Getting Started: Baby Swimming Basics

Did you know you can introduce your baby to swimming as early as 6 months old? This blog post will guide you through six essential skills to teach your 6 to18-month-old, setting them on the path to becoming a confident swimmer.

Safe Pool Entry

Teaching your baby how to enter the pool safely is crucial. Imagine guiding them down a set of stairs; it's similar. Begin by sitting on the pool's edge with your baby in your lap or next to you. Hold them securely, then turn and slide into the water in front of them. Help your baby mimic this action. They may not master it immediately, but you’re establishing a safe pool entry routine. Support their hands on the pool edge for stability. Younger babies might need you to hold them under the armpits while you stay close to the edge.

Breath Control Techniques

Teaching your baby to hold their breath is a vital swimming skill. Start by using a cup to pour water over your baby’s toes, hands, tummy, and eventually their head and face. Prep them by saying their name followed by set, go before gently pouring water over their face. Singing the Itsy Bitsy Spider can make this more enjoyable. Once they close their mouth consistently when water is poured, introduce quick underwater experiences. Hold your baby under their armpits, tummy down, facing you. Use the name, set, go technique to gradually submerge and surface them. Blowing bubbles is another excellent breath control practice. Show them how to blow bubbles as they will learn from watching you.

Back Float Basics

Unlike older children, babies spend a lot of time on their backs and find comfort looking up at serene surroundings. Lay your baby on their back, resting their head on your shoulder with their cheek against yours. Count to ten, then gently roll them onto their tummy. Singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star can make this activity more enjoyable, offering a soothing rhythm as they float.

Arm and Leg Movements

Babies naturally move their arms and legs in water. Support them under the armpits and encourage these motions. Hold them out in front of you or by your side as you move through the pool. Encourage pulling and kicking with commands like pull pull pull or kick kick kick. Floating toys can make this practice appealing. Singing If You’re Happy and You Know It while sitting poolside adds fun to the exercise.

Rolling to Breathe

Rolling to their back for a breath is a critical swimming skill. Begin by holding your baby under the armpits next to you. Use commands such as pull kick pull kick, then say roll to breathe as you gently guide them onto their back on your shoulder. Keep them in a back float for a count of five, then roll them back into a position for more pulls and kicks.

Turning Back to Safety

Teaching babies to return to the pool’s edge if they fall in is essential. Sit your baby on the pool edge and hold them under the arms. Use the name, set, go prompt to let them jump into the water. Quickly turn them around and help them pull and kick back to the wall. Encourage climbing out by saying elbow elbow tummy knee knee as you assist them up and out. Allowing them to go underwater during this exercise aids in breath control and learning to turn around underwater. As they grow, they’ll need less assistance climbing out.