Infant swimming lessons are the best way to teach your child swim. Water safety is a very important life skill, and swimming is also a great opportunity to get closer to your baby. A baby swim kit is very simple: you will have to buy a swim nappy, a towel and off you go. There is no limit about how many times you should take your baby to swim: the best answer is probably ‘as many times possible’. For how long, it really depends on your child: you should get out as soon as he gets cold or bored.
It is recommended to start the swimming lessons after the baby has the first set of immunizations at the age of 2 months. It is not a good idea to take your baby swimming after he has eaten. It is recommended to wait 1.5-2 hours before you dive, and you don’t have to worry about pooing in the basin: the swim nappy will hold everything inside. There is a common belief that small children will automatically hold their breath underwater: there is much truth in it, until 6 months of age the mammalian dive reflex is working, which stops water to get into their lungs.
A good submersion technique is telling the baby he is going underwater, blowing on his face hard (this will stop him breathing) and then gently going under. It is advisable to submerge with your toddler, because this way he can see you all the time. It is also great fun to move your baby through the water. When it comes to dos and don’ts, you should make an assessment of your baby’s comfort level. It is a mistake to hold your child from his swim nappy: it is safer to hold his body instead, with both your hands. It is okay to use floating devices, but the child should not become dependent.
Don’t force your child to do anything: you should make an assessment on your baby’s comfort level and act accordingly. You should not hold your child from his swim nappy: hold his hand or body instead. You may also use floating devices, but the child should not become dependent.
