Baby swim class
Getting your baby used to the water and feeling safe is one of the reasons why many people try baby swim class with their babies. Some love the warm water, while other little ones are more wary. Here you can read about baby swimming and whether or not you need a special costume.
The warm, moist, sweet scent of chlorine, which sticks a bit in your throat. Encountering a swimming pool can be exciting and a little bit strange for a baby who hasn’t been there before. But the initial hesitation usually disappears when they get used to the new environment and especially once their body is enveloped in the warm, comforting water.
Why go to baby swim?
There can be various reasons why you want to go to a baby swim class with your child, the most common benefits of baby swimming are that they help babies to feel safe and get used to water, but the time in the water is also time for the parent and child to bond and interact. It is often fascinating to see how easily babies move in the water. Any movement in the water creates swirls or whirlpools that for most people feel soft and comfortable against the skin, which can help the baby to relax and gain body awareness.
What happens in baby swim class?
Play is the focus in the pool. The exercises depend on the baby’s age and are designed to stimulate their development, help them feel safe and get them used to the water. Water also develops your baby’s balance and motor skills. Some people choose to dunk their child under the water, but there are many other exercises to build water confidence and familiarity.
At what age can you take your baby to swimming class?
Your baby needs to weigh at least 4 kg, be 3 months old, and have a completely healed belly button before they are old enough to go swimming. If your baby was premature, you usually count three months from their estimated birth date.
Baby swim classes are organised in most places around the country in pools with high hygiene standards. They are taught by a trained baby swim instructor in water that is at least 32 degrees – and often up to 34 or 35 degrees. To ensure that young babies have enough energy and don’t get cold, the lesson is limited to 30 minutes.
Facts about the diving reflex
In the past, it was believed that the ‘diving reflex’ was necessary for a baby to be able to go baby swimming. Now we know that the most important thing is to teach the child to hold his or her breath willingly in order to survive if he or she falls into the water accidentally. So the reflex has no practical significance for children attending baby swim classes.
Baby swim and swim nappies
Babies who swim should wear a swim nappy with a non-swelling core, swimpants or a baby swimming costume. Whichever you pick, the nappy or pants need to be tight around the legs and tummy to prevent leakage if the baby poos. The swimpants or nappies should also be flexible so that they do not get in the way and allow the baby to move easily.
Please note that all information above is based on Swedish recommendations.
