Is your baby or toddler excited by the prospect of getting in the water at the pool or beach? Chicago and the suburbs have plenty of professionals helping little fish get ready to swim. These baby swim classes require a parent to accompany their child in the water and emphasize water safety and basic skills. In fact, most baby swim classes in Chicago focus as much as or more on the parents' comfort and skills as the babies'. Parents should look for baby swimming lessons in their neighborhood and in a comfortable pool—for many, that means indoors and heated—to give their tots the best first-time water experience possible. We've rounded up 15 top baby swim classes in Chicago and the suburbs for parents of the 2 and under crowd to help their students get ready for their first water experience.

Once you and your infant or toddler have mastered the basics, you'll be ready to work with them on building skills and muscle in one of our favorite pools, beaches, or swimming holes around Chicago (just beware: a lifeguard shortage has closed some pools in 2022). To break for some fun and relaxation, try out one of the top splash pads or spraygrounds in Chicago and the suburbs.