Swimming for babies 6 to 12 month

Philosophy of swimming lessons for babies and toddlers

Why do we need to start swimming lessons at such an early age? What is the best age for them to start swimming lessons? How is this supposed to work if babies can’t understand instructions? Does this help babies in their swimming education or it is just a fun time in the water?

Well first of all water is a wonderful environment for babies as they were created in very similar conditions. Babies also have limited movements on land due to a weak and developing muscular system, however they can move freely in the water, which will speed their growing process. It is also very important to understand that play is the best way for babies to learn; they love wondering around and discovering their surrounding with tasting, touching and playing. It is true that they don't understand most of the verbal instructions however they respond to conditioning and in these classes, we educate parents about how to make this happen. After many years of experience we can now agree that children who start their swimming education with babies and toddlers swimming background perform much better than those who are new to swimming. Swimmers with this background tend to have magnificent water familiarisation, buoyancy and mobility skills this means they enjoy swimming lessons much more than others with no background.

In HomeSwim we believe the best age to start this is 6 months old when babies have developed some strength and their immune system is strong enough to be introduced to public pools. Remember the whole point is FUN and under no circumstances and at no stage should force be used. It is also very important to understand that while in this course we classify children into three different age groups this doesn't mean that the child’s readiness is dependent on their age.
It's important to understand that children’s motor, cognitive and personal development varies and should not be compared to the others.
Please see the additional information provided in developmental stages file.

Parent and child relationship

Infant aquatic programs are usually the first social involvement for parents and their children altogether. This has a huge impact on children socialisation and parent and baby bonding. It also will 

* Help children to develop their competence and self-steam
* Help children to have a fun time and positive feeling
* Help parents to get a feedback about their children 
* Help parents to understand the importance of aquatic education and safety 
Since parents are the ones who are doing activities with there bub in the water it is very important for them to learn about different type of holds and when to use them. That is why in this slide I am going to demonstrate all different types of holds and how we use them.

• Cradle or face to face hold

This is a perfect hold for babies that they have weak or no head support, it is normally used in bath time and is very assuring and comfortable. So both hands are extended then one hand fully supports the head while the other hand will support infant’s back

• Carry hold 

This is the most common used hold around the world in and out of the water, however, this hold is suitable for infants who have developed head control and can move their head in any direction without help. This is mainly used for resting in between activities and also in some entries and exits (Especially when using a ladder). It is also possible with the support of one hand or two hands depending on the circumstances.

• Protective or hello world hold

• Hip or side hold 

This hold is appropriate for babies who can support their own head. Rest the baby's side (nestled) or midsection (straddling you,) against your side/hip then use the arm of your "holding" hip/side to support the baby's legs and back then you could use the free hand for extra support or grabbing toys and balls for related activities.

• The extended face to face hold 

This hold is appropriate for babies who can steadily support their own head. In this hold parents hold the infant from their armpits while facing them, parents elbows are normally straight to create some distance between them and their baby. This hold is normally used in water conditioning, tunnel and bubble blowing activities. Since babies can see their parents face to face, parents need to look them in the eyes and use appropriate cues or instructions with a wide smile for encouragement.

• The extended facing away hold

This hold is appropriate for babies who can support their own head. In this hold parents hold their baby from their armpits while they face away. This is a very common hold used for moving and chasing toys in the water during activities. It is also used for some of the tunnel activities.

• Head on the shoulder back hold

In this hold, babies rest their head on their parent's shoulder while parents are supporting their waist with one hand and use the other hand to encourage babies to lean back. This hold is appropriate for babies with weak or no head control and normally used for activities like twinkle twinkle little star.

• Back hold 

This hold is commonly used for all types of activities that require the baby to lay on their back. In this hold, parents hold their baby’s shoulders with full support of both hands on the baby’s back while their thumbs are supporting their shoulders. This hold is only appropriate for those who can steadily support their own head. It is desired for babies to keep their ears on the water level. 

When it comes to water quality there are some standards that you need to care about regardless of this water being in your home pool or public pool

• Clean water means water free from bacteria and harmful livings. Adding chemicals or other disincentive methods normally does this. If your training is happening in a public pool, the management or lifeguards will monitor water quality.

• Clear water means water that is clear and visible. The bottom of the pool is clearly visible.
• Temperature means nice and warm water. The temperature of between 30 to 34 degrees of centigrade would be ideal
• Quiet and free from distraction. This normally is only available in private pools however some public pools are reasonably quiet and free from distractions too.
• Good ventilation means nice and fresh air is available around the pool that is taking the place for swimming education.
• Comfortable air temperature is highly recommended

Majority of activities that you will see in this course will be based on these three factors. For babies’ lessons, the main focus is on water familiarisation and the shift towards mobility happens, as they grow older.

To be able to get most out of this package I highly recommend you to print out resources provided and buy following items.

• Noodle
• Swimming matt
• Floating bath toys
• Appropriate nappy (or swimming custom that seals properly around the legs and waist)
• Couple of dry towels
• Warm clothing for the baby to change into after the lesson
• An extra feed A happy relaxed attitude :)

This Quiz is designed to just refresh your mind about this section!