Learning how to swim is a life skill which is an absolute need for everyone especially for a baby. Every family must focus on the learning and development of this life skill as it can be very beneficial under many circumstances. Apart from that, how many times have we heard such heart breaking and absolutely tragic news of a young child, baby or a toddler passing away due to drowning? While it is important for the parents to be very vigilant with their toddlers and babies, it is also their job to provide their babies with life skills which can reduce the risks of such tragic occurrences.
In this article we will discuss why it is important to teach your babies and toddlers how to swim and what are the basics of it, so let us get started.
BENEFITS OF TEACHING YOUR TODDLERS HOW TO SWIM:
Every parent who thinks about making his or her toddler have swimming lessons is very conflicted at first, “Is it safe?”, “What if something bad happens?”, questions like these and similar to these pop in their heads making them uneasy and confused about the decision. But believe us when we say, swimming has great advantages and benefits.
Following are a few benefits mentioned which show how important it is to teach your babies and toddlers how to swim:
EXPLORE THE KICK
Doctors and many health professionals have informed this from time to time again that babies are born with a natural reflex, which is kicking. By exploring this reflex of theirs, we will only help them embrace it and be better at it. Which is why swimming is the best exercise for the babies as well as the toddlers. Health professionals suggest that this reflex goes away after the first six months of the baby being born, so in order to grow this and turn this reflex into a life skill, it is important to teach your babies how to learn to swim.
A HEALTHY AND FUN EXERCISE
Many researches have been conducted which show how babies who started swimming early on in their lives are healthier. They do not only stay fit, but also get more balanced and flexible.
BETTER COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
This is also a fact that swimming is an amazing way of making your baby develop mentally as well. Experiences as well as studies have concluded that babies who learn how to swim early on in their lives are good in subjects like mathematics, and can give better logical explanations as compare to others. So, swimming does not only have physical benefits but also mental benefits too.
Read next: Best Swimming Pools In Auckland
ENCOURAGES DEVELOPMENT
Babies who spend 30 to 40 minutes in swimming everyday not only sleep better but eat better too. Swimming encourages heart development as well as makes organs strong. For adults or for babies, swimming is one of the best activities which has multiple advantages.
WHEN TO START?
This is a common question people ask. What is the right age for your toddler to get into the pool and learn how to swim? There is no exact or ‘one’ answer for this question. This depends on toddler to toddler.
While there is no specific answer for this, few things that you should keep in mind is whether or not your baby is ready to step into this. See how he or she is comfortable with water and what are their reactions when they are in the pool. This will all help you in deciding what would be the perfect time for them to get swimming lessons.
FROM SIX TO FOUR YEARS
Babies who fall in this age bracket are very young. In order to make them like water and make them get comfortable with it, parents should play with their toddlers in pools. Basic swimming lessons like floating can be taught to these babies in fun and games.
Parents should encourage their babies to splash and kick in water as this will improve their development process and make muscles stronger. Few things to always remember is that parents should not, even for a minute let their babies get out of sight while in water. This should be a complete distraction-free area. When your toddlers turn 4, they should be comfortable enough with water that they can easily get into it and as well as out of it.
FIVE YEARS AND BEYOND
At this age, proper swimming lessons should be given to the children. There are many such swimming institutes in Auckland which can provide your child with safety as well as amazing swimming lessons.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR?
Following are a few things that are important to look for when you are choosing swimming lesson classes in Auckland:
QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS IN AUCKLAND
It is important to see that the instructors are fully qualified and hold certification from a recognized institute. It is important for the swimming school to make the baby learn about basics of water safety and swim lessons.
A PROGRAM WHICH TEACHES SELF-RESCUE AND WATER SAFETY SKILLS IN AUCKLAND
It is important that you look for a swimming program in Auckland which teaches the children what to do if they fall into water. It is important that the child is taught about water safety skills. They should teach them how to around water, how to swim in clothes or what to do when you are in water unexpectedly. How to be around water is very important for your child to know and learn.
A PROGRAM THAT TEACHES SAFETY HABITS IN AUCKLAND
It is important that you look for a program which also makes it a priority to teach children good and important safety habits in Auckland. Things like, not to ever go near the pool or inside it without an adult supervision or to always ask for permission before going in the water etc., should be taught
by the instructors in the program. It is okay to feel tentative before enrolling your toddlers into a swimming program. But remember, swimming is not only fun for your children but also a great way to improve their mental and physical abilities.
It is also a great life skill which will help your child forever in life. While it might sound scary, it will help your toddler in many situations where water is concerned, especially when they are not under an adult’s supervision. Swimming also allows parent and child to spend time together, without any distractions and build a stronger bond.
Happy Swimming!
