7 tips for a baby to start swimming at the right age

What is the right age for a baby to start swimming?

According to most paediatricians and swim schools, waiting until a baby is at least 6 months old is recommended before starting swimming. This is because before 6 months babies have not developed the necessary physical and immune system response to handle being in the water safely. It is not safe for a baby to enter the water before 6 months. 

     It is also important to ensure that the baby is developmentally ready and has good neck and head control before starting swimming. However, always consult with a paediatrician before starting any new activity for your baby.

      AAP(American Association of Pediatrics) recommends that one should wait until the child is 4 years old before enrolling the regular swimming classes. According to them, only after 4 a child is physically prepared to learn lessons. 

     As experts say that you can start taking your little one to parent-child swimming classes. And also it is very important to remember that newborns and infants younger than 12 months old aren’t yet able to raise their heads above water to breathe, so swimming lessons aren’t suitable for them. 

    Firstly at a very young age like one year, you must try parent-child water play classes. This will help your baby to get accustomed to being in a pool. Ai will also help you to create a deep bond between you and your little one.

   And when you are thinking to start your child on swimming lessons, take a break and observe the emotional maturity, physical development, interest in learning to swim, and comfort level in the water.

   Mostly at the age of 4 children are ready for regular swimming classes. At this age, they can easily grasp basic skills such as floating, treading water, finding a way out of the water etc.

   If you are ever confused or unsure when to start your child swimming, ask a healthcare provider for advice.

What are the reasons to start baby swimming early?

1. Safety: Early swimming helps to reduce the chances of drowning in the water.

2. Physical benefits: It helps to improve the muscle and impacts all over the body growth it also enhances the sleep pattern and appetite. Also helps to develop their gross motor skills, balance and coordination.

3. Mental benefits: Swimming can be a fun and engaging activity that can help improve a baby’s cognitive development and social skills.

4. Bonding: Swimming can help you create a sweet and strong bond with your little one. It also creates good memories with your baby and other family members. 

5. Fear reduction: Playing in the water from an early age helps the child to understand the water in a better way and it reduces the fear of water. 

But need to remember that every child is different so development also varies from child to child, in this case, it is recommended to consult with a paediatrician before starting swimming lessons.

How to introduce a baby to swimming?

If you finally decided to start swimming then you can not or should not start it alone without a trained expert or supervision. Do follow the steps mentioned below for a younger baby.

1. Choose a safe and appropriate setting: Find a warm, clean pool where your baby can swim comfortably. In the supervision of a certified trainer.

2. Start with a short session: For a very young baby, you must start with a very short session to make it comfortable for him or her at first, then if it is enjoyable for him or her you can increase the duration in the water. You can start with a five to ten minutes session.

3. Make it fun: Use toys, songs or games to make the moment more enjoying and engaging.

4. Maintain close supervision: Always stay close to your baby and keep a firm grip on them while they are in the water.

5. Gradually increase the length of the session: Also remember, any kind of swimming lesson should not be learned until the baby learns to keep their head up from the water. So you can start with the very basics and early steps like a. Teach them to float

      b. Teach them to roll over and keep their head out of the water

      c. Teach them to move the sides of the pool 

As your child learns these three things properly then you can go ahead for further steps even a stroke. 

6. Use proper floating devices: Consider using a life jacket to ensure the safety of your baby.

7. Give proper care after swimming: Follow some steps to keep your baby dry and comfortable out of the pool.

1. Put your baby on a mattress.
2. Dry him or her with a towel.
3. Put some moisturiser on the body.
4. Keep in a safe place, away from the pool.

How to help your child to enjoy swimming?

Here are some fun tips to make swimming a more enjoyable game for your little pumpkin.

Step 1: Move into the water with them. If you are afraid of pools then select a baby pool for them where the depth of water is not more than the waistline.

Step 2: Carry their all-time favourite toy along. Children love toys. So it will be easier to please them with toys.

Step 3: Always maintain eye contact with them. It gives them a feeling of security.

Step 4: Try to click pictures with them. The younger generation seems more camera-friendly than the older one. So try to take the simple phone camera along. And capture some sweet memories with your little bundle of joy.

Step 5: who doesn’t love gratification? Reward them with their favourite toys, snacks or sometimes with a warm affectionate cuddle.

Step 6: Give them exciting swim gear. It will give them excitement to swim.

What should do for safety?

Must follow some safety tips.

1. You should know CPR(Cardiopulmonary resuscitation). It is very important to know as your baby is swimming in the pool. CPR is mainly a process of reviving an unconscious person, especially a person who has been a victim of drowning.
2. Float is an important thing. When your baby is in the pool, please ensure that there is a float around his or her waist. Otherwise, a life jacket can be a good option. 

3. Beware of hypothermia. Always check the pool temperature before starting swimming. Because it can be harmful to your baby if the temperature of the pool water is less than 32 degrees Celsius.

4. Supervision is the most important thing. Always stay in touch with your child. If he or she is younger than 4 years, always keep a physical touch with them.

5. Also, beware about pool born infections. Swimming pools are excellent breeding grounds for all kinds of germs. So use safe swimming gear to avoid infections.

6. Never push your baby too hard to swim. If he/she is not comfortable with it then give them time because every child is different. Understand their problem and support them. 

What should you look for when choosing swim lessons?

When you are choosing a swimming class for your baby. so follow these things for your baby’s better experience.

1. Instructor qualifications: Do check the qualification of the instructor. Is he certified or not?

2. Class size: Always look for a smaller class because smaller classes are ideal for babies. The instructor can easily pay attention to your toddler.

3. Safety: Make sure that the pool and the place are safe for your little one.

4. Age range: Check the age range, some swimming schools have a different age range for toddlers, infants, and preschoolers.

5. Teaching methods: Look for the teaching methods. Is there a joyful environment for playing learning and staying engaging?

6. Schedule: please check the schedule. Is it ideal for your kid or not? if there is any problem with it then talk with your instructor.

7. Cost: Consider the cost of the classes, as well as any extra fees for pool membership or materials, when choosing a swim program.

Always remember that the ultimate goal is to create a positive safe and fun experience for your baby. Never push him/her so hard for it. Only go swimming when they are mentally and physically ready for it.

What to carry in your baby’s swimming bag?

You have to carry some necessary things along.

1. First aid

2. All diaper bag

3. Swim gear

4. Bathing essentials

5. A fresh set of clothes 

6. Toys, float etc. 

Swimming is a skill that if you learn for once then you are going to remember forever. It is like driving a car. So it is a wonderful skill to learn. So if you have decided to take your little shining star to the swimming class then all the very best for a great experience and a better future.