Why You Need to Teach Your Baby How To Swim
Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby to swim. Not only is it fun for your baby to swim, bond with you, and play with other babies, it is a great way for you to interact with other parents as well.
It was only discovered in the 1960's that babies were able to swim independently underwater. But since then, it has been learned that it promotes self-confidence and personal development - physical and emotional. It gives your baby a calming, zero-gravity environment to move freely where they otherwise could not on land. This is incredibly beneficial to babies with Downs syndrome and cerebral palsy.
The benefits of baby swimming include; increased motor development, social skills and intelligence, increased concentration, alertness, and perceptual abilities, and improved nap time and night time sleep patterns. Babies who learn how to swim have been known to walk earlier as well, due to their increased muscle control.
It's only natural for a baby to feel comfortable and happy in the warm water. You don't have to worry about your child breathing, because they automatically hold their breath while underwater. This is called the "mammalian dive reflex". After all, they did spend their first 9 months in fluid.
If you have your own pool, it is up to you as a parent to decide when you want your baby to start swimming. There is no age limit. They can even start right after birth. Some classes however, ask that you wait until they are 3 months. Others recommend you start as early as possible. But keep in mind, the longer you wait, their confidence in the water decreases. Closer to their first year, they can actually develop a fear of water if they are not familiar with it. You should never force your child to learn if they don't want to. This will only result in a stressful situation for your child which could become a problem later on.
Don't expect your baby to start swimming like a pro right away. It takes time and patience. But even though they can't swim on the water's surface until they are about three, they can swim for short distances under the water with the help and encouragement of their parent. Have an underwater camera available to capture that special moment.
Check with your local community swimming pool to see if they have classes available. You and your new baby will love it.
Cassandra Germsheid is the owner of Baby Tips Online (http://www.babytipsonline.com). She is a stay at home mother but sometimes works part time for her local newspaper.
MORE RESOURCES:
Baby, toddler store opens in downtown Dickinson Dickinson Press The store offers a variety of baby, toddler and mom products from booties to nursing supplies. “People really love the children's shoes,” she said. Karen Feininger, a customer of the store, likes the blankets. “I love the store and I love all she has ... |
Wardle Village Church Rochdale Online Mother and Baby/Toddler Group continues every Monday and Wednesday for activities and songs for the very young with Surestart invited on Wednesday. Refreshments are included in the price of £1 for adults and 50p for youngsters. This coming Tuesday will ... |
Patent of the week: Baby, toddler sunglasses Long Island Business News by LIBN Staff Parents try everything to protect their babies and children from the effects of the sun. They are always putting sunscreen on their children, but how do you protect your child's eyes? Babies and toddlers do not want to wear sunglasses, ... |
5 Things You Should Know Today: February 3 Patch.com The Fiske Public Library will hold two Baby/Toddler Playgroups today. Birth to pre-walkers with Mom, Dad or caregiver will meet at 9:30am. Toddlers (walkers) to ages 2½ with Mom, Dad or caregiver will meet at 10:30am. Playgroups are held in the Sweatt ... |
I Got You, Babe: Relief, sadness over nocturnal independence Brandon Sun I have had a baby/toddler/kid who just doesn't sleep. I mean, she sleeps when it's convenient for her, but not so much for me and if she's awake, so am I. I didn't mind so much when I was on maternity leave. After all she was just an infant and I was ... |
Easton Public Library calendar: Jan. 24-26 Easton Courier The following comes from the library: 10:30 — Baby/Toddler Be-Bop. Ages 6-36 months. This 25-minute music and movement class incorporates popular children's songs, finger plays, and simple stories while utilizing props such as puppets, ... |
Programming for kids begins Fergus Falls Daily Journal To start off the new year we have a few of our favorite standbys such as Baby/Toddler and Preschool Storytime, Book Bunch, 2nd Saturday Storytime, and Youth Chess. We will also be continuing with some of our programs that started at the beginning of ... |
WebMD Launches WebMD Baby App for iPhone and iPod touch MarketWatch (press release) The majority of parents (55 percent) find themselves researching information almost daily regarding the health, development or sleep for their baby/toddler. The majority of parents (54 percent) believe the length of time between doctor's visits leaves ... |
 Babble (blog) | 16 High-End Designers Making Baby Clothing for the Spawn of the 1% (Photos) Babble (blog) Well, don't tell these 16 high-end design houses, they have a whole lot of super expensive baby, toddler and kids clothes to sell. But perhaps Gucci, Fendi and Dior are just marketing their clothing to a very select group of parents – the deep pocketed ... |
Rancho Bernardo/4S Ranch Digest – Issue of Feb. 2, 2012 Pomerado Newspaper Group Soroptimists of Rancho Bernardo are collecting new and gently used baby, toddler and young children's clothing to size 7 to distribute to needy families through North County Interfaith in Escondido. Recipients will be encouraged to bring in clean ... |
|
RELATED SITES Apply Online for Credit Card. Bad Credit, No Credit, No Problem.
Planning a wedding day soon? Everything you need for a beautiful and memorable wedding day
|
Perfect Baby Shower Hostess Gifts
Picture this; you are invited to a baby shower. How do you show your appreciation for the hostess who had put the whole affair together? By giving her thank you gifts.
Why You Need to Teach Your Baby How To Swim
Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby to swim. Not only is it fun for your baby to swim, bond with you, and play with other babies, it is a great way for you to interact with other parents as well.
A Special Formula for Baby!
Choosing to breastfeed the baby is one of the most important decisions a mother can make. Usually that decision was made even before the baby was conceived.
IQ, Intelligence, and Brain Development- Another Breastfeeding Benefit
Modern parents want to do everything they can to help their children's brain development. Never before have there been so many products and books sold that claim to help parents stimulate their baby's brain, assist in brain development, and give baby an intelligence "edge".
Scheduling Your Baby Naming Ceremony - the Right Time Makes All the Difference
If you're at the stage of wanting to organise a naming ceremony for your baby, then you already know that babies have their own schedule, which doesn't always align with yours. At certain times of the day they are more sociable, more alert, and more amenable to the sort of activities a naming ceremony involves.
Bye-Bye Bottle
It's finally time. My child is old enough to be drinking from a cup; a sippy, if not an open-mouthed one.
Luxury Baby Bedding - What to Look For Before You Buy
When buying luxury baby bedding, perhaps first decide what style and fabric you like best. When you decide what luxury baby bedding you want, mix and match colors and patterns on your baby's bed.
The Personality Traits Of An Aries Baby
Your Aries Baby..
Stem Cells Taken From A Babys Cord
Stem Cells..
How to Choose a Baby Bathtub
Choosing a baby bathtub is likely one of the easiest decisions you'll have to make when it comes to acquiring supplies for the new arrival. Basically, if it holds water, you're all set.
For Mother and Baby - What Do You Give? A Gift Basket of Course!
The choice for a baby or an infant gift can be a difficult one. One of the best baby or infant gifts that you can give is a gift basket.
Baby Shower Planning and Hosting
Planning and organization are crucial to hosting a successful baby shower. Below are some important topics to consider when planning:1) Who will host the shower?The person that plans and hosts the shower can be anyone, but is usually someone who is close to the new or expecting mother.
The Personality Traits of a Pisces Baby
Your Pisces Baby..
The Mystery Around Colic
You are a proud parent of a happy and healthy 2 week old baby. You and your spouse have both now gotten into a routine that is comfortable concerning nightly feedings, changing and enjoying your new little one.
Baby Speech Development - Lost for Words
As children are growing from todddlerhood to childhood parents are very aware and concerned about their child's development. One of the most grieved about concern is the development of speech.
Your Baby's Nursery - What You Will Need
As an expectant mother, you are full of excitement and anticipation for the arrival of your little baby. You are picking out names, attending baby showers, and learning all there is to know about being a mother.
Preparing A Layette For Your New Baby
First of all, in case you do not know, what is a layette? Well, the definition of layette is quite simple: a kit consisting of a complete outfit (clothing and accessories) for a new baby.Whether your new baby is going to be your first or fifth, taking that baby back home from hospital requires a lot of preparation.
Perfect Baby Shower Idea List for Necessity Type Baby Gifts
Perfect Baby shower idea lists for necessity type baby gifts. By necessity type baby gifts, I mean items which every expecting mother needs.
Choose Baby Bedding Wisely
Every adorable baby deserves equally adorable baby bedding to complete the nursery. There are other things to consider when deciding on what is right for the nursery.
Will Kids Eat Vegetables? Yes, They Will!
You have made the decision to grow your own vegetables. It's a lifestyle and health choice.