Can an infant in the water float?
The idea that a newborn baby can float on water may be familiar to you. Although it’s not entirely accurate, infants can learn to float in the same way as they can learn to swim. Considering their size and form, they can also float rather well if they figure out how.
Despite not having the ability to swim or float babies, newborns have two water-related reflexes:
The diving reflex: When a baby’s face comes into contact with a stream of water or air, babies under one year old—especially those between two and six months old—automatically hold their breath and open their eyes.
The swimming reflex: If you place a baby in the water with their tummy down within the first six months of their existence, they will swim with their arms and legs.
However, this does not imply that they are prepared to jump into the pool as soon as they are born.
When is my baby safe to swim in a pool?
When in a pool, young children of any age must always be directly supervised by an adult. Having said that, the majority of pediatricians advise against bringing newborns and infants under six months old into public swimming areas for the following reasons:
Maybe the public pools are too cold. Though not over 94 degrees Fahrenheit, they ought to be warmer than 89 degrees. (In other words, spas and hot tubs are out.)
Harsh chemicals are found in pools. Numerous chemicals used to maintain public pools clean are too strong for the skin of infants and may even lead to respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, since we’re talking about small infants, there may be a chance that they will swallow too much water from a public pool.
Explosions of poop happen. When diarrhea occurs in a swimming pool, it spoils the fun for everyone. Even a swim diaper won’t probably contain all the feces if your child has a blowout in the water, and the pool will be soiled.
Is it Recommended to Give Newborns Swimming Lessons?
There is some debate on the benefits of formal swimming instruction for newborns and early infants. One of the best methods to prevent drowning in infants and young children is to start swimming lessons as early as age one, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which also advises all children (and adults) to learn how to swim.
Children can swim for many more reasons besides just reducing their danger of drowning:
enhanced motor abilities, including gripping and reflexes
increased self-assurance
More time spent connecting with parents and other reliable adults
An increase in appetite
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended swimming classes for children one year of age and up based on studies, but what does this mean for younger infants? The AAP does not suggest formal swimming instruction for infants under the age of one since the available data is inconclusive.
However, you’ll discover that a lot of swim programs and schools start teaching infants as young as six months old. Additionally, before your child turns one, as a parent, you might want to assist them in becoming comfortable in the water.
Swimming Lesson Types for Older Children, Infants, and Newborns
It is never too late to enroll in a swimming class. It’s never too early to start teaching water safety and developing necessary skills to your child, whether they begin swimming classes at six months, a year, or three years old.
When it comes time to sign your child up for a swim school or program, the sheer number of alternatives may be overwhelming. To help you out, here is a brief summary of the most popular kid-friendly swimming lesson options.
Newborn Swimming Lessons and What Takes Place in Baby Swimming Classes
A lot of locations that provide infant swim lessons begin with a level where the parent or caregiver is also in the water. These kinds of sessions are sometimes referred to as Parent and Me, Mommy and Me, or Parent-Tot classes.
These swimming lessons involve you and your child in enjoyable activities that help them become accustomed to the water, have a healthy relationship with it, and learn fundamental water safety techniques, such as climbing into and out of the pool and holding onto the pool wall. Not to add, they’re a fantastic chance for bonding!
By the way, even though you might be dying to get your baby in the pool, wait to swim until your doctor gives the all-clear if you’ve recently given birth. Your doctor might advise not swimming until at least six weeks after giving birth, but the exact advice you receive will depend on your unique health and delivery history.
Swimming Instruction for Kids Toddlers, preschoolers, and infants
For infants and toddlers who are prepared to acquire swimming skills more independently, the next level of swim instruction is typically offered. Certain organizations, such as American Red Cross Learn to Swim, could mandate that parents accompany their preschool-aged children in the water.
Toddlers and preschoolers may be in the water by themselves at other areas. Little ones can go to more advanced swim lessons for kids as their ability levels allow.
Baby Survival Swimming Instructions
Self-rescue classes taught by Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) are also offered. ISR lessons are more specifically focused on teaching survival and self-rescue abilities, whereas most swimming programs are more broadly focused on fundamental safety, fun, and developing a broad range of water skills. Their purpose is to teach babies how to save themselves in the event that they find themselves in the water without assistance.
Although the classes last only ten minutes, they are typically held more frequently than regular swimming lessons. ISR instructors claim that classes are one-on-one to provide each child individualized attention, shorter in length to help kids acquire and retain skills, and more frequent as a result.
How Many Swim Lessons Does a Baby Need to Learn?
Each child develops their swimming abilities at a different rate. Thus, while some kids may pick up the fundamentals faster than others, others could need more time.
The best course of action is to observe your child’s preferred learning style and, if at all feasible, practice the skills they acquire at home while taking swimming lessons. Many newborns find that practicing in the bathtub helps them become more at ease in the water. In reality, a lot of parents will start their kids swimming in the bathtub.
Never forget that small children should always be monitored by an adult when they are near water, even at home and near shallow sources of water (such toilets or tubs).
Do Infants Cry During Other Swimming Lessons or ISR?
Newborns cry naturally throughout their lives, and this is also true of babies who are submerged in water. Not even taking a bath can be difficult for several parents.
Infants may cry throughout any kind of swimming instruction. Your kid may cry in the water, but it doesn’t mean they don’t like it or they never will. It also doesn’t imply that you should forgo imparting on kids the fundamentals of water safety.
Babies and kids usually get more comfortable in the water and cry less when they spend more time in it together.
What to Look for in Classes for Baby Swimming?
While searching for local baby swimming lessons, there are a few things to take into account:
Experience, credentials, and certifications of the teacher: You want to be sure that the swim instructor teaching your child is qualified to teach the curriculum. To offer swimming lessons, swim instructors need to have fulfilled a certification or training program.
Adults always at arm’s reach: Also referred to as touch supervision, seek out swimming pools that take seriously the responsibility of guaranteeing that kids may always get in contact with an adult while submerged.
Pool hygiene: Keeping the pool clean is crucial, particularly for young children who are more likely to swallow pool water and may be chemically sensitive. It’s also important to keep the pool at a warm temperature.
Flexibility and availability of lessons: Your child’s swimming lessons may be required on particular days or at particular times, based on your lifestyle and schedule. Find a swimming area that works with your schedule.
Cost: Likewise, you can have a specific spending limit in mind for your swimming classes. Your local county parks and organizations like the American Red Cross and YMCA may provide reasonably priced swimming instruction and even scholarships.
