How to Swim With Babies

Swimming with your baby can be a great bonding experience.

Swimming with your baby creates many opportunities for bonding. From the initial dip when you're holding her close to the giggly grins when she's up in the air, a baby can experience new sensations all in the comfort of your arms. You will get to watch her reactions and experience her joy as she splashes, floats and kicks. Be prepared to get equally as wet; you're the person she'll be aiming for!

Things You'll Need

• Bath or pool toys
• Hat
• Towel
• Raft or flotation device

Instructions

1. 

   Holding your baby close will help her feel secure

   Hold your baby against your body as you enter the water. Watch her face and body language to determine her reaction while you swim. Because babies get cold faster than adults, watch to see if she's shivering or has blue lips as signs that it's time to leave the water, according to writer and mom Elizabeth Pantley. Watching your baby's cues will help you make sure she is enjoying herself.

2. 

   Playing with a favorite toy can help baby transition into the water.

   Pat your hand against the water to splash near your baby. Allow your baby to splash too, or take her hand and show her how. Let her slowly get used to the water by cupping water into your hand and pouring it onto her arms. You can also let her grab her favorite bath toys to help her transition into the water.

3. 

   Getting a baby slowly used to the water is the best method.

   Hold your baby under her arms and move her away from your body. Walk slowly and dip her lower so that you are pulling her through the water. Don't attempt to push her beyond what she can handle if she seems nervous or afraid, Pantley notes. You can quickly pull her closer to you if she seems to get upset.

4. 

   Lifting baby up into the air creates an enjoyable sensation.

   Lift her up and down and let the water splash. You can also walk through the water while holding her up in the air. Figure out how long to keep her out in the air because she may become chilly.

5. 

   Allowing baby to kick and splash is an entertaining activity.

   Cradle your baby and allow her to kick her legs. She will like splashing herself with water, and will probably laugh if she gets you wet too.

6. 

   Floating on a raft is a different type of experience in the pool for baby

   Put your baby in a flotation device if she is old enough, although the American Academy of Pediatrics cautions: "Do not use air-filled swimming aids (such as inflatable arm bands) in place of life jackets. They can deflate and are not designed to keep swimmers safe." Always remain close and monitor your baby.

7. 

   Watching your baby's cues will create an enjoyable experience in the pool.

   Enjoy your experience with your baby and don't expect too much too soon. Pantley explains that "Some babies take time to warm up to the idea of a big body of water, even if they love to splash in the bathtub at home. Don't be surprised if your baby doesn't always warm up to the water or if your swim session is shorter than another time. Babies' likes and dislikes can change frequently, so be ready to go with the flow.

8. 

   Keeping your baby warm after a swim is important so she doesn't catch a chill

   Wrap your baby in a towel as soon as you exit the water. Hold her tight to keep her warm. She will start to wriggle free if she becomes too warm.

Tips & Warnings

• Protect babies who are older than 6 months with sunscreen and a hat as the water will magnify the effects of the sun. Use swim diapers instead of regular diapers because they include a waterproof layer and are more sanitary than regular diapers.

References

• "SheKnows, LLC "; Babies & Swimming; Elizabeth Pantley
• "American Academy of Pediatrics"; AAP Gives Updated Advice on Drowning Prevention; May 2010