FAQs

Check out our stage information page here. Or drop us an email with your bear cub's age and ability and we'll recommend the best stage.

Yes, join our waitlist or drop us an email hello@happycubs.ie

Yes, one grown up must be in the water with every bear cub.

Only one adult per child can get into the water with your bear cub for class.  The other parent can watch from the family viewing area.  You can alternative bringing your baby to class each week so you both get to experience the class, if you like.

Yes, all of our pools have family viewing areas to the side of the pool. It can get pretty warm poolside so make sure they don’t wear their winter woollies. The space can be limited on poolside so we ask that only one other family member sit on poolside. All children or siblings watching the class must be supervised in the family viewing area at all times.

Yes, you don't need to be able to swim to attend our classes. All of our classes are taught in the shallow end of the pool so you can keep your two feet on the ground. Let your teacher know if you’re not a swimmer and she'll make sure you feel comfortable at all times.

Please do not bring your baby or toddler swimming if they have any of the following illnesses:

• ear infection
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• chickenpox
• impetigo
• conjunctivitis
• a bad cold
• Covid-19

Always ask your doctor if it’s ok to return to swimming classes after an illness.

If your child has been vomiting or had diarrhoea, please wait until they are clear of all symptoms for at least 48 hours before returning to classes.

HSE guidelines state that "Yes. It is perfectly safe for children to start swimming from birth before having their vaccinations. The diseases children are vaccinated against are not carried in water. You can take your child swimming at any time."

Arrive 10 minutes before your class to check in, get to know the facility, and get ready for class. Giving yourself plenty of time will help you both feel relaxed during your lesson.

We recommend adults wear their swimwear under their clothes to the pool for a quicker easier changing experience.

Your healthcare is individual to you so it's best if you contact your doctor or healthcare provider if you are concerned about your healthcare at any time before, during or after your Swim Cubs term.

Ideally you should leave 30 minutes from a milk feed before taking your baby into the water. An hour for older babies or toddlers on solid food.

This will help keep little tummies happy during swimming. Of course, it is not always possible to plan when your baby or toddler is hungry so don’t worry. If your bear cub is hungry just before class, give them a little milk or light snack.

The most essential items for your little cub is their swim nappies.  We have a strict double nappy system to ensure double protection against any poop leaking into the pool.  The double nappy system consists of two nappies, a reusable or disposable swim nappy under a reusable neoprene nappy. You can buy swimwear from our online shop.

If your toddler is toilet trained (very confident) they can just wear their regular swimwear.

Bray is our smallest pool, so there are a max of 5 bear cubs in each class. Our Blackrock pool holds a max of 8 bear cubs per class, and our Loughlinstown pool holds a max of 10 bear cubs per class as this is our largest pool with lots of space.

You know your baby best, and sometimes they might need a little feed during class to make them happy. Feel free to hop out and feed your baby at the side of the pool or wherever you both feel comfortable.