Children have the developmental ability to learn the skills for staying afloat and swimming after the age of 4, according to an American Association of Pediatrics recommendation at Parents.com. Your goal in teaching your baby to swim should be to help them become comfortable in the water. Always keep a fun and playful attitude with your baby while teaching him to swim so he can be comfortable with the motions and more likely to remember the skills you teach him.
Step 1
Hug your baby close to your chest with the water at least up to his waist and walk backward to give your baby a sensation of motion through the water. Maintain your hold on your baby and slowly move his legs in a kicking motion to accustom him to the motion of swimming.
Step 2
Set one hand on your baby's back and your other hand on your baby's chest. Count to three and blow on your baby's face then quickly dip your baby's face in the water before pulling him back to your chest. Blowing in your baby's face will help him take a breath before you dip his face in the water as he exhales. Parents.com warns against fully submerging a child younger than 3 because he could swallow too much water.
Step 3
Briefly let go as your baby becomes comfortable with the dipping motion before pulling him back to a hug. This exercise helps your baby become comfortable with floating on his own.
Step 4
Place one hand on your baby's back and your other hand on your baby's chest. Count to three, blow into your baby's face and dip his face underwater for longer than before. Bring your baby back to a hugging position. This exercise helps your baby control his breath while in the water.
Step 5
Hold your baby out in front of you with both arms. Count to three, blow on your baby's face and dip your baby's face in the water. Slowly turn your baby on his back while supporting him with one hand on his chest and your other hand on his back. Maintain your hold on your baby as he becomes comfortable in the backfloat position.
Step 6
Slowly pull your baby backward while he is in the backfloat position to get him comfortable with his body's continuous motion through the water. If your baby tries to turn his head too far to either the left or the right, then gently brush your thumbs near his ears to help him focus on keeping his head in a stationary position while floating, according to the University of Florida Interactive Media Lab.
Step 7
Pull with enough momentum that your baby will be able to continue moving through the water in the backfloat position after you let go. Release your grip on your baby and allow him to briefly move through the water without your support.
Things You'll Need
- Swimming pool
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