Fun and sensory-stimulating, baby swimming lessons promote a baby's natural movement in the water and allow parents and children to share wonderful time! After spending nine months in the womb, all babies feel comfortable in the water! Until about 12 months old, babies retain a natural swimming reflex (or breath-holding reflex). This means that when they are in the water, they automatically close their mouths, hold their breath, and move their arms and legs. Despite these unique reflexes, babies cannot swim on their own and must always be held by their parents.
A fulfilling activity
Many swimming pools now offer baby swimming lessons. The goal isn't to teach babies to swim, but rather to stimulate sensory awareness and help develop motor skills. In the water, babies are better able to perceive their body contours, learn different movements, and explore new sensations, which also helps them build confidence. They become more independent and develop social skills through interaction with other children. At the same time, it's a special and intimate time for parents and children to share—what could be better?
How to conduct the course
Each baby is accompanied by one (or even both) parent, and the entire group is supervised by a professional lifeguard. The water is preheated to room temperature. Parents hold their babies and gently enter the water as needed.
The course will provide a variety of sensory water play equipment, depending on the age, including balls, flotation devices, swim rings, floats and slides, allowing babies to enjoy fun and experience new sensations with their parents or other children.
If your baby looks tired or feels cold before the lesson starts, don't force it. Take him out of the water and quickly warm him up with a soft towel. The main purpose of baby swimming lessons is to have fun!
Practical Information
When your baby is 6 months old, you can participate in parent-child swimming classes. During these classes, parents and babies swim together in the water. Children are usually ready to formally learn to swim around 3 or 4 years old.
Before you go, please be extra careful in or near water. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that "adults must keep infants and young children within arm's reach and exercise 'touch supervision' when they are in or near water." Remember to bring waterproof diapers or leak-proof swimwear to avoid minor accidents in the water.
Lesson duration: Infants under 18 months: no more than 30 minutes; children 18 months to 6 years: no more than one hour. Afterwards, children can attend formal swimming lessons and will feel more comfortable in the water due to the infant swimming lessons, making learning to swim easier!
After the class, offer breast milk, a bottle, or a small snack, depending on your baby's age. Water activities consume a lot of energy, so your baby may be hungry. Once home, thoroughly wash and moisturize your baby to remove chlorine and soothe their skin. After relaxing, your baby may just want to rest and recharge!
