Intended for children aged 4 months to 6 years, baby swimming is an activity that allows little ones to become familiar with the aquatic environment. Moreover, it represents an essential step for the baby to experience new sensations, an unknown but fascinating world, and a new way of moving.
If you want to learn more about baby swimming, you'll find all the essential information in this exclusive article about this nautical activity intended for the youngest.
What is baby swimming?
In the United States, water exploration programs are typically designed for children aged 4 months to 6 years and their parents, often guided by organizations focused on early childhood swimming and aquatic safety.
This activity is often part of programs designed to build children's confidence and independence in water. Baby swimming sessions focus on water familiarity and comfort, while formal swim lessons typically begin for older children around age 6.
Baby swimming is the ideal activity to introduce your little one to the marine environment, help them overcome fear of water, and build self-confidence. Their motor skills and physical development will also benefit from this fun activity.
To learn more about how to introduce your baby to swimming, check out our dedicated article..
What are the objectives and benefits of baby swimming?
Baby swimming is an activity that offers several advantages for little ones and their parents. In addition to discovering the aquatic environment and the sensations that come with it, this activity promotes the creation of unique bonds between the child and their parents. The benefits of baby swimming don't end there. The activity also helps to:
- Boost self-confidence;
- Develop aquatic autonomy;
- Overcome fears, etc.
The development of motor skills such as limb coordination and the ability to stay afloat while floating on their back is also part of the benefits of baby swimming.
Different activities for successful baby swimming
Baby swimming sessions often take place in small groups of no more than 6 children. Because children's temperatures cool quickly and they easily tire of activities, group classes last only 30 minutes.
During these sessions, several activities are organized to facilitate the baby's discovery and understanding of the aquatic environment. These activities take place under the supervision of the parent and a swimming instructor.
Familiarizing baby with water
The first step is to familiarize your baby with water. This activity generally takes place in a specially heated pool to ensure your child doesn't get too cold. It involves getting the child used to the water and introducing them to the learning of swimming. During the first session, you can hold your little one in your arms so they can discover the joys of water and build self-confidence.
Once reassured, you can separate yourself from them and lay them on a floating mat, where you can play with them to introduce new sensations through water. As soon as your child is comfortable, you can try to immerse them.
Immersion through play
For successful baby swimming, you can try gradually submerging your child in water, without letting go. However, you should only attempt immersion if your baby initiates it themselves. You shouldn't force them into it, as it might cause trauma.
For your information, immersion should last no more than 2 seconds. You don't need to worry about immersing your baby, as they will automatically hold their breath as soon as they are underwater. You'll be surprised to discover their breath-holding reflexes.
Furthermore, remember that for about 9 months, they developed in an environment surrounded by amniotic fluid. As a result, they will naturally be comfortable during immersion.
If you have older children who don't know how to swim, you can set up a fun aquatic course for them to learn to navigate underwater. Place weighted rings at strategic points in your pool. Once released, these rings will sink to the bottom of the pool, where your children can go to retrieve them.
Equipment for successful baby swimming
If you introduce your child to baby swimming from an early age, you won't have any trouble familiarizing them with water, as they will thoroughly enjoy progressing in an environment they already know.
However, it's essential to equip them with all the required accessories. Here is the equipment your child will need to enjoy the benefits of baby swimming:
Baby floats, armbands, and swim vests
Essential safety equipment for successful baby swimming, the baby swimmer float protects the baby during their swimming sessions. Intended for children aged 4 months to 6 years, it also helps reduce the risk of drowning.
There are several types of baby floats. The most common models are the neck float, ideal for the first sessions from 4 or 5 months, the seat float available in various sizes for different age groups, and the classic float intended for children aged 3 to 5 years.
Below is a complete collection of baby floats, armbands, vests, floatable swimwear... Everything you need for successful baby swimming:
Aside from floats, your baby should also be equipped with inflatable armbands. Suitable from 2 to 3 years old, this equipment often has two inflatable air chambers. It helps kids adopt a horizontal position to try swimming. You can choose foam armbands, which are pre-inflated, or classic inflatable ones.
As for the swim vest, it's as important as the float and armbands. Resembling a float, it's designed for children who are no longer afraid of water (ages 1 to 6). The swim vest can be foam or inflatable and is worn like a vest. It allows children to be more independent during their swimming sessions.
Floatable swimwear, swim caps, and pool shoes
Designed for children aged 2 and a half or 3 years, who take swimming lessons and for those who already swim well, floatable swimwear offers undeniable practicality.
It gives the child plenty of maneuverability and can be worn like regular clothing. The floatable swimwear also covers and prevents sunburn. With this equipment, the child is partially protected from UV rays.
Swim caps are mainly used for hygiene reasons. Indeed, you should put them on your children to prevent their hair from blocking the filters. This material also prevents the spread of dead hair and even lice.
Pool shoes prevent slipping and falling. Additionally, they prevent the appearance of warts, as they isolate the foot from the floor. This pool accessory can be used in the water and/or out of the water. Equip your baby with anti-slip pool shoes. Similar to small indoor slippers, they ensure the baby's safety in the water.
Water games
For a successful baby swimming session, you'll need water games and accessories. These fun items allow you to play with your child and make them appreciate their contact with water even more. Foam noodles, boards, and toys are must-haves not to be missed.
This article is coming to an end. You now know all about baby swimming, its benefits, and how to practice it to perfection. We'll see you soon for a new article dedicated to our favorite kids.
