Swimming is among many practices that professionals are always recommending to improve body fitness, and in some cases, for the treatment of certain diseases. Moreover, swimming for babies is a great exercise that will help stimulate motor and cognitive development, breathing, and blood circulation in their bodies.
This activity is very popular among all age groups and parents who wish to include their little ones in physical activities from a tender age. For babies, swimming has many important benefits that directly impact their growth. Interestingly, in most cases, it can be done together.
A common question among many people is: at what age can a baby start swimming ? This recommendation may vary from child to child and everything requires monitoring. Therefore, if you want to know more about swimming for babies, continue reading this article.
When can babies start swimming?
The minimum age for babies to start swimming is after the first six months of life. At this stage of development, they have already undergone all the necessary vaccinations after birth and have already developed the auditory canal, which is very important for preventing infections and other ear complications.
However, despite being a general recommendation, it is important to keep in mind that babies have their own specific needs. Therefore, in all cases, they should undergo an evaluation with a pediatrician to receive appropriate recommendations regarding when to start swimming for babies .
A qualified specialist can tell you whether the activity is safe for your child right after birth and, if not, the best time to include this practice in your child’s life. If swimming is not recommended, there are other types of activities and games that can be recommended for babies.
The first months of a baby’s life are very important, as they demonstrate a complex development process. Although babies have the so-called swimming reflex, which allows them to perform swimming movements and hold their breath underwater, this practice gradually becomes more difficult.
What are the benefits?
After all, what are the benefits of swimming for babies ? There are a number of goals sought when parents decide to introduce swimming into their children’s lives. Generally, the main one is to stimulate motor, social and cognitive skills.
The exercises practiced and recommended by professionals during swimming lessons are meant to strengthen a child’s muscles from an early age and improve balance. These swimming exercises for babies are very important in helping a child to develop their day-to-day habits, for example, walking and crawling.
In addition, there are other advantages that are not related to movements, such as appetite stimulation , improved quality of life and sleep, posture correction and comfort for the baby, since most swimming environments play calm music during exercises.
In cases where medical advice is required, swimming for babies can also help control breathing. Many babies diagnosed with asthma have swimming as one of the indications for ongoing treatment, since the exercises help with oxygen exchange and diaphragm formation.
Tips to ensure babies’ comfort while swimming
Now that you know when to start swimming for babies and its main benefits, we have prepared some tips to make this activity more comfortable and fun for both babies and parents. There are some precautions to consider to make this practice safer.
The first step is to choose a swimming school that is appropriate for your child , that offers the necessary support and has highly qualified professionals to teach the lessons. It is also important to pay attention to the quality of the water and the treatment at the location.
Another important tip is to make sure that your baby is comfortable during all the exercises. To do this, buy bathing suits that do not cause any discomfort to your little ones and use special diapers to prevent leaks. Never forget to bring a towel or bathrobe to cover your baby.
Furthermore, even if your pediatrician recommends that you practice this sport, keep up with your doctor to understand your child’s main needs. This way, you can ensure that their development will be satisfactory and they will grow healthily.