Their little darlings can now become true water babies thanks to a swimming programme that really does throw them in at the deep end.

Yorkshire-based Swimbabes takes youngsters as young as four weeks and turns them into accomplished swimmers. And, unlike more traditional classes, it does this by getting them to swim underwater first.

The programme is based around an infant's natural affinity with water. Throw them in a warm pool at a young age and they won't sink. Instead, thanks to natural reflexes they will move through the water in a natural way and enjoy every minute of it.

We all have an inborn diving reflex allowing us to hold our breath automatically under water – bit this is strongest in babies up to six months. It seems that at this age babies exhibit primitive strokes and can propel themselves.

Thousands of parents in Yorkshire and Derbyshire have been discovering just how empowering their offspring can become in water thanks to husband-and-wife team Laura and George Molloy.

They set up Swimbabes over two years ago and now have more than 900 babies in their classes each week.

The training programme they use was pioneered in Australia and introduced to Britain in the early 1990s. It was while she was pregnant with her son, Joshua, now six, that 38-year-old Laura came across the training programme while staying with friends down south.

When Joshua was born she took him to the nearest class she could find in Manchester, and was so impressed she decided to train and open her own business. She held her first classes in her hometown of Huddersfield and then introduced them to neighbouring towns such as Bradford, Wakefield, Denby Dale and Chesterfield. Both Joshua and his sister, Eve, aged four, are competent swimmers.

When the business started to take off, George gave up his security job to join her. Now the couple employ numerous instructors and most of their 10-week courses are fully booked.

Although lots of Calderdale babies have learned to swim with Swimbabes, the company has not held classes in the area. But its first Halifax course started today at Ravenscliffe School, Skircoat Green, Halifax. Classes will be held at the school every Monday, Thursday and Friday as well as Saturday morning.

"We've moved into Calderdale because of demand and Ravenscliffe School seems the perfect location. We feel sure parents will enjoy the one-on-one experience swimming with their baby provides," says Laura, who offers various courses aimed at babies from four weeks to 18 months.

Teaching is based on learning through play and involves games, nursery rhymes, word association and repetition.

As well as making them more confident and relaxed, introducing them to water from an early age has also proved to build up a baby's heart and lungs, improve strength and stamina, encourage agility and co-ordination and develop regular sleeping patterns.

"The classes are also important in teaching water safety. Parents can be at ease around the pool on holiday, knowing their toddler has been introduced to water from such a young age," adds Laura.

One of the most popular elements of the experience for parents is being able to take away a lasting memory of their child swimming underwater.

All members get the chance to take part in regular underwater photo shoots with specialist photographers Massive Pixels and Urchin Rock which is hugly popular.

Swimbabes has its own website along with a shop in Holmfirth which sells swimwear and products for holidays, travelling and wet weather. Ten-week courses cost £98.