How to teach a baby to swim?
Wondering how to teach your child to swim and when is the best time to start exercising? Is learning to swim on your own better than group swimming? Read our guide to learn how to properly plan to start learning to swim so that a visit to the pool is enjoyable and does not discourage us from visiting the pool again. After all, we want your baby to actually learn to swim.
Learning to swim for babies supports development
Before we go over to the answer to the question: how to teach a baby to swim, let's remind you since when we can think about a trip to the swimming pool with a baby.
Learning to swim for children is an activity that can be planned from 4-6 months of a toddler's life.
As already mentioned in the article: Baby at the swimming pool - how to prepare for the first visit?, in theory, you can take a 2-month-old baby with you to the swimming pool. However, for the sake of safety - it is better to wait 2-4 months for the child to become resistant to the bacteria present in the swimming pool. In addition, a six-month-old child can hold his head steadily, which will make learning to swim easier and safer for him.
Swimming of babies stimulates their development, strengthens the muscular and skeletal system, and playing together in the water strengthens the bond between the child and the parent.
Swimming reflex in infants: what is this?
Expert advises
When we talk about the swimming reflex in babies, we must realize that during the last 9 months of fetal life, the baby was in… water. For a baby, water is a natural environment in which it feels good. Up to 8 months of age, babies may continue to close their mouths and hold air when they are under water. Later, the reflex that facilitates learning to swim in babies disappears, so make the most of this period to teach your baby to swim in a simpler way.
When should you go to the swimming pool with your baby?
Did you know that using the swimming pool supports the child's immunity and motor development? In the morning or in the evening - When is the best time to go to the swimming pool with a baby and what are possible contraindications for such a trip?
Contraindications for swimming in the pool
In order to responsibly approach the topic: how to teach a child to swim and start thinking about the exercises that we will do with the toddler in the water, we should first find out what circumstances preclude the possibility of bathing a child in the pool.
Contraindications for baby bathing in the pool are:
- respiratory infections;
- infectious diseases of childhood;
- allergy to chlorine, ozone;
- diarrhea, urinary tract infections;
- severe runny nose;
- recovery period;
- skin diseases;
- severe gastroesophageal reflux.
In case of any doubts as to the toddler's health, consult the pediatrician. If the child is healthy and we are ready for the challenge, there is nothing else to do but start planning the first visit to the pool.
When to go to the swimming pool with the baby? How to choose the right time of the day?
Are you wondering whether you plan to go to the swimming pool with your baby in the morning or in the afternoon? As far as possible adjust the time of classes to the habits and lifestyle of your child. It is worth making sure that the stay at the pool does not fall out during a nap and that the child is well-fed and well-fed. If he feels comfortable and safe, water activities will surely be a pleasure for him.
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Pharmacologist, Chief expert in the field of opinions on cosmetics, medical devices, washing and rinsing agents and biocides, Institute of Mother and Child
How to teach a child to swim: selection of the first activities at the pool
If you want to properly start your adventure with learning to swim a baby, it is worth looking for an offer of activities dedicated to babies. Especially if they are conducted under the supervision of physiotherapists, in a small group (maximum 10 toddlers with their parents). Organized activities will help us and the child to get used to the new situation. During the classes, we will also learn how to properly teach a baby to swim and what exercises will be appropriate for the baby. Thanks to a dose of theory combined with practice, it will be easier later to independently go to the swimming pool.
How to teach a child to swim: an infant swimming school or exercises On my own?
Learning to swim for babies is an activity that is increasingly appearing in the offer of swimming pools in many cities.
Expert advises
Swimming with an infant is not as easy as it may seem, so it is better to take advantage of the activities organized by infant swimming schools. They employ instructors and physiotherapists who know how to introduce individual activities so that the child feels safe and comfortable.
Group lessons are a good start - they will help you get used to the new situation both for toddlers and parents. Nothing prevents you from going to the swimming pool with your baby after a few classes at the swimming school (when the child enjoys swimming and splashing, and we will feel more confident), not only for organized activities.
How to choose a baby swimming school?
Before you decide to take a lesson in a swimming school, it's a good idea to find out what your opinion about the swimming instructors and your schedule are. Knowing in advance about the timing of baby swimming lessons will help you determine if you have enough time.
Besides, it is essential what the swimming pool space looks likeon which the classes will be held. The issues that should be additionally checked in advance are:
- Is there a separate pool with an appropriate water temperature for learning to swim with babies?
- Is the descent into the water comfortable and allows the parent with the child in his arms to be gently submerged?
- Are changing rooms adapted to changing babies?
This knowledge will help you choose the right place to learn to swim for babies - it is important that both parent and child feel comfortable in and out of the water.
Learning to swim babies: more about the benefits
For parents who still hesitate as to whether learning to swim is a good idea for an infant, we present the advantages of using the pool from the first months of life:
- has a positive effect on motor coordination;
- strengthens the muscular and skeletal system is an excellent gymnastics for muscles and joints;
- strengthens the respiratory system;
- supports motor development;
- supports the child's immunity, toughens;
- develops the child's cognitive abilities;
- strengthens the bond between parent and child;
- it is great fun for our little one.
It is true that the warmest season is over, but using the indoor swimming pool is an equally good option when the weather does not encourage outdoor activities. So there is nothing else to do but try to teach our child to swim!
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