Taking your baby for their first dip into the pool can be a daunting experience, especially when you’re well aware they have yet to learn how to swim.
What better way is there to calm your nerves than with a brief read on the most important need-to-knows for your baby’s first swim!
The Benefits Are Aplenty
One of the reasons parents tend to send young children to swim classes is to equip them with life-saving water safety skills.
With drowning being one of the leading causes of death in children 1 to 4 years old, it’s no surprise that a lot of parents today decide to start swim lessons as early as they can.
But really, teaching your baby to swim welcomes benefits that extend well beyond water safety and here’s how.
Improves Coordination and Cognitive Function
Children who swim early into childhood tend to exhibit better physical and cognitive function.
Because swimming requires cross-lateral movements or controlled movements of their entire bodies, it feeds parts of the brain vital for communicating, feedback and decision making.
Not only do baby swimmers eventually display better balance and bodily control, but they also become ahead of their peers in literacy, numeracy and spatial awareness!
Builds Muscles, Confidence and Independence
Being in the water keeps your baby engaged in a unique way.
On one hand, they find pool time increasingly fun the longer they are exposed to it. This grows their sense of confidence around water and enriches their water experience all the more.
On the other hand, cross-lateral movements from learning to keep afloat, kicking and gliding in water will have engaged all the muscles in their body.
With your baby growing stronger, you will definitely see a greater sense of control in their movements in and out of the water!
Skin-to-Skin, Heart-to-Heart
One of the most beneficial parts of swim lessons for babies is the quality time it shares between parents and baby.
Baby swim lessons require parents to accompany their babies into the pool. So for the most part of the lessons, parents will be within arm’s reach of their babies.
It may not seem like it but your baby will also learn from you as they also build their trust with you.
They’ll learn you come out of the water unscathed even after dunking your face into it and you’ll be by their side as they learn to do the same.
This act of trust will go a long way in your relationship with your children!
Introducing Swimming to Your Babies
To the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it’s best to begin swim lessons once your baby reaches no younger than one year old and it should be mandatory for children above the age of 4.
When speaking of swim lessons for the sake of water survival and training, studies tend to suggest they’re most appropriate for children aged 1 to 4 years old who are the most prone to drowning.
But today, parents tend to bring their babies swimming as young as 4 to 6 months old!
When Baby Is Ready for The Pool
Considering every child develops at different rates, it all depends on your child’s readiness to be in a pool of water.
You may find that your child isn’t ready for swim lessons until a little later in age—and that’s completely fine!
After all, even the AAP recommends children attend swimming lessons in early childhood instead of infancy.
Some questions you may want to ask yourself before your baby’s first swim are:
- Is your baby physically ready for timely pool visits?
- What will your baby gain from their swim lessons?
- What should you look for in swim lessons for your baby?
The Water Baby Checklist
If you’re like most parents who would prefer to wait for clear signs your baby is ready for the pool, here are some you may want to look out for!
Baby Is Minimum 6 Months Old
You don’t have to wait until after immunisation to bring your baby to a pool but experts say it’s highly recommended to wait at least after the two-month mark.
Babies younger than 2 months old are still prone to infections from wate. So, the safest age to start baby swim lessons is when they hit their 6-month mark.
At 6 months, most babies have gained enough upper body strength and endurance.
They are sturdier and display more control in movements compared to a newborn.
Strong Neck Control
One sign your baby is ready for their first pool visit is strong neck control.
You no longer need to help prop their head up as they are now able to do so with minimal effort.
They’re glancing about, throwing their head back and most importantly, you don’t have to depend on neck floaties for a (false) sense of security.
An Affinity for Water
Bath time can be a horrifying ordeal for infants, toddlers and even older children. In any case, it’s vital that you don’t end up traumatising them further by forcing a terrifying situation on them.
The good news is that it’s definitely possible to ward off these fears!
Take your time to explore what triggers your baby’s fears and help alleviate them.
Sometimes the water might just be too cold, or they’re afraid of a recurrence of something scary to them—like getting soap in their eyes or water in their ears.
Some infants may simply be developing an awareness of their surroundings. Having their bodies submerged in a body of water can be an unpleasant experience that can easily be familiarised through a consistent routine!
What to Look for in Baby Swim Lessons
There are plenty of swim institutions across Malaysia offering baby swim lessons today that ultimately, it’s really only a matter of preference to parents.
Let’s explore what makes a good and wholesome swim lesson for your little one!
Parent-Accompanied and Touch Supervision
The best water safety tip for babies is active supervision, which is why most swim lessons for babies require parents to be present or in the pool with their baby.
Parents may choose to attend group sessions along with other parents or individually with only the swim instructor.
Regardless, a good swim academy practices touch supervision which is to keep your baby within an adult’s arm’s reach at all times.
Regulated Pools with Water Safety Features
Most babies cannot regulate their body temperatures like adults (or even toddlers) which is why parents should either limit their pool time or ensure the pool’s temperature is warm and regulated.
Swim academies today offer regulated pools with exclusive water safety features catering to babies and their specific needs.
While public pools may contain harmful or risky chemical contents, these regulated pools are heated and may also use salt or freshwater. This keeps their water crystal clear from dirt, bacteria and eye-stinging chemicals.
Certified Curriculum and Swim Instructors
You’ll want to ensure their instructor is well-equipped in first-aid training, water safety skills and even teaching. Especially with your baby’s vulnerability to water.
Not only is a lifeguard present at all times, but every trainer at the academy should be board-certified with industry level training with certifications from organisations like AUSTSWIM.
Conclusion
Introducing your baby to swimming can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both you and your little one.
From enhancing their physical and cognitive development to strengthening your bond, the benefits are plentiful.
Remember to consider your baby’s readiness, choose a reputable swim academy, and prioritise their safety throughout the experience.
With the right approach, your baby’s first swim can be a memorable and positive milestone in their journey.
So, why wait? Dive in and make a splash with your little swimmer today, parents!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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