I have taken Lucas to the pool since he was between 6 and 8 weeks old. I always wanted to get him accustomed to water as soon as possible to hopefully be confident and careful around water.
Before you even go swimming though you need to remember that you need to be happy and confident taking your little one into the pool before doing so. If you are worried about anything, it will pass on to them and associating a negative feeling to the pool so early could have a huge impact. I was a bit apprehensive about the nappy situation in the pool and leakages but when I started taking Lucas to lessons when he was a few months old, the swimming school recommended Splash About for this reason. The Splash About collection are made from stretchy neoprene with snug fitting deep waistband and leg cuffs, ensuring that all ‘little accidents’ stay inside the nappy. They also have sun and sea suits that offer sun protection (neoprene is a complete sun block) with supple UPF 50+ sleeves giving arms a free feel whilst protecting the vulnerable shoulder area and upper arms from burning.
The benefits of swimming and visiting a pool from a young ages are tremendous.
- Babies and toddlers absorb information and accept new situations a lot easier than children and adults. They most probably haven’t seen or heard anything negative about water and swimming so don’t have any pre concepts of it or fears. Babies have spent 9 months in the womb, surrounded by water. Water is recognised as a warm and supportive environment.
- It is an incredible time to bond, I absolutely loved going to swim with Lucas. It was a time of the week where we had each others undivided attention and before he started going in on his own, it involved lots of cuddles and skin to skin contact.
- It is a great way to have fun and have exercise. It is low impact and helps develop motor skills, co-ordination, balance and self confidence. Swimming will help to develop their muscles and joints, it also improves the strength of their heart and lungs, and helps to develop their brain. As they get older swimming improves mood, anxiety, and stress, which increases the brain’s ability to think more efficiently
- In a class environment, it helps develop social skills as they learn to take instructions from the teacher and they play and share with other babies in their class.
- It builds water confidence and teaches water safety. Learning to get to the side of the pool, hold on and blow bubbles early on ensures in an emergency on day, the don’t immediately panic and look for a side, blowing bubbles makes sure they don’t take in any water but breath and spit it out.
- You can take your baby swimming at any age too, you don’t have to wait for any immunisations
Bethany says
I really couldn’t agree more, I learnt to swim at a young age and it has really come in handy. A great skill to have for sure.
Angela Ricardo Bethea says
I love swimming and I hope my little one will like it too. Actually, he is enjoying his bath time always so I think that’s a good sign haha.
AnnMarie John says
We love swimming as I grew up in the Caribbean. I think it’s important that the kids learn how to swim as early as they can. I agree with everything that you said.
Yeah Lifestyle says
Lucas seems like he has taken to water at such a young age. Both our kids love the water and have been swimming since they were young as I know its a great life still to have.
Mellissa Williams Luxe Lifestyle & Travel Blogger (@melandjake99) says
There truly are so many benefits to learning to swim, such a handy life skill for all children to learn.
Jules says
Totally agree. I’ve taken my son in the pool since he was a baby and now he comes on the kayak with me. Water confidence is such an important life skill
Emma White says
oh I so agree I think all babies should be in the water as soon as possible im a swimmer and do it 4 mornings a week so my kids all love the water too
dannii2013 says
We took my daughter from when she was 10 weeks old and I am so glad because it’s definitely and important life skill.
Kara says
Awww Sebby had those shark shorts. I love the splashabout range, so bright and cheerful
countryheartdeb says
I really wish we had done this with ours when they were little.
thestyletune says
I wish i learned as well when i was a child, i still can’t!! My sister takes her young one for swimming, love to see how it helps them bond!
Bethany Birchridge says
I agree that children can sense negative feelings, so it’s best to be positive when teaching them new skills like swimming. I also thought it was great that young children don’t know much about swimming, so they aren’t as afraid as older children learning how to swim. I’ll definitely work on teach my children how to swim while they’re young. Thanks for the great tips.