Do you love the idea of teaching your baby how to swim? Enrolling in parent-child swim classes can help your child feel more comfortable in the pool. Many parents want to enroll their children as a way of strengthening their paternal bond, but it can also help prevent accidental drownings. While research is limited, the American Pediatric Society states that children age 1 to 4 may be less likely to drown if they have had formal swimming instruction.
There are several benefits to enrolling your child in infant swim classes, but putting your child in the water might seem unnerving, especially if you’re not sure what to expect from these lessons. We’ve looked into everything you need to know about infant swim classes, including what to bring, how the classes work, the potential benefits and whether your baby is ready to get in the water.
What to Bring
Knowing what to bring to your first infant swim lesson can be tricky for some parents. You might be so focused on your baby that you forget about the fact that you have to get in the water as well. The following items should be on your packing list:
- Swim diaper: a reusable diaper that doubles as a swimsuit. It’s best to buy one ahead of time and make sure it’s a good fit for your child.
- A change of clothes for you and the baby: both you and your child will want to change into something dry after you get out of the pool.
- Clean towels: Your swim instructor may provide towels, but you might want to bring your own, just to be safe.
- A snack, a bottle of formula and some water: Swimming in the pool can get exhausting for both you and your baby. Bring along some refreshments to make sure no one gets cranky.
- Lotion: your baby’s skin might need some lotion after being in the chlorine.
What to Expect During the Classes
Every infant swim course is different, but many programs will focus on making the child feel comfortable. There’s bound to be a lot of fussy babies at the start, so the group might engage in some soothing activities like gently swaying with the baby in your arms, playing fun music or singing to the babies. When everyone gets in the water, the instructor will talk about how you should hold your baby and ways to keep them safe in the water. They might go over some CPR and first-aid strategies to help parents prepare for and respond to accidents.
As the lessons continue, the group might try various activities that are designed to get your child moving around in the water, but your infant will not be able to swim on their own until they reach the age of 4.
These classes are typically held at a community pool or a school. You can check the class description for more information regarding the curriculum, class size and what you’ll need to participate. If it’s your first time, you might want to show up early to get changed and ask the instructor a few questions about how the lessons will unfold.
What Your Baby Will Get Out of the Classes
Some parents can have unrealistic expectations when enrolling their child in infant swim classes. These classes are not meant to be actual swim lessons; they are more along the lines of water safety lessons. Helping your child feel more comfortable in the water can help them master the art of swimming after the age of 4, but until then, it’s mostly about safety and learning to relax in the water. The Canadian Pediatric Society states that children under 4 are not capable of swimming independently, and these lessons should focus on building confidence and educating parents regarding water safety.
Some parents might also believe that these lessons are a great way to prevent accidental drownings, but these classes will not be enough to safeguard a child from drowning. The Canadian Pediatric Society cautions that these classes should not be considered an effective drowning prevention strategy, and they recommend using fences and guardrails near backyard pools and bodies of water to prevent accidental drownings. Parents will still need to supervise their children when playing in water.
Is Your Baby Ready?
Some infant swim classes will take children as young as 6 months old, but your child may not be ready for swim lessons. If your baby seems to be extremely resistant to baths and being in water, you and your child might have a difficult time during these lessons. It’s important to remember that babies develop mentally and physically at different rates, so every case is different. If you’re not sure if your baby is ready for infant swim lessons, you can ask your pediatrician for more information and advice. Hopefully, they are familiar with your baby and can provide some insight into their physical and cognitive abilities.
Benefits of Infant Swim Lessons
Infant swim lessons tend to deepen the parent-child connection. These classes teach parents how to be aware of their children’s needs, so they can better protect them in the water.
Children that participate in these lessons may be less likely to drown. The National Institute of Health has determined that participation in these classes can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children aged 1-4 years.
Children can also learn to be more confident in the water, which can lead to more physical and social activity if the child continues to learn the skill of swimming.
If you own a round above ground pool, you and your family can start enjoying the pool together. You can spend more time in the pool with your child if they have some experience in the water.
Infant swim lessons can be a great way to get closer to your child as you help them learn how to swim and feel comfortable in the water. This can be a slow process, so try to keep your expectations in check. Your baby is not going to become an Olympic athlete overnight.
Credits:
Article and photos contributed by Chris Hoffman