Swimming lessons for infants is a notoriously controversial topic.
When is the ideal time for children to learn to swim? At what age is it safe to submerge a baby’s head? Do babies have an instinct for swimming and what should one look for in swimming classes?
So when it comes to searching for swimming lessons for infants, the chances are that you may feel slightly nervous at the thought and have a lot of questions too.
Among the many things that parents have to consider, swimming classes for babies might not be on top of the list. However, if you live near water or have a pool at home, it is advisable to ensure that your children are water safe from as young as possible.
In this article, you will find out what to look for in swimming trainers as well as other tips when it comes to private swimming lessons for babies.
Babies and Swimming Instinct
The history of swimming offers anecdotal evidence that says that babies are born with a natural instinct to swim. You could try this out by supporting your baby in the water and notice that they will immediately begin to move their legs and arms. It cannot be stressed enough that this does not make a baby water safe. In fact, without the assistance of a capable adult, a baby in water will quickly sink and drown.
The only time a baby’s instinct for water should be explored is within very safe parameters like with qualified swimming trainers. In an environment like this, you will notice another instinct of babies in water is that they will rarely attempt to inhale when submerged. Again, this is an instinct that will last for a split second and should only serve as an encouragement to enrol a young child in swimming lessons for infants. Beyond a moment, a baby on its own could certainly inhale water.
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So the answer to whether it is possible to teach babies to swim is yes.
Having said this, there is a big difference between the instinct and the actual skills required to stay afloat, swim and prevent drowning. Instincts, however, do show that babies can be exposed to swimming lessons for infants from very early on in their lives without traumatising them.
Bear in mind though, that not every baby enjoys being in the water. Babies like grown-ups are unique individuals so if your child seems distressed and cries a lot, it may be best to postpone their swimming classes until they are older. If, however, your child shows signs of being relaxed and happy in the water, it is a good idea to find swimming lessons for infants with someone who has the necessary credentials.
Remember that not all swimming trainers have the specialised techniques required to give private swimming lessons to babies so make sure you find someone with the right experience and qualifications.
What Age Should a Baby Learn to Swim?
Generally speaking, babies begin to develop the techniques and motor skills required to learn to swim from the age of about one.
Of course, the more time a baby has spent with their parents in water before this, the more comfortable they will be with swimming trainers.
Before taking your child to private swimming lessons try to prepare them by making them as comfortable as you can in the water beforehand. This can mean holding them in the pool on a warm day when they are babies and making bath times fun.
The Benefits of Private Swimming Lessons for Babies
Unless your baby displays a distressing aversion to water, there are compelling reasons why swimming lessons for infants and even swimming classes for older children are beneficial to their overall development.
- Swimming is a very social activity. Swimming lessons for infants are a way to also give your baby social interaction which is an important part of their development. It is also a wonderful opportunity for parents to meet other people in similar positions with whom to compare experiences and learnings.
- Private swimming lessons are a great way to encourage the development of motor skills and coordination in young children. This can be a positive way to support a child as they learn how to stand, crawl and walk.
- During water activities, the introduction of pool toys can also help them with their coordination and balance. On the whole, time spent in water can help a baby’s vestibular system development.
- Swimming can also contribute to the development of neck, arm and leg muscles. It is also important for building strong hearts and lungs in people of all ages.
- Swimming can be a lot of fun and some babies love to be in the water.
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Of course, the main benefit of teaching a child to swim from an early age is to ensure their safety when they are near water. If you live near water or are frequently near pools or other bodies of water, the peace of mind associated with having a child who is water safe is priceless.
In addition to learning the invaluable skill of how to swim, lessons in water will also help to improve a child’s overall confidence and lay foundations for the adult swimming lessons they may choose to take when they are older.
Tips for Teaching Babies How to Swim
Obviously, because a baby’s communication is limited, advanced techniques when it comes to teaching them how to swim will be limited.
Having said that, there are great tips to help you achieve the results you need in ensuring that your child is water safe. It all starts with ensuring that they are as comfortable and happy as possible in the water.
Step one is to encourage a baby’s natural instincts. As mentioned, the first thing that they will do is to move their arms and legs. You can encourage this by showing them through your facial expressions and energy that you are enjoying it.
To support them, hold them around their tummy and back. This will make them feel safe because they will not be able to float yet. From there, let them splash and become comfortable in the water in their own time.
Don’t push a baby to be in the water if they are not enjoying it. When the fun has stopped, take them out of the water, wrap them up and make them feel safe. Remember that not all newborns enjoy the water. The last thing you want to do is to force a child to be in the water as this could result in them hating it for life.
Like many areas of a child’s development, using toys can certainly help the process. Not only does it make it more interesting, but aids in both motor skills and sensory development too.
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Babies and Swimming Lessons
While you should not feel the pressure of taking a baby to swimming lessons it can be a very positive bonding experience for a parent and child.
When it comes to exposing a newborn baby to swimming lessons with other people, proceed with caution. Remember that babies and new mothers are both at an increased risk of infection. A good idea is to consult your doctor about timing before going ahead.
When it comes to whether swimming lessons are worthwhile for babies or not, remember that while they will not pick up swimming techniques for years, the idea is to make sure they are safe in the water. Besides safety, the enjoyment and developmental advantages of allowing a baby to safely enjoy water are undisputed.
It is also common for new parents to find activities that they can experience with other young parents. It is helpful for babies and toddlers to be around children of the same age, but at the same time, it is also beneficial for parents of similar-age children to mix and gain support from each other too.
Swimming lessons for infants and babies are a great way to develop social skills and prepare your child to be the next Michael Phelps too!
So, is it worth a baby learning to swim?
In summary, if your child displays comfort and enjoyment in the water then every opportunity should be taken in your own time and through swimming trainers to ensure that they are water safe. As mentioned, it will contribute to their overall development too and provide many benefits for you as a parent to bond with your child and mix with other parents.
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