That's why baby swimming is good

It can be challenging to find activities that have the same beneficial effects for the little ones as baby swimming does. Although, it may seem anxiety-inducing to take the little one into the water, it's mostly a fear that takes root in the mind. It's easy to forget, but babies have been swimming in water for 9 months, so they are actually quite familiar with the element.

This also means that they have the right defence mechanisms that automatically protect them from swallowing water or accidentally inhaling while submerged. From there, it's just a matter of harnessing the advantages that water and baby swimming offer for the kids' development.

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Why is baby swimming beneficial?

There are numerous positive effects on your kids' development by bringing your baby into the water. This applies to both physical benefits and, especially, the relationship between parents and the kid. There are not many other activities where you are as close for extended periods. This is, quite obviously, because a baby cannot swim and is dependent on being carried and supported in the water.

If you combine this with the fact that the majority of babies and kids love water, you have the perfect combination. And that's just one of the many advantages of diving into baby swimming. Not only does it create a much closer bond, but it also has a positive impact on the baby's physical development.

Since water resembles a weightless medium, there's an opportunity to develop all 7 senses, namely sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, proprioception, and the vestibular sense. The latter is particularly important as it contributes to better balance and coordination, making it easier for babies to learn to walk.

Moreover, it also helps prevent aquaphobia, which can become a significant obstacle later in life. You can read more about this and how to overcome aquaphobia in our blog post about it.

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It's essential to keep in mind that initially, there might be some hesitation from babies when they enter the water. Therefore, not everyone bursts into laughter and joy right away, but it's crucial to be patient. Since there's so much new happening during baby swimming, it provides a lot of sensory input, which can be overwhelming. All these impressions can be entirely new, and therefore, there's a lot to process at once.

In this context, it's essential, among other things, to maintain eye contact with your baby and be relaxed in the water. Your own demeanour in the water will influence the baby, and they will feel more secure if they can sense that their parents are at ease.

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When to start baby swimming?

There are slightly different opinions on when babies can start baby swimming, but there is consensus when it comes to the age for baby swimming. It is important to check with the places that offer baby swimming to see what their guidelines are.

It is recommended that the baby is a minimum of 8 weeks old from the due date, does not have open wounds (including from the navel), and is otherwise healthy and not suffering from respiratory infections. Here, you can also find information about the different levels of baby swimming.

In other places, you may find that you can start as early as 7 weeks old, but generally, it is recommended around the age of 7-8 weeks. The most essential thing is that the baby is healthy and not suffering from illnesses that could be aggravated by being in the water.

What exercises are there for baby swimming?

There are numerous exercises for baby swimming, and most classes have established routines. The various exercises are designed to introduce babies to the water in different ways while promoting their motor skills and development within the 7 senses. In general, exercises are structured to include activities such as floating on the back, submerging, experiencing the joy of water, and breath control.

The idea of teaching babies to hold their breath might sound surprising, but babies are actually born with a reflex called the 'dive reflex.' This means that their body automatically closes off when their head is submerged. By challenging this reflex, kids can learn to hold their breath underwater, which, in the long run, makes them more comfortable in the water.

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However, the key to all exercises is to make them fun and safe for babies in the water. The more they get accustomed to it, the better prepared they will be to learn to swim as they grow older. Additionally, baby swimming provides a joyful and affirming connection between the baby and the parents, as you'll witness babies laughing hysterically during different exercises.

If you're inspired by what baby swimming can offer for you and your baby, you can download the most common exercises in advance. This can also help you, as a parent, know what to expect. All in all, baby swimming is a unique opportunity for you and your baby to experience the joy of water together

The right equipment for baby swimming is important

As everyone knows, babies can't communicate when they need to use the toilet. Since a swimming pool often needs to be completely emptied in the event of an accident, it's crucial to have the right equipment. Different places that offer baby swimming will also have requirements regarding equipment. So, what should you bring? Here's what you need:

Swim Nappies: These are the best way to avoid leaks. They fit snugly around the thighs and waist, keeping all 'accidents' out of the water.

Wetsuit for Kids: While not always necessary, a wetsuit can be a good idea if you'll be in the water for an extended period. It helps retain warmth and provides some buoyancy, which can assist with certain exercises.

Swim Seat: While possibly not as relevant for group sessions, if you're training with your baby on your own, a swim seat can be a good way to introduce them to the water and create a sense of security, especially on holiday.

This is the most common equipment you'll need, but if there's anything missing, you can find all our baby swimming gear here. Moreover, we highly recommend diving into it, as it will create a unique bond between you and your baby.