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Baby discovers the sea
The discovery of the sea must be done gently. Between apprehension and curiosity, babies are sometimes impressed by this new element. Our advice for preparing your outing at the water’s edge …
A family trip to the sea is always pleasant when the weather is fine. But if you have a toddler, it is essential to take a few precautions, especially if this is a first for your little one. The discovery of the sea requires a lot of gentleness and understanding on your part! And it is not because your child is registered for the baby swimming sessions that he will not be afraid of the sea. The ocean has nothing to compare with a swimming pool, it’s big, it moves and it makes a lot of noise! The world at the water’s edge can also scare him. Not to mention salt water, if he swallows it, it can be surprising!
Baby is afraid of the sea
If your child is afraid of the sea, it could be because you are not reassured in the water and your child is feeling it. To prevent his emerging fear from turning into a real phobia, you must give him confidence through reassuring gestures. Hold him in your arms, against you and above the water. This apprehension can also come from a fall in the bathtub, from a bath given too hot, from an ear infection, causing severe pain in the ears when the head is immersed … Or even from psychological causes that only a specialist will be able to detect. . The most frequent cases and which one would be far from thinking at first glance are: jealousy towards a little sister or a little brother, the forced or too brutal acquisition of cleanliness and often the fear of water, even hidden, from one of the parents. Also beware of the sand which may be too hot and which makes walking or crawling difficult for small feet that are still sensitive. Give your little one time to digest these multiple sensations before the big dive.
Also note that while some babies are real fish in the water one summer, they may retreat to the sea the following vacations.
Awakening the senses to the sea
It is important to let your child discover this new element on his own, without rushing him … There is no question of taking him into the water by force, otherwise, you run the risk of permanently traumatizing him. Water must remain a game, so it’s up to him to choose when he decides to go. For this first approach, let your curiosity play out! For example, leave him for a little while in his stroller where he feels safe. He will listen to the laughter of the other children, look at this new setting and gradually get used to all the hustle and bustle before setting foot in it. If he asks to get off, don’t take him directly into the water to play in the waves! It’s a game he’ll surely enjoy… but in just a few days! Instead, set up an outdoor UV-resistant tent or a small “camp” in a quiet and protected area. Place some toys around Baby and… watch!
At each age, its discoveries 0 – 12 months Your child cannot walk yet, so keep him or her in your arms. No need to sprinkle it with water, gently wetting your feet is enough for the first time. 12 – 24 months When he is able to walk, give his hand and take a walk along the water’s edge where there are no waves at all. Note: a toddler cools very quickly (5 minutes of sea bathing is equivalent to an hour for him) so do not leave him in the water for too long. 2 – 3 years old On calm sea days, he can paddle at his ease because, thanks to the armbands, he is more autonomous. This is no reason to relax your attention. |
At the sea, be extra vigilant
Watching Baby is the watchword at the seaside! In fact, to prevent any accident, it is essential not to take your eyes off your child. If you are on the beach with friends, designate someone to take over when you go for a swim. Regarding equipment, classic round buoys are to be avoided. Your child could slip through it or turn around and get stuck upside down. For added safety, use armbands. To avoid small scratches, place the tips of their cuffs on the outside. A child who can drown in a few inches of water, put the armbands on him as soon as you arrive on the beach even when he is playing on the sand. It might go into the water when your back is turned (even a few seconds). Toddlers also put everything in their mouths. So be careful of sand, small shells or small stones that your baby could ingest. Finally, go to the sea during the cooler hours of the day (9 – 11 a.m. and 16 – 18 p.m.). Never spend a full day at the beach and don’t forget the full outfit: hat, t-shirt, sunglasses and sunscreen!