Introducing a baby to swimming can be a helpful bonding tool with your baby while providing a positive introduction to a skill that will be useful throughout their lives. Much of the concern regarding the introduction of babies to swimming is unfounded.

For children under one year of age, the epiglottis prevents water from entering the windpipe. This natural reflex is a standard feature in most children and allows them to swim without fear. They grew up in similar conditions for nine months in the womb, and many children seem to enjoy the familiar environment of water.

Babies can feel the fear of parents. If you are afraid of water, your child is likely to feel a similar fear and link it to the pool.

Teaching your baby to swim will be based on short lessons with child supervision every step of the way. Your baby probably won’t stay underwater for long, but she will develop limb movements that will help her swimming skills, and she will discover that water is a lovely environment to play in.

Some experts recommend lessons at three months, while others have recommended lessons as soon as your child is one week old, although it should be noted that a cold will prevent your baby from participating in swimming lessons.

In most cases, babies will begin their lessons firmly in the embrace of a parent or instructor. They will learn to kick underwater before moving on to other skills like releasing, throwing, and floating. As you physically interact with your baby, you gain a sense of freedom in the water because for baby, this may be the only exercise that provides a sense of mobility, as most baby swimming lessons occur before They can talk, crawl or walk.

Parents are urged not to take the idea of ​​baby swimming lessons too seriously. Your child should see the lessons as an opportunity to have fun with his mom or dad, not as a performance-based exercise. They certainly can’t articulate the difference, but they do understand when their parents are upset with them.

Your baby’s safety is important, a qualified instructor can help you and your child gain a sense of freedom while learning new skills in a safe environment.