As a newborn photographer, I get to meet so many amazing families in those early months of parenthood — and one of my favorite parts of chatting during sessions is hearing about all the new experiences parents are excited to try with their little ones. For many, that first “big” activity after the newborn phase is baby swim class — a fun and gentle way to introduce your baby to the water, build comfort and safety, and create adorable memories together.

If you’re located in or around Fanwood, New Jersey, you’re in luck — there are several wonderful local swim schools offering programs designed just for babies and toddlers. Whether you’re looking to build early water confidence or simply enjoy some splashy bonding time, these local favorites are a great place to start.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood YMCA - Scotch Plains

Right in the Fanwood/Scotch Plains area, the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA brings convenience and quality for families with very young children. Their “Swim Starters” program is for infants and toddlers accompanied by a parent or guardian, helping little ones get comfortable with the water, learn basic movement and safety, and enjoy splashy time together.

Goldfish Swim School – Scotch Plains

Just a short drive away, Goldfish Swim School in Scotch Plains is a bright, cheerful environment that welcomes babies as young as four months. With a warm 90°F pool and small class sizes, this program focuses on comfort and fun so that your baby’s first swims are full of confidence and joy. 

Aqua-Tots Swim School – Clark, NJ

For a location still very close to Fanwood but offering a different option, Aqua-Tots Clark offers baby swim lessons starting from around four months old in a cozy indoor, 90° pool environment. Their “Parent & Tot” classes are perfect for gentle introduction to the water and bonding moments. 

Westfield Area YMCA – Westfield, NJ

Another strong choice just minutes away, the Westfield Area YMCA provides “Infant/Toddler Swim Lessons” with parent-child classes for ages roughly 6 months to 3 years. It’s a welcoming community-focused setting with a developmental approach to water comfort and safety.

What to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Class

Here are a few tips I share with my photography clients (you, too!) when selecting a baby swim class:

• Warm water and parent participation make the experience comfortable and bonding-friendly.

• Small class sizes and certified instructors ensure your baby isn’t in a large crowd but gets attention.

• Play-based, gentle approaches matter more than stroke technique at this stage—it's about comfort and fun.

• Convenient scheduling is key—your newborn era is full of naps and feeding rhythms, so flexibility is helpful.

Linking Your Swim Journey to Your Photography Story

These swim classes mark a beautiful next step in your baby’s first year—just after the newborn phase and before the stroller-walks and first steps begin. They bring such joyful images: toes kicking, bubbly smiles, cozy parent splashes. And when you’re ready for a session that captures your little one, post-swim cuddles, or family moments with all that newly built water-confidence and connection, I’d love to create images that reflect this chapter.

Kristin Baker is a photographer serving Westfield, Warren, Mountainside, and Chatham, NJ. Kristin specializes in fine-art newborn, maternity, and family portraiture. Kristin's style is a mix of organic and contemporary, she focuses on muted and neutral tones to create timeless photos that you'll cherish for years to come.

To check out Kristin's newborn portfolio and collections, click here. Booking for newborns is currently open through April 2026 with limited spots available. For more information or to book a session, contact Kristin today!