Teaching a baby to swim can be a fun and rewarding experience for both the parent and child. However, it is important to approach this task with patience, safety, and proper techniques in mind.
Here are some tips for teaching a baby to swim.
First, it is important to make sure that the baby is developmentally ready to learn to swim. Babies should be able to sit up on their own and have good head and neck control before starting swim lessons. Typically, babies around 6-12 months old are ready to start learning to swim.
Before beginning swim lessons, it is important to find a qualified and experienced infant swimming instructor. Look for an instructor who is trained in teaching infants and young children, and who has a patient and nurturing approach.
When starting swim lessons, begin with water familiarization or baby swimming techniques. This means allowing the baby to become comfortable with the water by splashing and playing in a shallow area, such as a baby pool or bathtub. This will help the baby learn to enjoy the water and not be afraid of it.
Once the baby is comfortable in the water, you can begin to teach basic swimming skills such as survival swimming. Start by teaching the baby how to hold their breath underwater and blow bubbles. This will help the baby learn to hold their breath and keep their face in the water.
Next, teach the baby to kick their legs and move their arms with integrated swimming. This can be done by holding the baby in a seated position and gently moving their legs and arms in a swimming motion. You can also use toys or small floats to encourage the baby to kick and move their arms.
As the baby becomes more comfortable and confident in the water, you can begin to teach them more advanced swimming skills such as floating and rolling over with parent-child swimming classes. You should always use a life jacket when teaching these skills, and be sure to supervise the baby at all times.
It’s also important to note that swimming is a learned skill, and it will take time for your baby to master it. It is important to be patient and not to force the baby to do anything they are not ready for.
It’s also important to keep in mind that swimming is not just a physical activity, it’s also mental. So, it’s important to keep the atmosphere light and fun. This will help the baby to enjoy the experience and want to continue learning.
Safety Reminder
Finally, it is important to remember that water safety should always be the top priority when teaching a baby to swim. Always supervise the baby at all times and never leave them alone in the water. Additionally, make sure to use a life jacket and make sure that the baby is wearing it properly.
Three Online Resources for Parents
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
A professional organization that provides information and resources for parents on a variety of child health topics, including water safety and swimming lessons for babies. They have a section of their website dedicated to drowning prevention and provide guidelines for when to start swim lessons, as well as tips for selecting a qualified instructor.
The national governing body for swimming in the United States. They provide a variety of resources for parents, including a searchable database of swimming programs and instructors, as well as information on safety and injury prevention. They also offer a program called “Make a Splash” which is a national child-focused water safety initiative.
The Infant Swimming Resource (ISR)
A professional organization that offers a specific program focused on teaching self-rescue skills to babies and young children. They provide information on the program, as well as a searchable database of certified instructors. They also provide resources for parents, including videos and articles on water safety and drowning prevention.