This week at Mom’s Land, we will discuss an entertaining activity contributing to our baby’s development and its benefits: swimming. According to experts, swimming supports muscle and bone development of our babies, it also contributes to the development of motor and cognitive systems.  Moreover, it is also beneficial for babies’ socialization as it brings them together with their peers. However we should never forget that, although babies instinctively have the ability to swim and hold their breath underwater, they cannot swim on their own or turn this activity to an exercise. Therefore, it is very important that there should always be an adult next to them, keeping an eye on them. With support from experts, you can have your baby start swimming activities after the second month.

Then what should we keep in mind while teaching our baby how to swim?

The most important point in swimming activities is to work with someone who has received special training/expertise in this area.
Teaching how to swim begins by ensuring that babies stay on their backs on the water. This makes them feel safe. When babies are lying on their backs, they will be in constant motion as they get the feeling of sinking down into water. So, for babies, including those in crawling period, the swimming pool should be shallow with a temperature between 28-30 degrees Celsius. Swimming exercises which start together with mother-father-trainer at the beginning may continue only with the instructor at later stages.

What are the benefits of swimming for baby’s development?

• Bonds between parents and baby get stronger.
• It helps baby achieve her balance.
• It contributes to the development of lungs.
• It relieves baby’s nervous system.
• It supports social development.
• It activates the heart and circulatory system.
• It increases baby’s self-confidence.
• It helps babies overcome gas and sleep problems.
• It strengthens all the muscles as well as it improves motor development.