FAMILYLIFE
Early swim lessons can develop confidence, cognitive skills WATER SAFETY By Karen Kittleson Clay
Tips for effective baby lessons
If youre a first-time swim parent, make sure you pack the right bag, arrive early, set realistic expectations and ask questions. Being prepared goes a long way in making you and your child feel comfortable at swim class. Bring a bag with a towel and a change of clothes for each of you and a reusable swim diaper. Remember to also bring lotion, water or anything else you might want to have on hand before or after class. Give yourself extra time for the drive, getting dressed, and using the restroom or changing diapers if needed. This will help you both to ease into class relaxed and in a positive frame of mind. Being late is always stressful, and it sets a hectic tone for you and your child in baby swimming lessons. You are there to bond and have fun with your baby. Be calm and have fun. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your little one will be. Keep in mind there may be challenges at certain points. Whether your baby is especially fussy in a class or always yells when its back float time, baby swimming lessons arent always a cakewalk. If youre new to baby swim school, you might be surprised by how the classes are structured or what the curriculum entails. It might seem like a lot of playtime. However, they usually have specific milestones and skills in mind. Ask for a free trial lesson and visit the school before you sign up. They should want you to feel comfortable, ask questions and, most importantly, have fun! As your class progresses, ask your instructor to give you tips for what you can work on at home and let you know why they are doing skills, games or songs a certain way. 26 YOUR FAMILY SPRING 2020
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wimming is one of the best-loved family activities. But many people wonder whether it’s appropriate or realistic to teach babies to swim. It is. One of the benefits of baby swimming is that it starts building water confidence early. Babies can start lessons at 4 months old to maximize their natural affinity to water. A warm pool is reminiscent of the womb for the baby and helps him or her relax and bond with mom, dad, grandma or grandpa. The pool is a wonderful environment for your child to explore, move and enjoy the weightlessness of water, and with the most loving teacher in the world – you! According to a study by Griffith University, children under 5 in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States who swim exceed their peer group in several developmental stages. These include understanding directions (20 months ahead), story recall (17 months) oral expression (11 months) and mathematics (6 months). Starting swimming lessons early in life also builds physical skills, of course. Swimming builds physical strength and confidence being in the water and for many becomes a lifelong skill for safely enjoying time at the pool, lake or ocean. Swim lessons are offered yearround and are a great way to keep your children active during the winter months. Early swim lessons also help improve coordination and balance. Because much of your baby’s body is supported by
water, the main focus for them is on maintaining balance. On the whole, babies who swim have much better balance outside of the pool. Exercising also helps build muscles and make them stronger. Swimming provides quality bonding time. Time in the pool is one of the few times when your child has your undivided attention for the duration. Swimming can improve a baby’s appetite. Lots of gentle exercise and warm water helps to make a baby hungry, so make sure you have some sort of snack or milk for after they finish. Swimming builds water confidence. Many parents pass on an uneasiness of water to their children because they themselves are not confident swimmers. But swim lessons can give your baby the tools needed to start learning breath control, floating and swimming all before turning 2. They can help you be your child’s first teacher, bond and help him or her learn to love the water. Baby lessons might be daunting at first, but if you prepare and are engaged, your first experience is sure to go swimmingly. Remember, a swim school is there to serve you and your child. Find a swim school with knowledgeable teachers that will lead you and parents just like you in activities, songs and games that will make your baby safer and smarter in the water. l Karen Kittelson Clay is the CEO of SwimWest and a member of the Safe Kids Coalition board representing water safety.
