Safe guide familiarizes the baby to swim & bull; hello healthy

Taking your little baby to swim has become a common activity for parents in modern times. You can even sign up for baby swimming lessons. Taking your baby to swim can sound a little scary. Just imagine, a baby who cannot walk or talk has been invited to dive into the water. So it's only natural that parents feel nervous when they hear this phenomenon of swimming for babies. No need to worry, introducing your baby to these water sports will become easier once you understand the following.

Benefits of swimming for babies

Don't be afraid to take your baby to swim because there are many benefits your baby can get. A study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology shows that swimming can help babies hone motor skills and maintain balance. Compared to those who are not accustomed to swimming, children who have been swimming since infancy learn movements such as reaching and grasping various objects faster. They are also more adept at balancing on tiptoes, standing on one leg, and playing jump rope.

In addition, babies who learn to swim early also show much faster mental development and cognitive function. This fact has been supported by many modern studies, one of which is from Griffith University in Australia. This four-year study of more than 7,000 children proved several things. Babies who are used to swimming have the ability to speak up to 11 months above their age, the ability to count up to 6 months above their age, and the ability to read up to 2 months above their age. These babies also showed an understanding of direction reaching 20 months above their age. This can happen because when the baby enters the pool, his body will instinctively move like kicking or pedaling his arms. These movements stimulate the growth of millions of new nerves in the brain.

When can babies start swimming?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents can introduce babies to swimming starting from one year of age. However, experts suggest that the baby's activity while swimming is limited only to get the baby used to in the water. Also pay attention to your own baby's development because every baby usually has a different growth phase. To learn to swim, parents should wait until the baby reaches four years of age.

Tips for babies to feel comfortable when swimming

When preparing your baby to swim for the first time, take note of the following tips. Your baby will feel bolder and more comfortable playing in the water. You and your partner also become more aware of the various things that may happen while your baby is swimming.

Exercise with a bath

Before taking your baby to swim, get your kids used to soaking in a baby bath or small rubber pool. To make your baby feel more comfortable, you can provide his favorite little toys as your baby learns to get used to water.

Make sure the pool temperature is warm enough

The ideal water temperature for your baby is 32 degrees Celsius. Try to find a special pool for babies to make sure the pool temperature is warm enough. It's also a good idea to take your baby to swim in the sun to keep them warm. If your baby starts to get cold and shivering, immediately lift it and cover it with a dry towel. Also prepare milk or warm water.

Avoid floats

The swim float will only give your baby a false sense of security. In addition, using a float tends to make it float in an upright position. In fact, a better swimming position is lying down. Swimming buoys can also make it difficult for babies to control their own movements. Better to let the baby swim freely while you hold it so it doesn't drown.

Use disposable swim diapers

You can buy disposable baby diapers specifically for swimming. These diapers will not leak in the water when your baby has a bowel movement. However, pay attention if the baby is already pooping. You should immediately replace it with a new one.

Come into the water

It is important for you and your baby to go through this process together. So you or your partner should come in and hold your baby when he is swimming for the first time. That way, your baby will feel safer and more confident in the water.

Provide moral support

When you and your baby are in the pool, make sure your tone of voice and facial expressions are cheerful and soft. Don't panic because your baby can feel shocked and terrified. Give compliments and invite your kids to sing and laugh so they can relate the swimming experience to being safe and fun. In order for him to feel more familiar with the atmosphere in the water, you can also bring toys that usually accompany him when he bathes at home.

Hold the baby firmly

The best position to get your baby used to swimming is to hold the back of the baby's head and bottom lying on his back. Once your baby starts to feel comfortable in the water, hold your baby by holding the lower arm or armpit. Dip your baby until the water reaches his shoulders to keep him warm. In this position, swing the baby's body so that he learns to kick and balance in the water.

You and your partner don't need to be afraid to teach your baby to dive. Babies have an instinctive instinct to hold their breath underwater. You can teach in advance by making bubbles in the water through your mouth. Your baby will imitate him while diving so he won't choke on the water.

Don't take more than half an hour

For the initial stage, soak for about 10 minutes so that your baby feels used to it. Then get out of the pool and wait a few moments before entering again. Swimming for babies should be no more than 30 minutes to avoid chills or irritation due to chemicals in the pool.