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.