Take the Plunge: How To Have Your Baby Swimming Like a Fish
There are so many life-saving skills you are going to teach your little one: driving a car, riding a bike, even chewing food before swallowing is going to be an important skill they will learn from you! But one other skill that can be potentially life-saving is teaching your child how to swim.
Especially with the start of summer, many parents are eager to have their little ones learn and enjoy swimming. And why wouldn’t they? Swimming is a fun bonding activity with friends and family, a great form of exercise to help kids burn off extra energy, and a fantastic way to beat that summer heat! One added bonus is that swimming can be taught at virtually any age, even for that young baby of yours. Some programs start at 2 months old! By teaching your baby how to swim, you are helping them develop important coordination skills, build muscle and enhance their motor skills.
In this post, we will provide you with valuable tips and tricks to make your baby's swim lessons a fun and successful experience. Get ready to splash into a world of aquatic adventures!
Start Early, Start Small
It's never too early to introduce your baby to the water. Starting swim lessons as early as a few months old can be helpful in building a positive relationship with the pool and water in general. The idea isn’t for them to be swimming laps at this age, but for them to simply learn how to float in case they were to ever accidentally fall in. That way, you have a few seconds to follow them in to get them if mistakes were to happen.
Begin with short and gentle sessions to help your baby acclimate to the water gradually. Opt for warm pools or shallow areas where your baby can comfortably touch the bottom. This can also be done in the bathtub if a pool isn’t an option or is simply too much for your little one.
Many parents think they are helping their baby by keeping water off of their face during bath time or supervised pool play. The reality though is that if babies are uncomfortable with water on their face early on, it is harder for them to be comfortable going underwater or learning to swim. Even though it’s new and probably scary to them, dribbling water down their face during bath time will help desensitize them to that experience and will make their swimming lessons so much easier!
Choose the Right Program
When it comes to baby swim lessons, finding a qualified instructor is key for you and your baby to feel comfortable and learn quickly. Look for instructors who specialize in teaching infants and toddlers. The instructor should be certified in infant CPR and have experience in water safety. A knowledgeable instructor will create a safe and nurturing environment while focusing on your baby's unique needs and developmental milestones.
It isn’t hard to find toddler or children swimming lessons. Your local recreation department or YMCA can help with older children, but babies will require a special program as they aren’t really learning to swim as much as they are learning how to float. Try to look for a program that doesn’t rely on floatation devices and introduces your baby to being underwater. Those are the real-life situations you want to arm your baby with knowing how to handle, so having them included in your swimming program will translate easier into practice.
Preparing for Swim Lessons
Before heading to the pool, make sure to prepare yourself and your little one with the necessities for a smooth and enjoyable experience. Most programs are going to have guidelines around swim diapers (some will require disposable swim diapers, some will require reusable swim diapers, some may require both), so familiarize yourself with those requirements ahead of time. You will also need swimwear for both you and the baby, towels, and a change of clothing. An extra helpful preparation item is also to check what the pool's temperature may be. Babies will get cold very easily, so knowing how cold it is will help you chose the right change of clothing for them to warm up afterwards. Familiarizing yourself with the specific guidelines or requirements from the swim program will help to make sure you are able to take full advantage of their swimming expertise!
Maintain Constant Supervision
While swim lessons are a great opportunity for your baby to learn and explore, it's crucial to maintain constant supervision. Always stay within arm's reach of your little one and never leave them unattended in or near the water. They are just learning and may be very curious about the water. Remember, even in shallow pools, accidents can happen very quickly, so be vigilant and focused during swim sessions.
Make it Fun and Positive
Creating a fun and positive environment during swim lessons will enhance your baby's overall experience. If you are having fun, they are more likely to have fun as well! Sing songs, play games, and use colorful toys to engage your little one in the water. These early lessons are all about exposure and building confidence around the water. Celebrate each milestone and progress, no matter how small, to boost your baby's assuredness. The more enjoyable the swim lessons are, the more your baby will associate swimming with fun and happiness!
Baby swim lessons offer a fantastic opportunity for your little one to develop crucial and life-saving water safety skills, enhance their physical abilities, and cultivate a lifelong affinity for swimming. By starting early, choosing the right program, and following the tips and tricks shared in this post, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for your little fish.
So, gear up, dive in, and let the aquatic adventures begin!
