Water Babies

Hi Ladies,

Swimming is such a gorgeous and fun summertime activity, but it is also an important safety skill that everyone should know, which is why many parents enroll their kids in lessons. My Children have recently started (ages 6 and 3). These days however, many companies and community centers are offering swimming lessons for babies as young as a few months old. But can young babies really learn to swim? How young is too young? And what are the pros and cons of enrolling your baby in swimming lessons.

Taking your baby to swimming lessons has several advantages. First, it's a fabulous bonding activity with your baby, as most programs put either Mom or Dad in the water with the little one. Although these lessons are enjoyable, safety is still the most important aspect.

You don't have any other distractions such as your mobile ringing every five seconds. It is 1/2 hour to an hour of uninterrupted fun.

Children's swimming starts as early as 6 months old, but at that age, swimming lessons are more about teaching the parents what to do with the baby in the water and basic water safety techniques than about the baby learning to swim independently. The main focus is on making the baby comfortable and happy in the water, which means practicing getting the face wet and going under (this is what my daughter has hated since day dot.) this is something you can start practicing with your baby in the bathtub, blowing bubbles with straws etc....

One big downside to taking your baby to swimming lessons is that he or she may still be too young, despite the age recommended by the swimming program. Some studies have shown that a child wont learn to swim until the age of four, but in saying that my daughter would probably be much more comfortable in the water if i had started he younger, as long as we realise its about getting used to the water and not Olympic swimming we will be OK!

As babies splishing and splashing around is not only great fun but could improve balance and movement,So summing all this up i suppose go with your instincts and remember safety first, but never feel peer pressured into anything because you feel you should. Society has a habit of making us feel like bad parents if we don't conform to what "everyone else does"