Baby swimming lessons are becoming increasingly popular among new parents. They allow babies to splash around and have fun in the water while preparing them for an important life skill. The parents, especially mothers, can take up the hobby and accompany their baby, providing them with a change of scenery. Otherwise, it is challenging for new parents to leave their house with the baby until they reach a certain age.
Baby swimming lessons may be a hobby for parents but are a necessity for the baby. Babies are naturally curious and love to explore. There have been many heartbreaking accidents wherein babies have drowned in bathtubs because they were left unattended for a couple of minutes. An accident can happen even if the baby is left alone for a few seconds. Baby swimming lessons can prevent any unwanted incidents. You never know when tragedy may strike, and it is better to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances.
Baby swimming lessons are fun for the baby. Most babies love to splash and wiggle in water, finding it entertaining. It is a great activity that parents of new-born babies can undertake. The lessons improve the bonding between the parents and the baby.
What Does a Baby Learn In Baby Swimming Lessons?
Baby swimming lessons won’t make your baby an experienced swimmer as their bodies are not well developed. However, they get the baby accustomed to the water and teach basic safety lessons. They may not be able to swim but can learn safety procedures to follow if they accidentally fall into a tub or pool. Baby swimming lessons are essential if you have a swimming pool at your home or if your baby loves to bathe in a large tub.
Babies are primarily taught how to roll onto their back and stay afloat in the pool. They learn to grab a ledge or edge of the pool. It can buy them a few crucial minutes, which may be enough for an adult to come to the baby’s rescue. Infants will also learn to kick and paddle, which develops their motor skills and aids in grasping future swimming lessons faster. It allows them to stay safer in and around water.
There are two types of baby swimming lessons offered by facilities or instructors.
Self Rescue
A self-rescue baby swimming lesson teaches babies how to survive in a pool by themselves. A dedicated instructor imparts lessons to each baby. They are taught to reach the edge of a pool or flip on their back if they fall into a pool. The parents watch from the sides as the instructor teaches their baby.
Parent and Me Classes
In this, a parent is present along with the child in the water. They may be actively involved in the lesson. The baby is taught survival while the parents also learn about imparting water safety lessons to their children. Parent and me baby swimming lessons may be offered for kids as old as 4 years. The classes may be held in groups with multiple parents and babies. Parents can share their parenting experience with other parents in group baby swimming lessons.
Baby swimming lessons are short and don’t last longer than 30 minutes. Even parents who have their hands full can manage to squeeze a few minutes for baby swimming lessons.
How Soon Can Baby Swimming Lessons Be Started?
Many parents wonder when they can start baby swimming lessons. The AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) previously recommended that children should be at least 4 years old but has recently upgraded its recommendation. They now suggest that children from 6 months to 4 years can also go for swimming lessons. However, they advise caution that chemicals such as chlorine used to keep public swimming pools clean may be harmful to babies. Baby swimming lesson instructors suggest that babies start exhibiting fear when they are around 8 to 9 months old. Therefore, they provide baby swimming lessons for infants as young as six months.
Precautions When Starting Baby Swimming Lessons
Parents should take a few precautions when starting baby swimming lessons. It is best to begin teaching in a bathtub at home. Many instructors offer in-home baby swimming lessons. Parents can consider inflatable swimming tubs for baby swimming lessons. The water temperature in the pool or tub must be in the high eighties. Otherwise, a baby’s body will lose heat quickly in cold water. Alternatively, parents can opt for facilities that provide dedicated baby swimming lessons and have separate pools for them. Their instructors specialize in baby swimming lessons and will be able to impart proper training while following safety protocols. Public swimming pools are meant for adults and contain chemicals such as chlorine to keep the pool clean. They may be harmful to babies.
It is essential to make the baby feel happy in baby swimming lessons. A happy baby will be more comfortable, especially during the first few baby swimming lessons. The child should be well-rested and in a good mood before a swimming lesson. If the baby is restless or not in a melancholy mood, he won’t feel happy in the lesson. The class’s goal is to have fun and learn, which may not be possible if the baby is uncomfortable. Don’t feed the baby immediately before the lesson. Ensure a gap of at least one hour between meals and the lesson. Avoid baby swimming lessons if the baby is ill or has diarrhea.
Parents Must Always Remain Cautious
A point of concern expressed by instructors and pediatricians alike is that parents must not abandon caution. Baby swimming lessons do not reliably prevent drowning. Babies are still at risk of drowning as they are not physically strong and can’t swim. Parents, instructors, and supervisors must stay within an arms-length of the baby when they are in a pool, bathtub, or another body of water.
Baby swimming lessons provide parents an opportunity to bond with their kids while ensuring their safety. As long as necessary precautions are taken, it can be a fun activity to engage with your kids while ensuring their safety.
