Hitting the pool for swim lessons before learning to walk might seem a little odd. But for babies, swimming comes almost second nature. Many parents are capitalizing on this fact, and studies back them up. New research indicates that swim lessons provide babies with a host of benefits both in and out of the water, including advanced motor skills, mood regulation and improved cognitive function. Swim lessons also tout a sweet fringe benefit: bonding between parent and child. Time in the water together is free from distraction. Phones take their rightful place, silenced and put away, while babies get skin-on-skin contact, eye contact and a delightful time of play with Mom or Dad!
Swim lessons can begin earlier than many might think, but do keep a few factors in mind. First, seek lessons in a heated pool (or if utilizing an outdoor pool, make sure the water temperature is comfortably warm and shiver free) because babies can’t yet regulate temperature well. Second, harsh pool chemicals can compromise a baby’s delicate immune system, and for this reason, health care professionals recommend waiting until 3-6 months to begin pool time. Talk to your baby’s pediatrician if you have any reservations but don’t wait too long. Children tend to become more fearful about swimming the older they get, whereas babies are less resistant to being in the water and easily can master lifesaving skills such as floating on their backs.
Initial swim lessons focus less on teaching Baby how to swim and more on training parents about water safety while giving babies ample exposure to water. Splashing and playing while singing songs proves instrumental in giving little ones confidence in the pool. As confidence increases, classes focus on integrating early skills such as back floating and tummy time, as well as going under the water. Many parents are surprised at how naturally babies will hold their breath underwater. Being scared of water is often a learned skill that comes over time but can be thwarted through early lessons.
Starting swim lessons young is about laying a foundation that can be built upon over time. But for many parents, particularly those who live on lakefront property or own a pool, water safety is the primary objective. Learning those safety lessons as early as possible is critical, so they may seek out alternative forms of lessons, such as Infant Survival Rescue’s self-rescue program. ISR programs are directed toward children ages 6 months to 6 years, teaching students to hold their breath, float on their back and maintain that position independently until someone can come to their aid. Unlike traditional swim lessons for babies, ISR lessons are coached one-on-one while parents sit nearby. Classes occur daily and typically take around six weeks to complete. Although survival skills are key, undergirding these methods are foundational swimming postures that transform water from something terrifying to something terrific.
CHECK OUT EMLER SWIM SCHOOL FOR SWIM LESSONS FOR BABY
- Kansas City – Leawood | 3612 W 135th Street, Space D201 | Leawood, KS 66224 913.451.SWIM(7946)
- Kansas City – Westwood | 2848 W. 47th Ave. | Kansas City, KS 66103 816.656.8600
Lauren Greenlee is a freelance writer hailing from Olathe.