Swimming for babies is recommended for babies from 6 months of age, because at 6 months the baby has already had most of the vaccines, is more developed and ready for physical activity and also because before this age ear inflammation is more severe. frequent.
However, parents should go to their pediatrician to assess whether their baby can go to swimming lessons, as they may have respiratory or skin problems that can worsen with swimming.
Furthermore, it is important for parents to choose a pool that offers good conditions for changing and preparing the baby for classes and checking that the chlorine is at pH 7, neutral, and that the water is at the ideal temperature, which is between 27 and 29ºC. .
The 7 good reasons to start your baby swimming are:
- Improves baby’s motor coordination;
- Stimulates appetite;
- Increases the emotional bond between parents and baby;
- Prevents some respiratory diseases;
- Helps the baby to crawl, sit or walk more easily;
- Helps the baby sleep better;
- Helps with the baby’s respiratory and muscular resistance.
Furthermore, the pool relaxes the baby, as the pool remembers when the baby was inside the mother’s belly.
Swimming lessons should be guided by a specialized teacher and parents and the first lesson should last around 10-15 minutes, then increasing to 30 minutes. Classes should not last more than 30 minutes because the baby’s temperature regulation system is not yet well developed and their attention span is still minimal.
Discover other health benefits of swimming.
Tips for baby swimming lessons
When swimming for babies, it is recommended that the baby wear special diapers, which do not swell or leak in the water, facilitating movement, however, they are not mandatory. Furthermore, the baby should not be fed until 1 hour before swimming and should not go to swimming lessons when sick or have a cold.
The baby can dive in the pool with the teacher present, but only after 1 month of swimming lessons and swimming goggles are only recommended from 3 years of age.
Using earplugs can cause echoing and scare the baby, use with caution.
It’s normal for babies to be scared during their first class. To help, parents can play games with the baby while bathing to help him get used to the water.
