Swimming for babies is recommended for infants from 6 months of age, because at 6 months the baby has already taken most of the vaccines, is more developed and ready for physical activity and also because before this age the inflammation of the ear is more frequent.
However, parents should go to the pediatrician for it to assess whether the baby can go to swimming classes as he may have respiratory or skin problems that can aggravate with swimming.
In addition, it is important for parents to choose a swimming pool that offers good conditions to change and prepare the baby for classes and to check if the chlorine is pH 7, neutral, and if the water is at the ideal temperature, which is between 27 and 29ºC .
The 7 good reasons to put your baby in swimming are:
- Improves baby's motor coordination;
- Stimulates appetite;
- It increases the affective bond between the parents and the baby;
- Prevents some respiratory diseases;
- Helps baby crawl, sit or walk more easily;
- Helps the baby to sleep better;
- It helps in the respiratory and muscular resistance of the baby.
In addition, the pool relaxes the baby because the pool remembers when the baby was inside the mother's belly.
The swimming lessons should be guided by a specialized teacher and by the parents and the first lesson should last about 10-15 minutes, then increase to 30 minutes. Classes should not last longer than 30 minutes because the baby's temperature regulation system is still not well developed and its attention span is still minimal.
Learn about other health benefits of swimming.
Tips for Baby Swimming Lessons
In swimming for babies, it is recommended the baby to wear special diapers, which do not swell or leak into the water, facilitating movements, however, they are not mandatory. In addition, the baby should not be fed until 1 hour before swimming and should not go to swimming lessons when sick or with a cold.
The baby can dive in the pool with the presence of the teacher, but only after 1 month of swimming lessons and swimming goggles are only recommended from 3 years of age.
The use of earplugs can cause echo and scare the baby, use with care.
It is normal for the baby to be frightened in the first class. To help him, parents can play with the baby during the bath so he gets used to the water.
