Swimming for babies and toddlers

Swimming for babies and toddlers

In recent years, infant and toddler swimming lessons, or baby swimming, have conquered young and old, each for their own reasons. And if you want to know the origins of this activity, we will tell you that baby swimming began in Germany in 1970 and is based on the philosophy that swimming in warm water is familiar to young children, as it resembles the state experienced by the fetus in the "aquatic environment" of the mother's womb.

If you have never heard of this activity before, you may be wondering how a baby can both respond to the lessons and benefit from them. At this point, it is important to say that infant swimming lessons are taught by specialized swimming instructors to babies from 6 months to 4 years old. From the age of four and up, they continue in another, larger pool, since babies swim in a small pool.

We, listening to your anxiety and your questions, contacted instructors who teach classes to infants and toddlers. We asked them first of all how dangerous it can be for a 6-month-old baby to fall into the pool and take his first dive, even holding his breath. They explained to us that the younger the baby, the easier it will be for them to get used to the water, of which they still have the memory from the gestation period anyway.

Therefore, holding their breath to take long dives in the water is a reaction that occurs instinctively, at least until the 6th month. In fact, we were told that there are children who learned to swim before they could even walk. Then, the entire learning process takes place in a playful atmosphere, with the mother or father actively participating, since they are with the baby in the pool, and in essence, he is the one who carries out the teacher's instructions, directing the baby as well.

Benefits of swimming for the baby

• In the hands of the mother or father, the baby comes into contact with the most refreshing element of nature. He becomes familiar with it, acquires skills and receives all its calming effect. This is then demonstrated in his peaceful sleep, regular meal times and his happy mood.
• The child's perceptual and motor skills sharpen, he gains concentration, courage, self-confidence, and sociability.
• Through play and the relaxed mood of the instructor, he receives the first samples of educational treatment. He learns to listen and perform without pressure.
• Parents and children strengthen their relationship, play, laugh and learn in the water.
• Through these programs, you lay the foundation for your child's subsequent good psychophysical health.

However, experts emphasize to parents that they should not attribute a competitive nature to swimming lessons for babies. They should not compare their children's performance with that of other children who attend the same program. Each child has their own learning pace and should not be oppressed. What is needed here is for parents to have patience, enthusiasm and interest in this activity and to continue it (after all, it depends on them). The results that each little one will soon produce will certainly make parents proud.

What to watch out for

• Ask and be informed very carefully about the pool where you will take your child. Find out about its cleaning system (cleaning filters or 24-hour ionization). Ask about the number of babies and toddlers it accepts. Prefer swimming pools for babies with many programs and a small number of children in each program. If possible, prefer pools that are not also used by adults, as the risk of infections (ears, nasal cavity) always exists.
• You will never leave your baby alone. Even if they assure you that by the sixth month his larynx will reflexively close as soon as he is under water, you have no reason to be so confident and carefree. After all, that is why you are there with him. To protect him.
• Dry your little one off the water very well. Dress him quickly and give him a warm drink (avoid cold drinks or cold water) to bring his temperature back to normal.