{"id":67228,"date":"2016-01-06T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-01-06T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/uncategorized\/starting-early-5-tips-for-introducing-babies-to-swimming\/"},"modified":"2016-01-06T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2016-01-06T00:00:00","slug":"starting-early-5-tips-for-introducing-babies-to-swimming","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.arenaswim.com\/en\/fitness-wellness\/starting-early-5-tips-for-introducing-babies-to-swimming\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting Early: 5 Tips for Introducing Babies to Swimming"},"content":{"rendered":"
Photo credit:\u00a0\u201cyellow toy duck swimming<\/a> \u201d by Nick Harris<\/a> is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/em><\/h5>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a swimmer yourself, chances are you want your baby to learn to love the water as much as you do. Although your child won\u2019t be ready to start learning formal swim strokes for several years, even a newborn can get accustomed to being in the water. (But do check with your paediatrician before you begin.)<\/p>\n

You can help get things off to a good start by making a gradual, low-key introduction to the water.<\/p>\n

– Start in the bathtub.<\/strong> Don\u2019t make bath time strictly business. Provide fun bath toys and get your baby used to playing in the water, splashing around and getting wet all over. You can even join your baby in the bathtub and play together.<\/p>\n

– Be prepared when you head to the pool.<\/strong> Minimize stress by taking water toys, swim nappies, a towel (with a hood) or terry-cloth robe, snacks or a warm bottle, and moisturizer to apply after rinsing off.<\/p>\n

– Make sure the water is warm enough.<\/strong> Babies can\u2019t regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so the water should be about 32\u00b0C. If your pool doesn\u2019t have a special baby and toddler pool and the water is cooler, you\u2019ll need to get out and warm up every 10 minutes or so, or if you see that your baby is shivering or has bluish lips, fingers or toes.<\/p>\n

– Keep things relaxed and fun.<\/strong> Hold your baby close as you get into the water, maintaining eye contact. Then begin moving your baby gently through the water so he or she can get used to the feel of the new environment. Sing songs, play with floating toys and blow bubbles under water to keep your baby stimulated. If you\u2019d like a bit more structure and guidance, you can sign up for a mums-and-babies swimming class.<\/p>\n

– Follow your baby\u2019s cues.<\/strong> Although most babies have a natural affinity for water, every child is different and you\u2019ll need to follow your baby\u2019s lead if he or she is more hesitant. Babies shouldn\u2019t be forced to do anything they\u2019re not ready for, so be prepared to take a break and try again later if your baby starts to cry. Insisting too much can create a negative association that may make it harder for your child to learn to love the water.<\/p>\n

Spending time in the water with your baby can be a good bonding experience, and the sooner you start playing in the pool, the more comfortable and confident your child will be when it\u2019s time to take proper swim lessons.<\/p>\n

Do you have any other tips for introducing babies to swimming?<\/p>\n

—————<\/p>\n

Be inspired by our collection!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Photo credit:\u00a0\u201cyellow toy duck swimming \u201d by Nick Harris is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0   If you\u2019re a swimmer yourself, chances are you want your baby to learn to …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1310,"featured_media":15812,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[10072],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nStarting Early: 5 Tips for Introducing Babies to Swimming<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Getting babies used to the water early can help them feel comfortable and confident when it\u2019s time to take swim lessons. 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