Water play and swimming entertains kids of all ages. Swimming lessons are a key part of water safety for kids. While infants can't learn to do specific swimming strokes, baby swimming classes are available. The classes take place with a parent or caregiver in the pool to hold and protect the young child. While the class is called baby swim, the class often accommodates children up to 5 years old who aren't ready for regular swimming lessons.
Basics
Baby swimming classes give young children the chance to get comfortable in and around the water. The babies play games and interact in the pool to create a positive water experience. The adult who accompanies the baby carries her and holds as they move through different group and individual activities. The instructor should offer safety tips for the parents, such as how to get into and out of a pool while holding a baby. Baby swim class does not prepare your young child for being in the water alone, either in a deep pool or a baby pool. Young children should always be within an arm's reach of an adult while in water.
Activities
Bubble blowing is a basic activity used in infant swim classes. This helps the babies gain confidence in placing their faces in the water and learn to blow out to avoid inhaling the pool water. The classes often include group activities such as songs that encourage the babies to splash or move through the water in a particular way. As the class progresses, the young swimmers might practice kicking, front floating and back floating with the parent holding the child in position. Older children in the class may be encouraged to place their entire face in the water or try to front float without being held for a very short distance.
What to Look For
Small class size creates a safe environment and allows you more personalized instruction time. Check out the pool facilities before signing up for the class. Choose a pool that is clean and well maintained with safety equipment, such as a phone and life rings on hand. Warm pool water makes the class more comfortable for young kids. Parenting magazine recommends temperatures between 86 and 92 degrees. Pools used for competitive swimming are often kept colder and may cause your child to shiver. Meet the instructor if possible to get a sense of how she interacts with kids. Ask about the class curriculum and expectations. A laid-back approach with an emphasis on safety is a solid choice.
Tips
Hold onto your child the entire time you are in the pool. While some baby swim classes allow flotation devices, others discourage them. Even with a flotation device you should stay with your baby at all times. If you don't feel comfortable doing a particular activity, simply tell the instructor and opt out. For example, some infant swim instructors encourage parents to dip their babies under the water for a few seconds. You typically blow in your baby's face so he holds his breath, place him under water and bring him up immediately. If you aren't comfortable with this activity, you don't need to do it with your child.
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