Swimming With Your Baby

Swimming is the only activity where your baby can be independent before they can crawl. They are supported by the water so can freely move their arms and legs and enjoy the feeling of the water. They love the fun and freedom of swimming. Swimming is great for bonding and is a rewarding experience that can be shared by both or either parent. Water safety is important and as they grow in confidence they will be able to turn onto their back or swim to the surface.

Swimming is also excellent exercise, and develops your baby’s muscles; research has shown that, through swimming babies have developed excellent muscle control which then helps with walking. It also strengthens your baby’s heart, lungs and respiration and stimulates the appetite. Babies brains grow very rapidly throughout their first year and regular exercise and learning new movements will help to develop their brain.

It is a very positive way to teach them to take instructions from you.

The Downs Syndrome Association recommends swimming as one of the best activities for their babies as it helps to improve co-ordination and muscle development.

When can I start swimming with my Baby?

You can start swimming with your baby as soon as you are comfortable, although discuss this with your health visitor if you have any concerns. It is not necessary to wait until your baby has been immunised, although you may want to wait until after your 6 week post natal check. If you want to attend swimming classes you may find that some do not allow babies to start lessons until they are 12 weeks old.

Before you start swimming

Before visiting a swimming pool you can start encouraging your baby to enjoy water by making bath-time fun. By gently splashing water on your baby at bath-time, babies get used to the feel of moving water. Lay your baby on her back so she can kick her legs about and get used to the movement.

What do I need to take when swimming with my Baby?

Before visiting a swimming pool for the first time – check that they have a baby changing area, pushchair access, and if required, a play pen for toddlers. Check the pool is at least 30 degrees centigrade. There should be a sign indicating the temperature and when they last checked the water's chemicals (e.g. chlorine etc).
Swim Nappy (Swim Nappy, £8.95;Swim Nappy Bikini, £0.00) – some swimming pools insist on swim nappies to avoid embarrassing accidents in the pool (disposable or reusable one is fine). Ordinary nappies will absorb too much water and weigh down your baby.
Towel – as soon as baby starts to get cold, take baby out of the water and wrap up in a towel. A hooded towel is a good idea - and can be used at home or on the beach too!
Snack – swimming will make your baby hungry so have a warm bottle available if you are bottle feeding and a snack for you or your toddler.
A Nappy Bag
Favourite Bath Toys – Useful for encouraging your baby to play in the water and to splash about with.
Don’t forget your own towel and swimsuit!

When you start swimming

When you first go swimming choose a quiet time to ensure some space for you and your baby. As this is an unknown situation a quiet time is preferable to prevent your baby becoming stressed.

Keep your baby close to you at first. Let her get used to the feel of the water, keep your face near her and continue to her to reassure her. At first your baby will just enjoy the sensations of being in the water and being with you. She is fully supported by the water and can enjoy the feeling of moving her arms and legs.

Keep within touching distance at all times.

Keep swimming times short at first and take your baby out of the water as soon as she starts to become cold, the amount of time in the water can be built up gradually. The maximum amount of time babies should be in the water is 30 minutes.

If your baby is unwell avoid swimming until the symptoms have cleared up.

Tips for fun in the pool

As you both start to gain confidence here are some ideas for when you are in the pool:-

Swish her around gently.
Move a little further away – but always maintain eye contact.
Blow bubbles in the water. This helps to show babies what they should do with their mouths and how they should breath when in the water, as they can't inhale water if they are blowing out.
When your baby is about 6 months old, and able to sit unaided, sit her on the side of the pool and sing Humpty Dumpty to her. As you sing 'Had a great fall' lift her down into the water with a gentle splash.
Sing other favourite songs and nursery rhymes with actions to her her in and out of the water
Take favourite bath toys and use these for familiarisation in a larger water space and to play usual bath-time games. As your baby gets older and learns to swim there are swimming games that can be played with weighted toys that they can swim down to collect which improves water confidence.

Building water confidence

Various products are available to help build water confidence. The Trainer Seat, from £13.95 is excellent for starting out, moving to Sun Protection Float Suit, £24.95 and finally Float bands, from £4.95 as confidence grows.

If your baby is upset by the chlorine in the water, try Goggles Little Champ, from £3.95 (suitable from 12 months).