Most swim schools, ours included, set 12 months as the general starting point for structured baby lessons, but age alone doesn't tell the whole story. We've taught confident, giggling 12-month-olds and we've taught 12-month-olds who needed another month or two before the water clicked for them, and both are completely normal.
Head and neck control is the real prerequisite, a baby needs to be able to hold their head steady before a coach can safely support them through basic water positions. Most babies get there somewhere between 6 and 9 months, though lessons themselves typically don't start until closer to a year for safety and attention-span reasons.
Temperament matters too. A baby who tolerates bath time without much fuss usually transitions well to pool lessons. One who screams through every bath might need a slower introduction, a few sessions of simply sitting on the steps before any actual instruction begins.
It's less "swimming" and more orientation: getting used to water on the face, being held in different positions, basic breath control cues. Parents are usually in the water too at this age, which helps more than almost anything else.
Not sure if your baby is ready? Tell us a bit about them first.
See Baby Program