Many parents want their children to learn how to swim, but many parents also don’t know when the right time to start is. While infant swimming lessons are gaining popularity, some are still scared to try them out. Even if your child is an infant, with the proper supervision and guidance, swimming lessons can be started given a simple tell: if your child closes their mouth when water is poured over their face. So no matter what age, this is the most basic skill that your child needs or will learn in their lessons!
While younger children may not be able to take an exhaustive scope of swimming lessons, they can be taught water safety to help lessen risks of drowning in the event of an accident. These can also help them progress faster in future lessons. Many babies actually enjoy being in the water, even having a certain affinity for it, because of the months they spent in fluid in the womb. So given that the water is at a good temperature, it’s very likely for babies to be comfortable in the water.
As for safety, research shows that infants have a special breath-holding reflex known as the laryngeal reflex. Their airways close when their face is poured with or submerged in water. This usually lasts until they are 6 months old. Infant lessons, under the guidance of an experienced instructor, capitalizes on this reflex to train children to intentionally hold their breath and eventually breathe out when underwater.
The Noodies Swim School offers Infant Swimming and Water Safety classes for infants and toddlers. If you are interested in enrolling your little one in these classes, please contact us by sending us an email at thenoodies.ph@gmail.com or by sending us a message on Facebook.
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