Swimming
Babies are born with a 'dive reflex' that makes them hold their breath under water. This will last for about 3 months and means they really 
are 'water babies'. Your baby will also keep his eyes open under water during this time.
Swimming is good for your baby. It improves his confidence, is good exercise, gives him freedom of movement, and has a positive effect on psychological and motor development. And it's fun.
Although you will want to take advantage of the 3 months dive reflex, it is wise for you to wait until after your six week postnatal check-up to ensure you have healed properly. In the meantime use bath-time to get him used to water, splashing and getting his face wet.
Hopefully your leisure centre will have a baby pool or teaching pool. These are usually warmer (you need the water to be about 30?C/86?F) and less crowded. Start with a 10 minute session and build up to twice that time; any longer and he will probably get cold - if he starts to shiver, get him out and wrap him up. Hold him tightly and maintain eye contact to reassure him.
Most local authority run pools will have mother and baby swimming sessions with lessons for baby. After just a few sessions, he will be ducking under the water and holding his breath, and most babies can manage to travel a few feet under water by doggy-paddling.
It is best to take a nappy in case of accidents. As soon as he is old enough to sit unaided, get a swim seat (a rubber ring with a seat in the middle), buoyancy aids, and take some toys.
As well as the obvious changing kit, towel, nappy and clothes, take a bottle if you're bottle-feeding. The exercise will have given him an appetite, and he will probably need a good sleep.
If you have more than one child, take some help or you will really have your hands full.
Swimming in sea-water is not advisable for babies under 12 months as their kidneys can not cope with the salt water they will swallow. If you are going on holiday to somewhere warm and want to go into the sea, hold baby's head well above the water.
Swimming is the perfect way to spend leisure time with your baby. He will grow in confidence, it will help you to bond, and will keep you both fit.
