When to Start Baby Swimming in the Cayman Islands
and other questions answered
Having a new born is super amazing, but is a hugely intense learning experience. I’m here to help you on the swimming side of things, when can you start, how does it work, what to expect and much more!
WHY START SWIMMING LESSONS EARLY?
Aside from parent and baby swimming being a wonderful activity to do together, studies have shown that swimming lessons appear to improve children’s cognitive ability; in other words, children who start swimming from babies and pre-school are smarter than those who don’t. The benefits of consistent swimming continue to have a massive impact on your child through adolescence into adulthood, by enhancing short and long term cognitive function, which provides wider transferable cognitive benefits to other aspects of their lives. Providing your child with consistent early years swimming lessons, will give them a huge boost later on in life in many different areas and for many years to come.
SWIMMING LESSONS CAN SAFE YOUR CHILDS LIFE!
Swimming is vital from as young as possible because it is a lifesaving skill. Here on our small island, we are surrounded by water, most of us either have a pool in the back yard, or will have friends who do; kids are invited to pool parties all the time, plus all the ocean love, boat trips and beach days every other weekend. It’s safe to say the kids will be swimming a lot! For them to enjoy island life they will need the skill of swimming.
Water Safety Tips
Constant supervision is essential when your baby is in or near water. Never rely on inflatable flotation devices alone, as they can tip over or deflate unexpectedly.
Additionally, teach your child how to enter and exit the water safely from an early age.
Learning CPR is crucial. According to the American Heart Association, performing CPR in the first few minutes of an incident can double or even triple survival chances. Consider taking a first aid course and encourage other caregivers to do the same.
By following these precautions, you can create a safer environment for your baby to enjoy the water without unnecessary risks.
CAN NEWBORN BABIES SWIM?
Although a new born up to three months old isn’t capable of blowing bubbles and kicking across the pool, swimming is essential in helping your little one’s muscles and joints loosen after being cramped up inside mom’s tummy for so many months, not to mention, that the feeling of a warm wet surrounding is particularly calming to them, as it brings them back to what they know and feel safe in. Because of where we live on a tropical island, it’s important to consider the sun. New born babies can’t wear sunscreen, so swimming in the shade is vital, try an early morning lesson or evening lesson when the sun has gone down.
WHEN TO TAKE YOUR BABY SWIMMING?
If you can’t wait to get your baby swimming, you don’t have to! It is perfectly safe to take your baby swimming at any age, before or after vaccinations. Just consider the time of day and the strength of the sun, if there is any shade available, (if not remember to bring a hat to the pool), and if they’re going to have time for a feed or sleep beforehand. All of this will help them to enjoy the time in the water and be relaxed.
When to Start Swimming Lessons and Signs Your Baby Is Ready
Experts recommend starting formal swimming lessons around 3-6 months of age. At this stage, babies develop better head control and can adapt more easily to water.
Signs that your baby is ready include enjoying bath time without fear, showing curiosity about water, and having good neck stability. If your baby can respond to simple instructions, it may be a great time to begin lessons.
WHAT SHOULD MY BABY WEAR WHILE SWIMMING?
To keep pools safe and clean for us all to swim, babies should be wearing a swim nappy. Because of the sun, an all-in-one long sleeve swim suit is best, and in cooler months, neoprene swim wraps are the way to go! Please remember your little one’s hat too to keep the heat from their head and the sun out of their eyes.
TOP TIPS
Bath time is always an extension of your lessons. Singing the same songs and doing some of the exercises at home too will make swimming part of their daily routine.
Be calm and relax. If you’re not feeling at ease, or feel all anxious in the lesson, please let your teacher know. They will be happy to talk you through anything you need and explain what we are doing anything in the lessons and why.
Have fun showing your baby the water is fun! Blow bubbles, splash, play. This will set the foundation that water and swimming are fun.
