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Baby swimming sessions
Baby swimming lessons soothe, relax and entertain children. They also offer great moments of bonding to toddlers and their parents. Ready for the big jump?
Yes, babies can swim! All infants have, in fact, the swimming reflex (or apnea). Immersed, they close their mouths, automatically block their breathing and shake their arms and legs. After nine months spent surrounded by amniotic fluid, they feel as comfortable in the water as in their mother’s womb and enjoy rediscovering the sensations they have experienced… So why not share baby swimming lessons together? Many swimming pools offer activity from the age of 4 months. The opportunity to share moments of pleasure and complicity with your little one.
Baby … like a fish in water
Hot water, lots of games … everything is planned for the well-being and fun of your baby. The objective of these sessions? Familiarize your child with contact with water, in a fun way. Thus, floating rugs, giant fries, boards and other colorful objects are at your disposal. The whole point is to teach babies to control their breathing and to move in this funny element. The supervisory staff offers multiple activities for promote awakening, coordination of movements and psychomotor development of your little one. So many exercises that will give him a sweet feeling of relaxation and freedom.
Thanks to the baby swimming sessions, your child will also be more confident in the aquatic environment. You will quickly notice it when bathing, at home: your child will be more comfortable, and will not be afraid of receiving a few splashes on the face. Perhaps he will even put his head under water.
A gentle immersion
Do not imagine making your baby a diving champion, from the first sessions! The initiation is done in several stages. At first, in constant contact with your little one, you gradually submerge him up to his mouth. Once confident, you can teach him to lie on his back or on his stomach, lying on a mat. In a second phase, you can try the immersion … a magical moment where you will discover your child’s freediving faculties! Still in your arms, take it with you underwater for a few seconds. At last, the last step is to “let go” your baby under the water. Be careful not to exhaust your little one: three immersions per session are sufficient. Beyond that, there is a risk of blocking and no longer considering swimming as a moment of pleasure.
Each exercise must be accepted by your child. If you feel he’s scared, don’t push it. Give it time to get used to it. Do not hesitate to bring one of his favorite little plastic toys, it will help him to familiarize himself with this new environment. Reassure him with gestures or words. Also keep eye contact with your baby when he is in your arms. Remember they are feeling your emotions, so be as relaxed as possible.
Also, even if your child is taking baby swimming lessons, that does not mean that they will master the breaststroke before their classmates. Before the age of six, little ones find it difficult to coordinate the movements of their arms and legs. However, being more confident with the water, learning will be done more easily, without apprehension.
Baby swimming: memo for mom
To keep your little one comfortable and to avoid embarrassing little accidents, consider disposable swimsuits. Also bring doses of physiological serum to clean your baby’s eyes after the sessions, as well as a soap and a small moisturizer for the after-bath.
Check throughout the session that your child is not cold and remember to bring a towel very cozy to wrap it up when you get out of the water. Also plan a small snack which will be greatly appreciated before and after “sport” to regain strength! Last reminder: never leave your little one unattended.
In terms of prices, the cost of registration depends on the establishment organizing the courses. Municipal swimming pools offer better prices. To find out which aquatic centers offer the activity, check with the Federation of Aquatic Activities for Awakening and Leisure. Finally, even if aquatic activities are recommended, always seek the advice of your doctor before participating.