Swimming is one of the best sports for an infant to start with. The period of prenatal development is characterized by the fact that the baby lives in a liquid environment — the amniotic fluid. This fluid protects the baby from physical impacts, provides an ideal temperature, and at the same time relieves them from the effects of gravity, i.e., the load on the body. In the womb, the baby is quite naturally adapted to movement in water. Pool water therefore provides a very similar feeling of 'weightlessness', and the gentle pressure of the water can easily remind the child of the time when they were inside the mother’s belly. Thanks to this, being in water tends to be naturally pleasant for newborns and infants, as it evokes familiar safety and comfort.
When is it suitable to start swimming?
Opinions of pediatricians and experts vary slightly, but they generally agree that the ideal time for an infant’s first contact with a pool is between the third and sixth month of age. A baby does not forget contact with the aquatic environment at birth, so adapting to the pool is easier precisely in the early months. During this period, the baby is still naturally adapted to being in water.
An important criterion is not only age but also the baby’s health. A child going swimming for the first time must be healthy, with no signs of a cold or other health problems. It’s also important to have received the first doses of certain vaccinations.
Main benefits of swimming
One of the main reasons infant swimming is so widespread is its undeniable health benefits. Time in the water helps develop the muscular system, improves muscle tone, and supports proper posture. Water provides buoyancy and gently stimulates all of the baby’s muscle groups.
Introducing your child to water and swimming will then help them later truly learn to swim.
Basic techniques and steps when swimming with an infant
For the first entry into the water, it is above all important that the baby feels safe in the parent’s arms. In the water, support the baby with both hands, hold them close to your body, and talk to them in a calm voice. Don’t rush; let the baby get used to it gradually.
Gradually introduce the baby to moving in water. Gentle rocking or careful floating on the back are popular. Work with basic techniques such as breath cues, pouring water over the head or brief submersion of the head. Practice these in a calm rhythm, ideally under an instructor’s supervision.
Pay attention to the baby’s signals. If the child starts to be restless, cries, or is clearly dissatisfied, end the session gently and come back to it later.
How often should you go swimming with your baby, and how long should a session last?
Once or twice a week. It’s a good idea to find a group, i.e., an infant swimming class, and go with other parents and children. Sessions should be short and last approximately 20 to 60 minutes. Beginner babies aged three to five months should aim for around 20 minutes; older babies from six months can handle up to an hour. If the baby is tired, fussy, or overly distracted, end the session in time.
After swimming, make sure they get food and rest. Babies may be hungry and tired after being in the water because it’s a physical activity that requires a considerable amount of energy.
Suitable toys and aids for the pool
For the smallest children, basic aids such as small swim rings, kickboards, foam floats, or floating toys are suitable. We recommend choosing toys in bright, high-contrast colors that are attractive to babies.
Infant swimming is an excellent stimulation of their mental and physical development. With good preparation, regular sessions, and suitable aids, swimming will be a joy.