From the Bathtub to the Swimming Pool

Follow these 5 easy steps to make your little ones comfortable in the water

Preparation is key to making your baby’s first swim class a positive experience. By following a few “homework” steps, parents can prepare young children for the new sensations they will encounter in a pool – making them much more likely to enjoy the experience. We love this web site and feel that it has valuable information on working with your baby before formal swimming lessons: www.newbornaquatics.com

The bathtub is a perfect place to introduce your baby to the water: not only is it a comfortable and familiar setting for your child but it’s also an easy environment for parents to control safely. Follow these tips and make it fun! Your attitude will make all the difference in how your baby learns to love the water. And most importantly, remember the water safety rules and never leave your child unattended in the bathtub.

Get your baby used to the water. To help your little one feel comfortable in the water and enjoy an easy transition to the pool, make sure bath time is a fun time of day. Encourage lots of splashing by playing with toys. Be sure to smile, talk, and sing to your baby while keeping reassuring eye contact.
Take a bath with your baby. Fill the tub with warm water and enter the bath with your baby. This is great bonding time with your baby and will allow you to get used to holding your baby in the water.
Get your baby’s face wet. Start by wetting different parts of your baby’s face with a damp washcloth. Once your baby is comfortable, use a soaked washcloth or sprinkling can to slowly trickle water over their face and down the back of her head. Eventually, take your baby in the shower with you to help them get used to being splashed and having water on his or her face.
Introduce your baby to floating. Lay your baby on their back and hold them in the floating position. An easy way to do this is with you sitting behind your baby near their head, supporting the shoulders and cupping their head, to ensure that your baby’s face doesn’t go under the water. Help them float for a few moments at a time. Maintain eye contact and talk and sing to your baby while they are floating.
The big day has arrived! Your baby will take cues from you, so make sure you stay calm and positive throughout the lesson. Smile and talk to your baby when you enter the water; reassure them that swimming is a fun experience. Make sure to speak with your instructor and ask them any questions that you may have. Together you can all make this a positive and fun experience for your baby!

Swimming is an important life skill – especially in South Florida, where parents must be extra-vigilant about water safety year-round. The best way to prevent drowning is to learn how to be safer around the water and introducing kids to the water at a young age helps them quickly develop into strong, confident swimmers. By following our tips, you can make sure your baby’s first swim lessons are a happy experience, creating a healthy balance of love and respect for the water.

The mission of Ocaquatics Swim School is to teach families to love swimming and to become safer, more comfortable, and more responsible in the water. If you’re interested in learning more about our year-round swim lessons, feel free to reach out to our team today by phone at 305-969-SWIM (7946), or by visiting our contact page.