your baby, and a swimsuit for yourself since you'll be in the water too. Babies who are not potty trained need a swim diaper (disposable or reusable) under their swimsuit. No fins, floaties, or swim aids: we provide any tools needed during class.
What happens after Guppies?
Most babies and toddlers move into Starfish next, still within the Early Childhood track, where they start doing more independently: face-in bubbles, an independent monkey-crawl exit, and a first assisted front glide. See the full Early Childhood level breakdown on our group swim lessons page for what comes after that.
Is Guppies an SSI program?
Yes. Guppies is Tom’s name for SSI Parent & Child, the entry level of the structured SSI Swim curriculum. The animal names make it friendlier for families, but every level underneath lines up with a published SSI program level. See our Why SSI Swim section for more on the standards behind every level.
My baby needs more one-on-one attention. What do you recommend?
Private and semi-private lessons are available and can work well for a baby who needs a more individualized pace: see our private & semi-private lessons.
How long is each class, and how often do we come?
30 minutes, once per week, in our 90°F indoor pool. Continuous enrollment means there's no fixed semester start — you can begin any week.
Ready to start? Enroll any time.
Create an account any time to enroll, or use the Tom’s Swim app. Already have an account? Register for class online. Serving Austin families since 1998 at 5909 Burnet Rd. Over 400 five-star Google reviews and 18,000+ certified divers and swimmers. Continuous enrollment, no fixed session start dates.
Still have questions? Email or call our team.