Az édesanyák körbeveszik az úszásoktatót a babaúszás foglalkozáson gyermekeikkel

Why is baby swimming useful?

Baby swimming is a popular joint program for parents and their children, but there are also questions and uncertainties surrounding the topic. Is it a good idea to take a baby into the water with others? Baby swimming is just fun, or does it have some useful function? Is it worth trying?

Perhaps our first thought might be that this activity has a positive impact on the child's swimming skills - and will have a positive impact later on. However, this is not the only essence and purpose of baby swimming. The activity also has a developmental impact on the little ones' movement, perception, and central nervous system .

The youngest children are not yet averse to water, as they lived in it in the womb. Water has a calming effect on them, carrying memories of security.

When children are away from the water for a few years and then go to the beach for the first time, they often react with fear. They feel insecure in this environment, and rightly so, since they have not learned to move around in it routinely. That is why it is useful to prevent the development of fear in them with baby swimming and organized swimming lessons for young children later on.

Joy for both children and parents

Mother holds her baby happily splashing in the water

This pleasant relaxation experience brings the family together, in which the child and his parents can be in community. This is especially good for mothers, because they get a little away from everyday tasks, and not just any space. The water helps the baby and mother relax, while they actively participate in the tasks and games. Their relationship becomes even closer , and they gain lifelong shared experiences together. Their communication also strengthens, because in the water the child begins to learn consciously, which the parent supports with great attention.

When is it appropriate to start baby swimming?

A baby who is a few weeks old and has a well-healed belly button can already participate in the program. Usually, babies start at 2 months of age, and it is worth waiting for the 5 kg weight limit. It is recommended to start as young as possible , when water is still a very natural environment for the child.

In baby swimming lessons, children are usually divided into groups according to age and skill level. They can be taught the correct movements very early on, which will lay a good foundation for their later swimming skills. Techniques can be corrected very well in time. In the same way, posture errors can be corrected by moving in the water.

Source: Uszibuli

What effect does baby swimming have on the baby?

A child is mature enough to start learning to swim at the age of 4. Exercising in the water as a baby has health, psychological and relationship benefits that can have a major impact on their development :

your lung capacity increases
your breathing muscles get stronger
the strength of your muscles increases
develops the coordination skills of his limbs, harmonizing their movements
Posture errors can be prevented
your blood circulation increases, your heart's blood supply is strengthened
the protective function of your immune system increases
their social skills, communication and self-confidence develop
conscious learning ability develops, pushing reflexive reactions into the background
It is very helpful in case of developmental disorders.
has a therapeutic effect in cases of birth trauma

In its early stages of development, the baby cannot move as it does in water due to gravity. Therefore, it gets a good opportunity to develop in this environment. If it can continuously participate in these activities, it will feel like a natural place and will be able to move in it later on. Its motor development develops extraordinarily in water.

Source: Baby Swimming Debrecen

How does baby swimming work?

Mothers and their children play with colorful balls at the baby swimming session

Usually, 1 parent can participate in the session with the child. Baby swimming is available in countless places in the country. The duration of a session is different everywhere, as are the programs, tasks, and games. There is usually a warm-up, play, singing, and free time. There are instructors who approach the goals from a swimming perspective, and the participating babies dive under the water at a very young age. In the meantime, they skillfully learn the correct breathing, head movement, and technique, and they can also apply them.

However, work is also being done with the parents. They are also learning the correct techniques to safely hold their child. The professional performs the first demonstration movements, as parents are often nervous at this time.

What is needed for baby swimming?

For each session, you need to specifically ask what you need to bring with you each time.

In general, a child needs a swim diaper , which can be disposable, but if we want to be environmentally conscious and economical, we can also choose a washable diaper, since we will need it often. The most ideal and secure type of diaper is the one with elastic at the thighs and waist.

Instead of a towel, a better solution is to use a small poncho or bathrobe in the bathroom. The accompanying adult should of course bring a swimsuit, slippers, and a towel.

It is recommended to feed your little one right before swimming, because while moving, he will get hungry faster than you might expect. He will feel much better in the water if he is not hungry. It is also important to remember that after swimming he will quickly ask for milk, formula, baby food .

Source: Pelenka.hu expert interview

Baby underwater?

Many people are wary of “pushing” their child underwater during baby swimming. A somewhat common concern is that little ones will be thrown into the water unexpectedly or forced to dive. This attitude would not be right at all.

Water training should always be a properly structured process , led by a trained professional. The smaller the baby, the earlier he can dive, but even for the smallest ones, more training – 3-4 hours – is needed to prepare for this. The method is different in each case.

For example, the diving reflex can still be used effectively in the youngest children. This innate reflex can be triggered by the age of 5-6 months, and according to its functioning, babies immediately close their glottis, mouth, and blow air through their nose when they feel water on their face.

This is also triggered when a little water starts to drip on their face. Starting with a small sprinkling, a "mimic dive", the baby reaches the point where he awaits the water with a completely unwavering face. This initial movement is the gradual introduction of immersion in water.

For those over one year old, it can take 10-15 hours before they can dive safely. At this age, they already have their own will, thoughts, and fears.

What is very important for us as parents is that it is never mandatory for a child to go underwater ! Respecting the attraction or repulsion of water is a basic requirement in all baby swimming programs. Parents may also be reluctant to do this - sometimes due to their own fears - and may ask that their child not go underwater or have their face splashed. However, in these cases, it is often observed that the concern quickly disappears when they see how much joy other babies have in diving and how much they can relax during the process.

Source: Pelenka.hu expert interview

What safety regulations should we pay attention to?

Personal expectations

Choose a place for baby swimming lessons where you can get information from a suitably qualified professional. Don't be afraid to ask about the professional's qualifications.

Environmental regulations

The water should be properly disinfected, as the baby will inevitably swallow water.
An appropriate water temperature is ideal (at least 32-34 degrees), because the baby's thermoregulation is underdeveloped, and there is a greater risk of cooling down.
Don't let the chemicals in the water irritate your skin or the chlorine irritate your lungs (it can be disinfected with oxygen and UV light)
You may take your baby into a pool where the operator has a permit for baby swimming and meets the requirements of the Hungarian Public Health Service.

Supporting the baby's sense of security

The parent should always be within an optimal touching distance from their child, who can be challenged at his or her own pace. Nothing should be forced on them. Everything should be joyful and pleasant for them.

Source: Doktorpalánta , Baby Swimming Debrecen

Children who participate in baby swimming are also more confident in their swimming skills

It would be wrong to think that baby swimming will equip the child with confident swimming skills later on. The path to this is longer, and later education is also needed during the preschool and school years, as well as appropriate routine, theoretical knowledge, and practice. Later swimming lessons will also have to be started at a suitably advanced age.

Older children need to learn additional swimming skills to become confident swimmers.

If parents consciously want to make their child love water and develop the foundations of proper movement in the water, they have the opportunity to help their child achieve reliable swimming skills over the years.