Plenty of parents want to introduce their babies to the water very early. Although starting swimming lessons for children early can be beneficial in various ways, the appropriate timing is crucial as well as the approach.
There are various factors to consider to keep your baby safe and ensure that swimming doesn’t go from a highly beneficial skill to a phobia. Here is everything you need to know about the appropriate age at which babies can go in the pool safely:
Recommended Age for Pool Introduction
Generally, most experts agree that babies can begin to enjoy the pool around 6 months to 1 year old.
At this age, they are a bit more physically capable of handling water and can start to experience the joy of swimming in a safe environment, but there are some factors to consider beforehand.
Factors to Consider
Although babies can go in the pool from their first year, as a parent, you must ensure that you take into consideration the following aspects before doing so and keep your baby safe:
Physical Development
It is crucial for any baby to be capable of holding their head up independently before they are introduced into the water.
They must have good neck control otherwise they risk ingesting the water and pool water can be very dangerous because of all the bacteria and chemicals present.
Health Considerations
Regardless if your baby has any health concerns or not, the first thing you should do before introducing your baby to the pool is to consult with your pediatrician first.
They can give you a proper evaluation of your baby’s health and condition so that you can introduce them to swimming safely.
Water Temperature
Babies can lose body heat more quickly in cooler water than adults which is why it is crucial to check the water temperature before going in.
Make sure the pool water is warm enough for the baby, which should be between 85*F and 87*F (29*C TO 31*C). Do not risk exposing your baby to the water if the temperatures are not right.
Supervision
Regardless of their swimming ability or the gadgets used for swimming, babies should always be supervised when they are around water.
The adult should watch the baby constantly because accidents can occur at all times.
Benefits of Early Exposure to Water
Since exposing your baby early to the water comes with various risks, why do people do it? There are several benefits when babies are introduced to the pool that will help them throughout their lives. Here are some of them:
Builds Comfort and Confidence
Many people are afraid of water even as they grow older. However, early exposure to water helps babies become familiar with it and can reduce anxiety and fear.
This will make them more willing to learn how to swim and participate in water activities and games.
Enhances Physical Development
Water play engages various muscle groups. This promotes physical development, coordination, and strength.
Babies use their legs to kick, or they paddle. Even the act of staying afloat helps the physical development of babies.
Encourages Bonding
Parents and babies can bond even more when they explore water activities. Splashing around together creates fun and memorable experiences, strengthening the parent-child relationship further.
Promotes Sensory Exploration
Water provides a unique sensory experience. Babies can explore different textures, temperatures, and movements which actively stimulate their senses and encourage cognitive development.
Supports Socialization Skills
Participating in group water activities or swimming classes can help babies interact with peers, fostering social skills and encouraging teamwork as they learn to splash and play with other children.
These activities will help babies participate more easily in other social activities as they grow up and foster friendships.
Lays the Foundation for Swimming Skills
When you introduce a baby to water early on, you are essentially laying the groundwork for future swimming lessons. It is a very important step in one’s life especially since many people generally have a fear of water.
However, children can develop essential skills such as floating, submerging, and basic swimming techniques at a very young age that will help them master swimming early and enhance their skills faster than children who take up classes later.
The love of swimming can be harnessed from this early age which can even become a passion for some children and who knows what that will eventually lead to.
Encourages Relaxation and Calmness
Water can have a soothing effect on babies as their gentle movements in the water can help calm them down or provide them with a sense of relaxation.
As the babies use all their pent-up energy to swim, they will be less likely to be fussy when they get home or straight up go to sleep. This can also help parents get some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Instills Water Safety Awareness
Early exposure to water can help instill a sense of safety and awareness in babies around water environments.
As they grow, children can learn important safety skills such as what to do if they slip, how to stay afloat when they are tired, or how to deal with a wave that breaks early and they can’t avoid it.
All these skills are highly beneficial and will be of use to them throughout their life.
Engaging in Swimming Lessons
Once your children reach around 3 years old, you can participate with them in formal swimming lessons. At this age, they can learn basic skills and safety practices in the water which are crucial for their safety and well-being.
These skills will enhance their confidence and abilities, and swimming will further help them develop physically and mentally.
Keep in mind that you should always supervise your child around water and you should teach them early on to avoid ingesting any pool water.
Pool water often contains chemicals that can be harmful to your baby if ingested.
When you take your child to swimming lessons, be sure to check the reviews beforehand and ensure that you are leaving them in an appropriate environment where safety is always prioritized.
