| Dads, if you're looking for a way to bond with your | | | | automatically hold their breath while underwater. This |
| new baby, here it is! | | | | is called the "mammalian dive reflex". After all, they |
| Many parents are discovering the art of teaching | | | | did spend their first 9 months in fluid. |
| their baby to swim. Not only is it fun for your baby | | | | If you have your own pool, it is up to you as a |
| to swim, bond with you, and play with other babies, | | | | parent to decide when you want your baby to start |
| it is a great way for you to interact with other | | | | swimming. There is no age limit. They can even start |
| parents as well. | | | | right after birth. Some classes however, ask that you |
| It was only discovered in the 1960's that babies were | | | | wait until they are 3 months. Others recommend you |
| able to swim independently underwater. But since | | | | start as early as possible. But keep in mind, the longer |
| then, it has been learned that it promotes | | | | you wait, their confidence in the water decreases. |
| self-confidence and personal development - physical | | | | Closer to their first year, they can actually develop a |
| and emotional. It gives your baby a calming, | | | | fear of water if they are not familiar with it. You |
| zero-gravity environment to move freely where they | | | | should never force your child to learn if they don't |
| otherwise could not on land. This is incredibly | | | | want to. This will only result in a stressful situation for |
| beneficial to babies with Downs syndrome and | | | | your child which could become a problem later on. |
| cerebral palsy. | | | | Don't expect your baby to start swimming like a pro |
| The benefits of baby swimming include; increased | | | | right away. It takes time and patience. But even |
| motor development, social skills and intelligence, | | | | though they can't swim on the water's surface until |
| increased concentration, alertness, and perceptual | | | | they are about three, they can swim for short |
| abilities, and improved nap time and night time sleep | | | | distances under the water with the help and |
| patterns. Babies who learn how to swim have been | | | | encouragement of their parent. Have an underwater |
| known to walk earlier as well, due to their increased | | | | camera available to capture that special moment. |
| muscle control. | | | | Check with your local community swimming pool to |
| It's only natural for a baby to feel comfortable and | | | | see if they have classes available. You and your new |
| happy in the warm water. You don't have to worry | | | | baby will love it. |
| about your child breathing, because they | | | | |