Babies have a real affinity with water. They spend nine months in the womb, and more and more expectant mothers are now choosing a water birth as the most natural introduction to this world. Water is recognised as a warm, supportive environment during labour and provides a natural transition for your baby from the womb to the “outside world”.
Babies can be taken into the water from birth (Puddle Ducks welcomes babies in their classes from as young as a few weeks); they do not need to have completed their injections (as per advice from NHS) and very young babies love the freedom, massage and gentle exercise that the water offers.
The benefits to both parent and baby of swimming together are immense and include:
There are further benefits for your baby too, especially if you join a fun, progressive class:
But most importantly of all, swimming as a baby should instil a love of water for the rest of your child’s life.
Baby swimming is an entirely safe and gentle activity, but coming to classes often provides a parent with the necessary support to enable them to relax and enjoy the experience. Good teachers are trained to understand the needs of both parent and baby, and are also qualified in lifesaving and resuscitation skills.
Classes can vary, so take time to find a class that will give you the experiences that you want – whether this is just water familiarity or a more progressive approach; and whether the style of the class is relaxed and fun, or more formal and regimented. Puddle Ducks classes are full of carefully designed but simple activities, gentle submersions and are packed full of songs. Songs and rhymes provide gentle stimulation and are the most effective way to communicate with your baby. Repetition is fun, reassuring and promotes learning. Puddle Ducks classes are progressive with many children swimming 10m independently before they start school.
Specialist baby swimming classes follow a clear and progressive structure and will usually involve some underwater swimming for your baby. However, the emphasis should be on parents and their babies having fun, with no baby being forced to do anything against his or her wishes.
Even in the bath, there are some wonderful activities you can share with your baby. Your baby can enjoy floating on his or her back in the bath (ears in the water), or just lie back snuggling up to you. You can try sprinkling water over your baby’s tummy. You may even find your baby falls asleep! We don’t recommend trying to submerge your baby in the bath – it is too awkward and both you and your baby are likely to be upset by the experience. However, you can allow the water to lap around and over your baby’s face without any worries.
For more information about baby swimming and classes in your area, please visit www.puddleducks.com and quote “MUMbler” for £20 off your initial booking!