Water Babies

Babies have a natural affinity to water, after all they did spend nine months in fluid prior to birth!  The sooner your baby is introduced to water the the less likely they are to develop any fear of it. 

From about age four to six months you can take your baby swimming.  It is unwise to take your baby into the swimming pool before they reach four to six months as they get cold very easily and therefore there is an increased risk of hypothermia.  Baby's skin is also more delicate than an adults and the chemicals used in the cleaning of swimming pools could have an irritant affect on their skin.  You should never take a baby with open sores or upper respiratory infections into the water.

Bath Time

Before taking them into the pool, bath time is a great time to start familiarising your baby with the aquatic environment and prepare them for future lessons in the swimming pool.  So long as your baby feels safe they should feel comfortable when put into water.  Initially keep bath time short, always reassure, smile and maintain eye contact.  Make sure there is a non-slip mat and that your baby's head is always well supported.

The primary focus is that your baby is happy in water, that they gradually become accustomed to feeling the water on their face and then feeling the support that the water gives.  Movement in water is instinctive for babies and they will move arms and legs and soon be smiling and happy.

From Bath to Pool

If your baby is quite happy in the bath then there shouldn't be many problems with the transition to the swimming pool.  However it is a new environment and some babies may find the change a little daunting, there are steps you can take to minimise this:

1) Give your baby a very light snack 15-30mins before visiting the pool.

 2) Arrive in plenty of time so that you're not rushing and remain relaxed.

 3) Bring a familiar bath toy with you, this can help put your baby at ease.

 4) Use specifically designed disposable swim nappy or costume, these are more comfortable for you baby and don't fill up and become heavy like regular nappies.

5) Remember to bring your own swimsuit and enough towels for you both!

6) Remain positive and relaxed and your baby will too :)

When coming to classes baby needs to be alert, tired babies need warmth and a cosy place to sleep... a swimming pool is not the place for a tired baby!  Ideally your baby should rest before the class.  It's likely that the class will make baby tired and they will be ready for a short nap after the class.

Points to Remember When Taking Your Baby into the Pool:

1) Babies held out of the water will soon become cold, make sure that you are submerged to your shoulder level when holding them in the water.

2) Watch where your babies face is... not only will you see their reactions to the lesson and can respond quickly but it's alot closer to the water than yours and if you become distracted it could easily fall below the water.

3) Keep moving in the water, this will keep both you and your baby warm and also your baby becomes aware that by moving arms and legs in the water they will stay afloat. 

4) Children eager to learn need freedom in the water so experiment with how you hold them and which bouyancy aids you use in order to best allow for this.

5) Use your imagination and play games, make the experience of the water as much fun as it can be!

6) If your child is timid allow them the time they need to adjust, be patient, they will learn in their own time.

7) Babies communicate by crying, however if they do cry it is unlikely that it's because of the water.  Try not to get out of the water everytime baby cries as they will begin to associate water with crying, try and work out what is causing them to cry.
 
This article is based on guidance and information from the UK Amateur Swimming Association which can be found on www.britishswimming.org