Start in the bath
The bath is as good a place as any as any to help your child build confidence in the water.
Before washing allow them to become familiar with the feel of the water over their face and head.
Wet their head in the bath allowing water to trickle over their face
Lay them back, support their head and try to get them to look up and get their ears under the water
Encourage lots of splashing with hands and feet
Blow bubbles with them and encourage them to do the same
Make sure they have toys to play with and sing nursery rhymes
Equipment
Special swimming nappies are important and there are lots of makes on the market
Arm bands are very useful learning aid and there are various different kinds available
Swim jackets are good as not only do they provide flotation but they keep the children warm
Neoprene swim suits also provide warmth in the water, are less bulky and provide more freedom of movement than swim jackets.
WHEN TO START
Starting baby young has its advantages. Not only are they learning breath control, floating, kicking and other aquatic skills, but also you and your child will experience interactive play in a completely relaxed medium, unlike anything you have ever experienced before. You will learn how to hold baby in the water so you both feel relaxed and safe. You can start at any age but check with your health visitor of Doctor first. Keep in mind that by the age of approximately 6 - 8months babies loose their 'natural' swimming reflexes and after we then need to 'teach' them how to do certain skills that would otherwise be quite easy for them.
You will need to consider several important factors when choosing a good baby swimming program. At this young age lessons need to be for parents more so than for baby. Remember your baby learns everything from its parents in the early stages of life so, if you can learn how to teach your baby chances are the process of learning will be all the more enjoyable and rewarding.
Beginning lessons later at say four or five years will mean you both miss out on discovering the water together from a young age. It is never too late to start to learn and children of this age do learn very quickly once a regular routine is set. Children at this age know fear and may take longer to become accustomed to the water than a young baby, especially if they are not familiar with a pool environment.
Regardless of age lessons will help babies and children develop safety skills, strength and stamina and enable them to feel comfortable in the water. Consequently this will help reduce the risk of them panicking in an unexpected situation that may have otherwise have serious consequence the least of which would be to discourage them from learning to swim.
