Dive in with Waterbabies
Why Swimming?
Living in Cornwall, we’re lucky enough to be surrounded by our beautiful beaches and the sea - which means we all know what a vital skill swimming is. Water Babies teach babies, and children up to four years, to be safe and confident in the water. They’ve shared their tops tips to give you and your little one the most enjoyable experience!
It’s really important we’re teaching our children about water safety from a young age. Not only is it an enriching and exciting experience for you and your baby, it’s an important life skill - drowning is still the 3rd highest cause of accidental death for children under 5 in the UK.
Before you go...
Immunisations – NHS advice is that you can take your baby swimming from birth, before their vaccinations.
Pick a good time – call the pool beforehand to check temperature and quiet times.
You don’t want a sensory overload for your baby. Or book a class which is suitable for the age of your child.
Temperature - The pool needs to be warm enough for babies -
Babies under 12 lbs or 12 weeks need a hydro pool, around 35°
Babies & toddlers over 12 lbs or 12 weeks need pools around 30°
What to pack...
Swim Nappies paper disposable swim nappies aren’t designed to hold anything, so we recommend all baby swimmers use a double nappy system - a paper or reusable swim nappy first, with a neoprene nappy on top that has snug bands on the waist and legs to keep any nasties contained long enough for you to notice and hop out.
Neoprene wetsuit in case the pool is cool.
Favourite toy for positive associations with the water
Towel leave on poolside for a smoother transition back into the changing rooms. In colder weather, wrap it around a hot water bottle to warm up!
Hat for afterwards as babies lose heat through their heads.
In the water...
Word association & repetition this is really great way to utilise your baby’s ability to form associations and develop their skills in the water.
In our lessons we first use this simple and gentle method to trigger their gag reflex in preparation for underwater swims, because they elicit the same response on the surface as well as underwater, it means we can utilise this from the start! This skill is all about teaching children not to panic if they fall into water: sit baby upright, say their name (to get their attention), ‘are you ready’ and then ‘go’, then pop a handful of water over their face and wipe it away with the same hand action. You can practice this skill at home in the bath too and you’ll see the skill come on in leaps and bounds in the swimming pool!
Swim Position lay your baby on their tummy on your palms with your thumbs over their shoulders. Cup your wrists together and keep eye contact, and gently move them head first as you walk backwards.
Back Floating back floating is the first chance babies have to experience their own balance and buoyancy in the water so it really stimulates all four quarters of the body and gets them moving. Gently lay them on their back with one hand under their head/neck and one under their bottom.
Water Babies classes are available across Cornwall. For more information, please contact Kate and her friendly team:
01752 605627
bounce@waterbabies.co.uk
www.waterbabies.co.uk/contact/cornwall-and-south-devon.
