Babies are born with a natural affinity to water. They spent nine months in the womb surrounded by amniotic fluid, therefore they are used to this environment. The sooner you can reintroduce your baby to a warm aqueous environment, the more at ease they will be in and around water.
While learning to swim and float are crucial abilities, even splashing around in the pool is also fun for your baby. Newborn swimming lessons provide gentle challenges for the baby through various sensory experiences, which support cognitive and motor skills development. According to research, babies who have many positive and nurturing experiences in the pool early are more likely to swim sooner and develop a love and respect for water.
Babies are also born with several reflexes that enable them to swim without instruction. Unfortunately, many of these reflexes fade away early in life, so it is critical to begin baby swimming classes as soon as possible. It's never too soon to start building your baby's confidence in and around water, so keep reading to learn everything you need to know about taking your newborn swimming.
When Can Babies First Go Swimming?
You might be surprised to discover that there is no minimum age for taking your newborn to the pool. Yes, even newborns can begin swimming lessons. From birth, babies can go into the water. Bath time may be a fun opportunity for you and your baby to get used to the water before going out for your first 'swim' together. Baby swim lessons are intended to acclimate your child to the water, assist them in learning to swim strokes and teach them water safety and survival skills. However, because babies cannot regulate their body temperature like adults, keeping them warm is critical.
Although it is theoretically feasible to begin training newborn babies to swim as early as birth, most baby swimming classes start at three months of age or later. There's no need to rush if you don't think your baby is ready. As a general rule, you can take your infant swimming when they are more or less at ease in the water.
If your child is under six months, ensure the pool is heated to around 32 degrees. A huge public pool would be too cold for an infant under six months.
The safest method to assist your infant, being in the water with you and other people, is to have professional guided adult and child lessons. Throughout these lessons, you'll also learn how to hold your infant safely in the water.
Always consult your doctor before enrolling your child in baby swimming lessons, and never leave your child unattended in or near water, whether it's in the bathtub at home or a public pool.
Is Chlorine Harmful to Babies?
The chlorine in the pool is safe for children. Treated water is safer than natural bodies of water such as lakes or saltwater! However, you should always thoroughly rinse the baby after removing him from the water, dry him, and moisturise his skin with a formulated cream. You can also use a bathing cap to protect your baby's delicate hair for added protection.
What Happens During Baby Swim Lessons?
Typically, lessons comprise a small group of parents and babies who learn through games and activities. A competent and experienced instructor will utilise games, songs, and other exciting activities in baby swimming lessons to encourage your baby to feel comfortable moving around and floating in the water. You will also be in the pool to support your baby and enjoy the water. Don't worry if you can't swim very well. You won't need to swim because you'll hold and support your child.
As your child grows more proficient over the weeks and months, they will be gradually taught basic aquatic abilities such as floating and moving in the water and safely entering and exiting the pool.
Don't be afraid to ask the instructor for a more detailed description of what will happen throughout each lesson. They will be able to provide you with an overview of how water skills are taught and improved through time.
What Does a Baby Need to Swim?
For baby swimming lessons, you may be required to use a double nappy system. This is made of reusable or disposable swimming nappies and a neoprene nappy worn over it with a tight waist and leg cuffs.
Each swimming school and pool may have different needs, so check ahead of time to see what you need to bring and what the school will supply.
Why choose Fulton Swim School?
Fulton Swim School provides a compassionate approach to newborn swimming, emphasising parent/child interaction in lessons to achieve optimum success from each participant. Our infant swimming classes begin at three months of age and require adult participation. The 20-minute lessons include an introduction to swimming and fundamental skills that can help your child's growth and swimming abilities. In a pleasant and nurturing setting, you'll be able to strengthen your bond with your child.
Remember, it's never too early to encourage your baby to become comfortable in the water. Baby swimming is an excellent approach to instil in your child the confidence and fundamental aquatic skills they will need to be safe in the water. Swimming for babies can be good for their health and development. Most significantly, splashing around in the water with your infant may be a lot of fun with the guidance and supervision of a skilled professional. Of course, the advantages do not stop with the babies. You'll meet other like-minded parents for a cup of coffee and a well-deserved slice of cake! Endorphins are released during exercise, which improves your mood and self-esteem.
Inquire at your nearest Fulton Swim School facility or visit our website to learn about newborn swimming classes in your area. Our infant swimming classes are now available at Botany, New Plymouth, Patumahoe, Puni, Upper Hutt and Papamoa pools.
