Baby swimming is a form of diverse physical activity carried our in heated water with a temperature of 32°C. It is intended for babies aged 3 months upwards and is provided under the guidance of a baby swimming instructor. Baby swimming makes use of the baby’s diving reflex, which means that they can swim underwater. Baby swimming cannot be called swimming in the normal sense of the word. It is rather a joint playtime in which the whole family gets to explore the water together.
When should you start?
The best time to start baby swimming is when the baby is about 3 months old and weighs at least 5 kg. By this point, the baby is awake for sufficiently long periods and has sufficient strength to cope with the strain involved. The baby’s temperature regulation capacity must also be sufficiently developed.
When should you stop?
The baby usually becomes a true water fan and keen to go swimming once a week or perhaps even more often. At the age of around one year, it is okay to take the child into pools that are at a normal temperature. After completing the baby swimming sessions, it is possible to continue the family’s guided swimming times by attended family swimming sessions.
Water is a pleasant exercise environment at all ages. So move on to set new goals, while listening also to the child’s desires.
