Swim Fit

If your baby is under 6 months formal lessons are not yet required BUT from 2 weeks of age you can already be giving them their first swimming lessons at home. It is a good idea to practice these steps outlined below even if you are already taking part in lessons.

Bath Time:

During bath time you can start a process called conditioning which is the first steps to teaching your baby to be breath controlled.

• Step 1: Sit baby up in the bath being careful to support their head and lean them slightly forward
• Step 2: Get a cup of warm water ready
• Step 3: Cue baby by saying their name, count 1, 2, 3 and then quickly pour the water over their head allowing it to run over the face and back of head
• Step 4: Praise your baby and lie them back in the bath for a rest 

What to watch for:

During the conditioning process it is important that your baby is comfortable and relaxed. Generally babies will close their eyes as you pour water over their face but remember to make sure your baby is ready before you do! If they aren't ready they will cough and splutter and may even cry a little bit. This is okay, just take it slowly and let them lie back and relax again or cuddle them to settle them down. Remember that crying is your babies way of of telling you that all is not well. Let your baby float in the bath (using your hand to support their head ), this enables them to move and exercise freely, they may even try to taste the water which is great stimulation for them. Ensure that their ears are underwater as this enables them to feel their buoyancy in the water. When you remove your baby from the water ensure that you dry their ears using cotton buds which are especially designed for babies.

How do I know if my baby is breath controlled?

Your baby is considered to be breath controlled when they are able to have water poured over their heads without getting upset or coughing and spluttering. Babies must never be submerged if they aren't breath controlled first.

If your baby cries:

• Stop the conditioning process immediately
• Make sure your baby hasn't inhaled any water
• Stay relaxed and calm
• Look your baby in their eyes
• Speak in a calm, reassuring way
• Try to work out what caused your baby to start crying
• If baby coughs or splutters tap them gently on the back

Shower time:

The conditioning process can also be done in the shower.

• Ensure the water temperature isn't too cold or too hot
• Make sure no other taps are being used at the same time
• Hold your baby close, skin to skin contact is good for parent/baby bonding
• Allow your baby time to feel the jets from the shower which is great stimulation for them
• Smile and praise your baby once they have been put under the shower jet

By following all these steps your baby will be more than ready to join a swimming lesson at an Accredited Swim School when they are 6 months old. Remember that babies learn through their senses so sight, touch, sound and taste are vitally important in their physical, emotional and psychological development. Parents who make a conscious effort to stimulate their babies senses will be a step ahead in fostering their child's development process.

Remember:

• Don't attempt any conditioning if your baby is crying or uncomfortable
• Make sure you have your babies full attention
• Remain calm, patient and relaxed
• The key conditioning trigger words - Babies name, 1,2,3, GO - must always be rhythmical and constant
• Where possible have both parents involved, this is a great opportunity for dad's to have bonding time with their new baby