If your child is embarking on her first swim lesson, it's likely -- and entirely normal -- that she will probably be scared at first. Swimming literally places a child out of his element, and requires a different type of balance and movement. Your child's swim instructor will ease your child gradually into the ability to swim safely, but there are things you can do early on to prepare her and make her at ease in the water.
Step 1
Make the most of bathtub play. For most kids, bath time is their first experience with water, so you should make the experience fun and safe. BabyCentre.UK recommends plashing water over your baby's body in a gentle manner, or placing her on her back in the water and moving her slowly back and forth.
Step 2
Take your baby or toddler swimming. According to "The Sun," you can take your baby swimming from six months of age, provided that the temperature is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Early exposure to swimming pools will make your child's first lesson seem much less alien and frightening. It's important that you remain calm and relaxed during these initial swim sessions, as your child will pick up your emotions. When you first get into the pool with your child, be sure your child's mouth is close to yours, BabyCentre.UK advises.
Step 3
Put your mouth under water and show your child how to blow bubbles. BabyCentre.UK reports that this is an essential early lesson for kids, as it teaches them to blow out rather than inhale water. You can demonstrate this further by blowing a toy across the water and encouraging your child to mimic this action. Be sure to supervise this exercise closely for safety.
Step 4
Allow your child to float while holding your hands. "The Sun" emphasizes that you should try this only when your child feels ready and seems comfortable with the water. Work up to this by gradually holding your child a little bit farther from your body, until he feels more comfortable trying to float on his own.
Tips and Warnings
- Let your child determine the pace. "The Sun" advises always following your child's lead in terms of trying something new. You should never push them beyond what feels comfortable or safe. Use bath toys in the pool. When first introducing swimming pool play, the use of bath toys can create a feeling of safety and familiarity,
Things You'll Need
- Bath toys
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