August 2022 - The Plunge

4 Surprising Benefits of Swimming for Babies

You‘re probably aware of all the benefits swimming has for your body and overall health, but did you know your baby can benefit a lot from it, too? Babies can swim from an early age because they’re born with a natural kicking reflex that lasts around 6 months. Some say this is a perfect period for engaging your baby in water activities, but if you want to be 100% sure, ages 1 and older are fine. Baths can help them prepare for pools, splashes, and the feeling of being in the water.

Needless to say that safety is probably the most important thing if you decide to begin teaching your baby swimming. If you want the help of professionals, you can search for reliable and quality infant swim lessons in San Diego and the area. Keep reading to find out more about all the ways swimming can be a fun and healthy start in your little one’s life.

Why is it good to teach babies to swim?

Although a demanding and challenging job for parents, teaching your infant how to swim can give excellent results:

1. Improved cognitive functioning

Swimming is one of the activities that can develop your child’s cognitive skills and improve their critical thinking. Cross-patterning movements of swimming help your baby’s brain grow by stimulating both sides of it. This can boost language skills, and spatial awareness, while ensuring better academic performance for your child.

2. Reduced risk of drowning

Swimming early will improve your kid’s water confidence and reduce the risk of drowning. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children, which is why swimming lessons for them and their parents can be helpful. For extra security, your children should be supervised even if they’re attending swimming lessons.

3. Improved confidence

The interaction and fun group activities your baby will have while swimming will improve its overall confidence. Early learning and skill improvement will give your child a sense of accomplishment and a healthy self-image. They’ll function in groups from an early age which will ensure they feel more comfortable in social situations later on.

4. Health

Apart from developing its thinking, coordination, and balance, swimming can enhance your infant’s overall well-being. This light physical activity will strengthen your baby’s muscles and joints, it’ll also improve the strength of its cardiovascular system, as well as stimulate healthy metabolic processes. This water exercise will ensure your baby will have better sleeping and eating patterns.

What do babies learn in swimming lessons?

These are the lessons where babies and their caregivers are in the water together. Here, babies learn basic swimming skills, while the parents learn different ways to teach water safety to their children. Infants learn basic strokes, how to float, and most importantly – survival skills. The water in these swimming pools should be warm, your baby should be fully equipped, and swimming lessons should last up to 30 minutes.

Who offers quality and trustworthy infant swim lessons in San Diego and the surrounding areas?

If you’re not sure how to help your kid overcome the fear of swimming or how to teach your children basic swimming skills, the Plunge is at your disposal. With well-equipped quality swimming pools and trained and capable instructors, you can rest assured you and your little one will have the treatment you deserve. If you want to be more physically active, too, our pools and gym are ready for use. Our facility also offers other various services such as parties, corporate and private events, as well as production and filming.

If you’re near Mission Hills Park or Palm Canyon, visit our site and get your membership started today.

How to Help a Child Who Hates Swimming

We all wish to teach our children to swim at one point. It’s an essential part of growing up and a great way to prevent and overcome the fear of water at an early age. Naturally, you want to make sure your child can play and explore safely in the water. However, teaching your little ones to swim successfully is a challenge, especially if they don’t enjoy it or have a strong fear of water.

Whether your child loves or hates it, learning to swim often requires the assistance of an expert. This is why many parents opt for trusted and professional kids swimming lessons in San Diego and the vicinity. If you’re a parent who wants to help your child who dislikes swimming, read on to learn more about different ways to do that.

What to do if a child hates swimming?

Show understanding and support

You should show them patience, understanding, and support. Explain to them you understand their fear of the unknown and tell them about your first experience in the water. Your little ones should know the benefits of swimming, and how interesting and fun it can become. Let them relax, and try to lessen any pressure or anxiety by showing that you believe in them. Encourage their enthusiasm for swimming by showing them how happy and proud you are.

Practice often with them

Make pool visits a regular part of your lives by going there at least once a week with your little one. You should also be ready to join them. Ensure they learn something new every time you’re in the water. Make sure they’re not too tired or hungry for water activities and they’re fully equipped for swimming. Normalize spending time by or in the water and let them provide you with some ideas how to spend time there. They’ll feel more appreciated and encouraged if they can participate and make decisions about their pool practices.

Make sure they have some fun

They shouldn’t feel like they’re going solely to practice. Instead, they should understand it as an opportunity to have fun while learning. Adapting to this new environment might go more smoothly if you’re having fun family moments in a pool. Come up with water activities that are not only swimming. Use inflatables or a ball to practice catch, make bubbles, or splash the water, as this can all encourage your kid to stop being afraid.

Why does my child hate swimming?

Children are often reluctant when faced with something that is unknown to them. They might feel like they’re in a strange, dangerous place, with no way out. They might not like being in the water as they don’t know how to behave. Some children prefer water and are excited about both bathing and swimming, while others enter the water unwillingly. Apart from that, one of the reasons for disliking water activities can be a traumatic experience.

This is why a careful and supportive approach is key to getting some kids to like water. Step by step, they will overcome their fear, associate pool practices with something positive and fun, and become excellent swimmers.

Who offers trusted and reliable kids’ private lessons in San Diego and the region?

If you want your toddler to learn basic swim skills, or you’re aware of all the benefits of baby swim lessons, or you have a kid who doesn’t like swimming, an ideal place is just around the corner.

With years of experience under our belt, our knowledgeable and qualified instructors can help your child to learn to swim without fear. We offer swim lessons for every age group, from babies to adults and our pools fulfill all the necessary requirements. Apart from that, if you’re looking for a gym with pool, water aerobics, planning a party or a corporate event, look no further than the Plunge.

If you live near Cabrillo Recreation Center or Mission Trails Regional Park contact us and reap the benefits of our top-quality services. We’re looking forward to seeing you!