Baby Swimming – To Submerge Or Not To Submerge.

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Being a swim teacher for over 5 years now I have seen the joy that parents and their babies can get from activity in the water. The bond and health benefits that swimming when taught correctly and sympathetically can bring are immense.

So should I submerge my baby?

I strongly feel that you should never feel pressure to submerge your baby it is an intimate moment that should only be done when you are BOTH ready. When and if you are both ready take it at a pace that you feel comfortable with if you are never ready that’s fine an experienced instructor should always have options for those wishing to participate in the lessons, but not submerge.

How should I submerge my baby?

Always with a qualified instructor! I am qualified with the STA who practice submersion. Be aware not all swimming associations do and I would recommend you check your instructors credentials before joining their swimming groups. If you decide it is something you would like to do you can do it whenever you, your baby and your instructor feel you are ready. Starting with your baby facing you holding them under their arms try to get eye contact and ‘cue’ them to submerge we always say “baby… ready…swim” then nice and gently lower their head into the water pulling them steadily towards you. 4 points to remember, 1) Be relaxed (I realise it can seem like an unnatural thing to do, but your reaction will shape your baby’s attitude to water) 2) Ensure the head is fully submerged as this is a trigger of the ‘gag reflex’ 3) Easy does it, don’t change in speed half way through as could distress your baby 4) big smiles and cuddles.

How will my baby react?

In my experience a baby will react in 1 or more of the 4 ways 1) They will act as if nothing has happened! 2) They will jerk about (don’t be alarmed in younger babies this is just a result of the amphibian reflex kicking in and will ease off as they get older) 3) They will cry, this could be for a number of reasons but often because they did not understand what was about to happen, the water was too cold or they swallowed some water. 4) They will cough, due swallowing water this should only last a few seconds try offering a toy to distract them. After each submersion always remember to give lots of positive encouragement and take things at a pace you feel you are both comfortable with.

When can I submerge my baby and how often.

You should always take advice from your instructor as they know you and your child the best. Never submerge a crying baby this will almost always break your bond of trust and distress your baby further. The STA guidelines are as follows: At first stick to 1-2 submersions per lesson building up according to age, ability and experience to a maximum number of times as follows: under 6 months of age max 6 submersion, 6-12 months max 12 submersion for a baby older than 12 months can be unlimited depending on experience and physical ability. Please listen to your child, submersions should never be forced and should not be practiced away from a qualified instructor.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to submerge or not is a decision only you and your baby should make! I hope that whatever you decide you have fun in the water remember stay safe! Read my blog how to stay safe in the water!

I hope this has been useful to you! For more information on baby swimming please visit my website www.willowbabes.co.uk

Happy Splashing!

Baby, Baby-Swimming, Water-Babies, Submersion, Penistone, Swimming Lessons, Under-5’s, Preschool, Water-confidence, swimming-tips, swimming-advice