babyIf you follow this blog then you may have read our previous post on when a baby can swim for the first time. Well if you think your baby is now ready read on and find out how to introduce your baby to the water for the first time.

Practise Makes Perfect

Don’t go running into the pool straight away, start off by practising in the bathtub. This will get your baby used to the water in a safe and familiar environment.

Get them used to having water over their head by pouring a cup of water over them slowly so the water runs over their face.

So Chilly it’s Silly

Make sure to check the temperature of the water before you get in to the swimming pool with your child. When we are babies we cannot regulate our body temperature as well as when we are grown adults so therefore a pool temperature similar to our bodies is suggested.

Just because a pool is cooler than this doesn’t mean you can’t go in but make sure to keep an eye on your baby’s extremities for circulation issues due to the cold. We’d recommend getting out every quarter of an hour or so to warm up a little bit.

Say No to Floats

Although arm bands and floatation devices may seem like the safest option they may actually hinder your baby’s progress when learning to swim. These will keep your baby in an upright vertical position where a horizontal body position is best for swimming.

Take a Stance

A kiddie pool is advised of course and once you are in the pool the way you hold yourself and the baby is important. You want to be comfortable and have a safe hold at the same time. The two most popular positions include:

  • Lay your baby back as if they are floating in the water on their own but support their head and bum with your arms.
  • Hold them under their armpits so you are face-to-face half submerged in the water.

Once you find what is comfortable for you move around a little. This will give your baby a sense of what it feels like to have moving water around them.

Follow the Leader

Some babies take to water more easily than others so make sure to act on their cues. Don’t push or make them do anything more quickly than they want or you’ll just get a grizzly baby who won’t like swimming pools at all anymore.

Other Tips

  • Keep a smile on your face and this will assure your child that all is ok.
  • Check that there are life-savers nearby just in case.
  • Praise them or sing a soothing song if they get scared.
  • When they are used to the water place your mouth under the water and show them how to blow bubbles. Or you could encourage them to try kicking in the water!

But I’m Not a Strong Swimmer

This isn’t about swimming lengths it is about introducing your baby to something they have no previous experience of. You could even stand or kneel in the water if you would feel happier. There are many benefits of being able to swim and it is important your child gets the chance to learn. Plus when they improve it may encourage you to get some practise in too.


(image: pixabay)