Babies & Water

Babies & Water: All You Need To Know

Did you know that babies learn how to swim even before they can walk?

Though they’re scared themselves, once introduced to water, the inherent ability to swim helps babies adapt quickly and eventually splash around the pool!

Swimming engages a baby’s body in unique ways. It helps improve cognitive functioning, coordination and balance. It creates spatial awareness, builds confidence, develops muscles and enhances sleep as well as appetite.

Here are a few tips to get your baby ready for water.

 

Ideal Age:

As per the American Association of Paediatrics, swimming lessons are ideal for one-year-olds who show pool-readiness and are frequently exposed to water. However, some babies might be ready to enter water earlier or later, depending on whether they enjoy it. Make sure to consult your paediatrician before introducing your baby to water.

In the case of younger babies aged between 6 months to a year, you still can take your little one to the kiddie pool and let them splash about in your arms.

For older infants under the age of 4, it is recommended to try out parent-child aquatic sessions with trained professionals.

As your child grows beyond 5 years, make sure you find a swimming class where they are taught pool behaviour along with learning how to paddle, kick and swim.

 

Introduction To Water:

  • Once your baby is able to sit up, you can slowly start to introduce water by spending more time in the bathtub.
  • You could also bring in some toys in an inflatable pool to help your baby learn the basics of swimming in a safe & controlled environment.
  • Try to involve yourself as much as possible, instead of a trainer, especially when your baby is starting to learn how to swim. Babies will naturally feel secure and happy with a parent around.
  • Make sure you always maintain eye contact with your baby. This will help you and your baby ease into the water comfortably.
  • And lastly, be patient! Your little swimmer will soon gain confidence to swim alone. 

 

Safety Tips For Parents:

  • Always stay near your baby when they are exposed to water.
  • Check the temperature of the water and also whether it has high quantities of chlorine.
  • Use safe and child-friendly swim gear, floats, life jackets, caps, goggles and earplugs for complete protection.
  • Avoid public pools as they may cause infections, rashes or allergies.
  • Get yourself trained in CPR for emergencies.

Now that you know the basics and precautions, what are you waiting for?

As long as you are well prepared and have taken all the necessary measures, swimming with your baby is going to be a fun and happy time!

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