As any parent who has watched their infant play around in a bathtub or kiddie pool will tell you, babies absolutely love water! So why not take the opportunity to give your child a crucial life skill and have lots of fun in the process by teaching your baby to swim in a safe and pleasant environment?

We have previously touched on the topic of teaching your child to swim and provided some tips on how to make your child’s first swim lessons as comfortable as possible. Now we’ll expand on this topic by telling you what to expect when you enroll your baby in infant swim lessons in San Diego. Read on to learn more. 

How soon can you take a newborn swimming?

Did you know that most newborns will instinctively hold their breath and move their arms and legs in a swimming motion when put in water? This natural ability usually disappears after about six months, but the fact it’s there at all is still remarkable. 

Of course, very young children can’t swim on their own because their bodies still aren’t developed enough to support their own head. However, once they’re about 10 months old, your baby can start getting comfortable around water and having a wonderful time swimming, splashing, and paddling in a pool.

What do I need for baby swimming lessons?

Before you paddle out into the water, make sure your baby has everything they need to enjoy themselves in the water and stay safe while doing so.

Some items to consider include:

• Goggles. Does your toddler enjoy splashing or diving? If so, goggles are a must!
• Life jacket. Having an inflatable vest or arm bands is a great way for your child to learn the basics of moving around in water in a safe and fun manner.
• UV-protective swimsuits are soft and stretchy, and protect your baby’s sensitive skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. 
• Hat. If you’re going to be at the beach or at an open swimming pool, make sure your child wears a hat to protect their head, face, and eyes. 

What should a baby wear when swimming?

Babies who haven’t been potty trained yet should wear special swim diapers while in the pool. While these diapers aren’t 100% effective at keeping poop and germs out of the water, they can still delay it by a few minutes, which is usually enough time for a parent to take the baby out of the pool and change the dirty diaper before it contaminates the water.

As a general rule, you should:

• Keep a close eye on your child and immediately take them out of the water if you suspect they may need a bathroom break. 
• Check your baby’s swim pants or diapers frequently (at least once every 60 minutes), and replace them as needed.
• Carefully wash your hands after changing the babies’ diapers to prevent germ transmission after coming back into the pool.

Where can I book fun and dependable infant swim lessons in San Diego?

Are you looking to enroll in a long-standing swimming school in one of San Diego’s most beautiful neighborhoods? Or perhaps you’re interested in a poolside daycare, fitness programs, or water aerobics classes? Here at The Plunge, we offer all those things and more!

Located just a short walk from the gorgeous Ventura Cove Park, we are a historic swimming pool that offers a comprehensive range of public pool services. Come visit us today, or give us a call if you’d like to learn more about who we are and what we offer!