With the birth of a child, parents try to protect the baby, because he is just beginning to get acquainted with the new world. A newborn baby cannot develop without the help of its parents. And today many options are popular physical exercise, developmental activities that are suitable for children from the first months of life. One such activity is infant swimming. This method of uniting a baby with water is not only popular, but also has many opponents. Parents who practice exercises in water with their baby are convinced that if you don’t start swimming with your baby as early as possible, he will quickly forget how to hold his breath under water. And then it will be very difficult to train him again. Those who are against infant swimming argue that the first year of life is too early for training in the water. Whose side is the truth on? What are the benefits of infant swimming? Let's take a closer look.
What is infant swimming
Swimming is very good for health, especially for the physical development of a child. But when exactly should you start exercising in water? This is a question many parents ask. Supporters of infant swimming are sure that you need to start as soon as the baby is two to three weeks old. Experts in early swimming say that you can wait up to a month or a month and a half, but do not delay the start of classes, because the innate reflex to swim gradually fades away from the moment of birth, and is completely forgotten already at the age of three months.
You need to start classes with children before they are three months old, preferably earlier: about a month. It is at this time that the baby still remembers how to hold his breath under water
Many parents are sure that early swimming is necessary in order to teach their baby to swim. This is not so: the basis of exercises in water for babies is general strengthening of the body. The baby spent nine months in his mother's belly, and was there in the water. He is familiar with this environment, his consciousness still remembers what it’s like to be in water. Infant swimming experts are confident that with the help of exercises in the water, the baby will better adapt to an unfamiliar world. The child learns to stay on the surface of the water and hold his breath when diving. These skills are familiar to him, you just need to not let the body forget them, but simply push the baby to develop them.
No matter how much parents are supporters of infant swimming, it is not recommended to independently decide on the possibility of exercising with a newborn in the water. If parents decide to start such exercises, it is necessary to consult with a number of specialists. A pediatrician, a neurologist and an orthopedist are mandatory on this list. And only after a positive response from all three doctors can the baby be introduced to water.
Baby's first activity in the water - video
The benefits of early swimming for newborns
Everyone knows that water is good for everyone, especially regular swimming. The question is at what age is swimming beneficial? Parents and infant swimming experts give many reasons that reveal the positive aspects of early start of lessons with a baby in the water:
- a newborn baby cannot perform many actions; he just lies in a crib or in his mother’s arms, and can move his arms and legs. When immersed in water, the child becomes 7 times lighter, so the baby can make active movements. It is much easier for him to control his body during swimming. Such activities help strengthen the child’s muscles without additional stress on the still fragile spine;
- prevention of flat feet and scoliosis;
- Light hydromassage has a beneficial effect on the baby’s general condition and has a relaxing effect on the muscles. This is especially useful for children with hypertension;
- helps normalize intracranial pressure;
- has a positive effect on the development of the respiratory system: water puts pressure on the chest, so it is more difficult for a child to inhale, but it is much easier to exhale. This is a kind of simulator, thanks to which everyone works actively respiratory muscles: blood supply to the lungs improves, their ventilation increases and lung capacity increases. Doctors often recommend early swimming for children diagnosed with depressed breathing. This situation is possible after delivery by Caesarean section, or entwined with the baby’s umbilical cord;
- training and improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system: the water temperature during swimming is about 31–32 degrees, the vessels narrow, which causes more blood to flow to the heart, and this requires more active work of the heart muscle. As a result of these actions, blood supply to all organs and systems of the baby improves. However, you should remember that you start swimming with a water temperature of at least 36–37 degrees, gradually reducing it to 31 degrees;
- has a beneficial effect on the nervous system due to the relaxing effect of water;
- the immune system is strengthened, because swimming in cool water tones the entire body;
- hydromassage affects not only the muscles, but also the gastrointestinal tract: digestion is improved and constipation is prevented. Parents note that children who engage in early swimming practically do not experience infant colic;
- the baby learns not to be afraid of water, and as he grows up he will feel more confident in bodies of water or at sea;
- has a positive effect on the baby's sleep, because after active swimming the baby's body needs a good rest.
Many doctors note great benefit for the health of a baby who has been swimming since the first months of life. In some cases, neurologists and orthopedists recommend infant swimming as one of the ways to solve congenital problems in a child
Is there any harm?
Of course, like every medal, there is also a flip side. And of course there are negative aspects of early training in water:
- Many doctors explain the innate reflex of holding one's breath in water as a protective reaction of the body, and not as a skill. Those. in the pool or bathroom, parents themselves create a situation where the child is forced to hold his breath so as not to inhale water into his lungs. And this is a lot of stress for the body. Many newborn babies are afraid of water and do not want to swim. In this case, it is recommended not to force the child, but to refuse such activities. After all, constant fear and hysterics negatively affect the child’s fragile nervous system;
- The child’s muscles and skeletal system may not be ready for such a load. Some orthopedists insist that swimming is not included in the baby’s gradual development plan: first, the child must learn to sit and crawl, strengthen the spine, and only then can he be taught to swim;
- the development of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs, such as otitis media, rhinitis, throat diseases, as well as inflammation of the eye mucosa;
- There are cases when diving can be dangerous for the baby’s life, because swallowing water into the lungs during diving is very dangerous;
- indigestion, which is also possible after swallowing water while swimming.
Whether or not to go swimming from birth is a choice not only of parents, but also of doctors. If the doctor has for some reason prohibited your child from playing in the pool or bathtub, you need to listen to the recommendations of a specialist. Not all children can benefit from this type of swimming. Therefore, in order not to harm to a small child, you need to carefully weigh all the pros and cons.
If a child does not want to swim: he screams, cries, experts recommend not forcing the baby and postponing classes until a later time. After all, fear experienced in infancy may cause a fear of water in the future.
In 2010, the College of European Pediatricians conducted a study that covered countries such as Germany, France and Belgium. The study included children under two years of age who had been swimming since birth. Doctors found that these children had a fourfold increased risk of developing respiratory diseases compared to their peers who did not go to the pool or swam in it extremely rarely. Pediatricians have identified the reason: chlorine is very harmful to the immature respiratory system of newborn children and infants. And in any case, water gets into the ears and nasal cavity; sometimes the baby can drink a little water while swimming.
Exercises at home in the bathtub and in the pool: what to choose and whether it is possible to combine
Parents who decide to teach their baby to swim early are faced with very important issue: where to start classes, in the bathroom at home or in the pool? Experts have different opinions on this matter. Some recommend that babies up to a month or two swim at home, because in a special baby bath it is easier for the child to get used to the water, he is not so scared, and the mother feels more confident. Others argue that from three weeks you can start going to the pool so that the child gets used to a large amount of water and space.
Infant swimming trainers insist that first the child must undergo adaptation in the bathroom: get used to the water, not be afraid to dive in and out. Indeed, when first immersed in water, only a small number of newborns begin to work with their arms and legs. For other children, a coach or mother develops these skills. Only after getting used to the water in a small bath is it better to start exercising in the pool.
Exist individual sessions and group sessions, where the instructor helps parents and children adapt to the water
Experts explain that you can combine swimming at home and in the pool. But it’s always better to start with a coach or instructor who will show you how to properly immerse a child in water, what exercises can be done, and most importantly, tell you the safety rules so that the baby doesn’t swallow water and get scared.
Comparative characteristics of infant swimming at home and in the pool - table
| In the bathroom | In a swimming pool | |
| Comfort for the child | A newborn baby is still getting used to the new environment, so children under one month old are recommended to study in a special baby bath with their mother nearby. This way the child will feel the presence of his mother nearby, and the small space will not cause fear. | Very often newborn babies get scared big water, extraneous sounds, noise. After all, not only they, but also other children are engaged in the pool. That is why it is recommended to bring children aged two to three months to the pool. |
| Lessons with a trainer | Doctors recommend starting early swimming exercises only in the presence of a specialist. When mom gets used to it a little, you can study on your own. But often calling a trainer to your home is problematic and expensive. | In the pool you can choose an individual schedule, choose the instructor you like and be completely sure that the classes will be carried out correctly and usefully. |
| Safety | Very often, mothers who try to practice infant swimming on their own do not know the principles and methods of training. Water can get into the baby's lungs, and this is life-threatening. | In the pool, classes are held only under the supervision of experienced specialists, so the child and mother are completely safe. |
| Exercises in groups | Very often children do not want to swim on their own: they are scared, uninterested, etc. There is no way to do exercises with several children at home. | In a group, the child pays attention to his peers. When a child sees that others are swimming with pleasure, he is not so afraid to try new tasks and exercises himself. |
| Conditions | In this regard, a home bath comes out on top. Mom can prepare boiled water without chlorine, wash the bathtub or large bathtub well, and can be sure that no infections are scary for her baby. | Often, chlorine, which is used to disinfect water, causes allergic reactions, problems with the respiratory system and digestion, when swallowing water from the pool. There is a risk of catching some kind of infection. |
Infant swimming in the pool - video
Basic principles of infant swimming
The main principle of early swimming is proper preparation. After all, the success of infant swimming depends on how, in what environment and with what exercises the baby gets acquainted with water.
- Start on time. You can swim when the umbilical wound has healed. This occurs at two to three weeks of age. This is the time that instructors consider optimal to start classes. Experts are sure that the later you start working with your baby, the more difficult it will be for him to get used to water. Moreover, after three months the child’s instinct to hold his breath under water is lost.
- Cleanliness is the key to health. We have been familiar with this phrase since childhood and in this case it is very appropriate. After all, the baby’s body is just getting acquainted with the microorganisms around it. Therefore, the bath or pool must be clean. If parents choose to swim at home, then before each bath the bath should be washed with baby soap and rinsed thoroughly. If adults go to the pool with their baby, they must be sure that all sanitary and hygienic standards are observed.
- Water quality. Better to use at home boiled water or cleaned. But you should not add potassium permanganate or decoctions of medicinal herbs to it. After all, a baby can swallow this water and it will enter the digestive tract. In the pool, you should find out how the water is purified. Most pools use chlorine, but some have switched to ultraviolet water purification. This method is more preferable because chlorine has negative impact on the child's respiratory system.
- Water temperature. The optimal temperature for infant swimming is 31–32 degrees. But you can’t start your first lessons in such cool water. Experts recommend starting with warm water at 36,037 degrees and reducing the temperature to the required temperature within a month. But you should remember that if you put your baby in the water and he cries for several minutes in a row, and before that he bathed with pleasure, it means he is cold and you should not lower the temperature yet. If the baby, on the contrary, is too relaxed, without signs of obvious activity, then the water is hot and the temperature needs to be lowered.
- Optimal time. Doctors do not recommend exercising your baby in water immediately after feeding or on an empty stomach. The most right time- forty to sixty minutes after eating.
Before starting exercises in water, you should properly prepare the child so that he is not hungry and feels comfortable
Popular early swimming techniques
Classes can be conducted using specially developed methods. Some of them are radically different from each other, but all are aimed at achieving the same goal - classes with newborns and children up to one year old.
Methodology of Zakhary Firsov
It was developed back in 1978. The main goal of the classes is to teach the child to float calmly by the age of twelve months. long time, at least 20–30 minutes, dive to a shallow depth just like that or for a toy, jump from a low side into the pool and don’t panic. Classes using this method are carried out gradually: first they explain to the baby that he will now swim, supporting him, they lower him into the water. After the stage of adaptation to water, the baby is transferred to a horizontal position in the water, supported under the back or stomach. And gradually the child learns to swim and dive.
Methodology of Igor Charkovsky
Very different from learning to swim gradually. First of all, it was developed for premature babies who have a weakened body. Its principle is that the child is quickly and sharply immersed in water with his head for a few seconds, then taken out of the water and immediately immersed again. At this time, the baby manages to inhale air and holds his breath under water.
The author of the technique claims that at a time when air does not enter the body, the brain is fed in an enhanced mode. As a result, such exercises lead to faster mental and physical development of children. The duration of one lesson is at least 30–40 minutes.
Teaching a child using the method of Igor Chartkovsky
One of the most popular methods, which includes four stages:
- The first stage is designed for children up to three months. Classes begin with a massage, then gymnastics with imitation of swimming outside the pool or bath, then the baby is immersed in the pool and the gymnastics takes place in the water;
- the second stage is designed for children from three to six months. Children are explained how to swim, supported and shown exercises. Everything is designed for conversations with a child;
- from six to nine months the third stage begins, during which babies already swim and even dive on their own;
- and at the fourth stage, skills are consolidated. Babies from nine months can already swim along the bathtub or children's pool. Parents lower toys into the water, and the child dives after them.
Vladimir Guterman's technique is one of the most popular, because... designed to gradually accustom a child to water and swimming
Rules for infant swimming at home
Before starting classes, you need to make sure that the child is in a good mood. Experts insist that tears, crying, hysterics or fear are reasons to give up swimming and reschedule classes to another time or day. You can study with a well-fed baby, because a hungry child will be capricious and ask for food. An hour after feeding, the food will already be absorbed in the digestive tract, and children will not yet feel hungry. This is the optimal time to conduct classes.
It is recommended to conduct the first classes together with an instructor who will show parents how to perform the exercises correctly. Another important point- each exercise is accompanied by a voice. For example, before dipping a child into the water, you need to tell him that we are now going to dive. This way the child will subconsciously remember the words and be ready for a certain action.
Swimming in the bathtub is not a boring activity at all, as it might seem at first glance. Today there are many devices that will help your baby adapt to the water:
- bath mat: special mats are required to prevent the baby from slipping. They are sold in the form of colorful animals or other images. These colors attract the baby and he will be happy to swim in the bath;
- circle: inflatable circles are placed around the baby's neck and do not allow the head to submerge under water. Over time, when the child feels comfortable and confident in the water, the circle can be removed and practice diving with the baby;
- a cap on the head: it is put on the child and also holds the baby’s head above the water;
- special panties: you can buy diaper panties or just panties with elastic bands that fit tightly to the child’s body. These panties are more suitable for working out in the pool, because unpleasant surprises are unacceptable there. At home, the baby can bathe without clothes.
Early swimming equipment - photo gallery
The cap prevents the child from diving under the water The circle is designed to keep the baby's head above the water The bath mat will prevent the baby from slipping
Circle and cap for bathing babies - video
Baby swimming exercises at home
Before you start diving, make sure the water temperature is right so your baby doesn't get too hot or cold. Before immersing in water, you must first wet the baby's hands and let him touch the water. Then slowly lower the child's feet and gradually the whole body. There are two ways to support your baby during infant swimming: under the chin and under the back of the head. Positions may vary depending on the exercise being performed.
While swimming, your baby should be supported under his chin to prevent him from swallowing water.
- Splashing in the water: Submerge your baby in the water on his stomach. Gently support him under the chin while the baby actively uses his arms and legs.
- We walk along the bottom: The baby should be held vertically under the armpits so that the legs reach the bottom of the bathtub. Move the child, and at this time he will try to step or jump in the water.
- Tremors: This exercise can be done both on the back and on the stomach. Slowly bring the child to the walls of the bathroom. As soon as the baby feels support, he will reflexively begin to push off from it and try to swim.
- Motivation: support the child under the chin; he lies on his stomach in the water. At some distance from the baby, lower the toy into the water. Explain to the child that he tries to reach the toy. The baby will try to swim, actively moving his arms and legs.
- Eight: This exercise can also be performed on the back and stomach. The main rule is that a child should not be afraid of water, because it is quite active exercise. Supporting the baby's head, move him through the water, as if drawing a figure eight. Slow and smooth at first, then the pace can be increased.
- Diving: this is the most difficult exercise. The first few times it is best to do it with an instructor. Before you plunge your baby headfirst into the water, you need to prepare the child. For the first 10 days, say the word “dive” and simply blow on the baby’s face. He will hold his breath. Then we move on to the second stage: after the cherished word, we blow into the face and splash water. Gradually the child will get used to it and as soon as he hears this word, he will reflexively hold his breath even before diving into the water. And only then do we proceed to full immersion: quickly lower the baby into the water with his head and take him out. This exercise can be done several times in a row.
Exercises must be performed regularly, only then will the baby master swimming and by the age of one year will be able to dive independently
How to teach your baby to swim at home - video
Features of lessons in the pool
In the pool, classes are conducted both individually and in groups. It all depends on the wishes of the parents and the mood of the baby. Each child is taught by a personal instructor who is specially trained and parents can be calm about the safety of their child. Some parents do not want to be in the pool with their child. If the baby perceives the trainer normally, the mother can watch the classes from the side, and the baby will swim with the instructor. First of all, you need to get your baby ready for the pool; for this you need to take with you:
- special panties for babies;
- several diapers;
- warm towel;
- a cap for the child to put on after swimming;
- baby wash or soap: after swimming in the pool, your baby should be given a bath to rinse off the chlorinated water;
- a circle for swimming, just in case;
- a few of the baby's toys that he especially likes and are allowed in the pool.
You need to go to the pool prepared, take toys so that you can distract your baby if he gets a little naughty
One lesson in the pool lasts about one and a half hours. First, the child will receive a massage to stretch the muscles and prepare the body for swimming. This massage lasts about 20–25 minutes. After this, you can immerse the baby in water. The first lesson lasts no more than 10 minutes, gradually increasing over the course of a month to an hour. Exercises in the pool are no different from exercises in the bathroom, so the principle is the same.
After swimming in the pool, some parents harden their baby. To do this, instructors pour cold water over the baby. But children do not like this procedure, so many parents refuse this type of hardening. It is enough for the baby to dry off on his own after swimming and only then dress him. This also strengthens the child’s body.
Infant swimming in a group - video
When parents are completely comfortable with the new type of activity, they can refuse the services of an instructor. But for the safety of the child, if the parents are unsure of their abilities, it is better to leave an experienced trainer to work with the child.
Experts note that the child should not be fed immediately after swimming. It is better to wait an hour and then satisfy the baby’s hunger.
Baby swimming in the pool with a trainer - video
When and how to start classes with your baby?
You can start swimming lessons when the umbilical wound heals, usually in 2-3 weeks. At first, parents take care of the child in a regular home bath. When the bath becomes too small for the baby and he acquires basic skills, you can move to the pool. As a rule, this occurs at 2 months.
Nine months before birth, the baby floated in amniotic fluid. And if you don’t frighten him in any way, he will happily accept the water in the bath.
You need to work with your child when he has good mood, he is full, does not want to sleep, nothing bothers him. You must be cheerful and friendly. It is advisable to turn swimming lessons into exciting game, which will bring pleasure to both you and the child. You need to be patient and take your time. Gradually increase the load, gradually add new exercises. Remember that your main goal is not achieving results, but the pleasure and health of your baby. Children's swimming is not difficult, and all parents can learn it. You must be calm and your arms must support the baby confidently and securely. The child feels your mood. It is important not to cause fear, overwork and distrust of water in him. Once a mistake is made, it can discourage a child from learning to swim for a long time.
Infant does not know what fear is, he is not afraid of water. While in the womb, he was constantly surrounded by amniotic fluid, and if the child develops fear in the bath, then the culprit should be looked for quickly among the parents.
How can parents gain confidence? If you want to teach your child to swim, then it is also advisable to practice in the water during pregnancy. Parents who love water and know how to swim have more confidence in the advisability of activities with their baby. Read the manual carefully. Imagine how you will perform lifts in the water. Find the right time and you can start. Swimming lessons are held in a large bathtub. Because it will be just as uncomfortable for a child to swim in a small bathtub as it is for you in a regular one. What should the temperature of the bath water be? According to Z.P. Firsov’s method, the temperature in the first lessons can be 37 degrees, in the fifth lesson -36.5, in the ninth - 36, in the fourteenth - 35.5, in the twentieth - 35, in the twenty-fourth - 34 degrees. Next, the water temperature drops to the temperature of a regular pool - 28 degrees. We usually start with a lower temperature. You must select the temperature individually for the child. He should be warm and comfortable in the water, but at the same time, the water should not be too warm to encourage the child to make active swimming movements.
As a rule, the water temperature for a child just born and weighing up to 4 kg should be about 35.5 – 36 degrees, but for a plump child with folds it should be 34-35. IN In any case, you select the temperature for your child based on how he behaves in the bath.
During the first lessons, you and your baby will feel more confident if you immerse yourself in the bath together. This is not necessary in subsequent classes. You will stand in front of the bathtub and bathe your baby. The bath is filled with ordinary pure water. You need to work with your child every day. The first classes last 5-10 minutes, then 20 minutes. From the moment you enter the pool, you can exercise for 40 minutes.
Methodology of Z.P. Firsov designed for classes for 9-12 months. The ultimate goal is to teach a child, firstly, to float independently on the surface of the water for up to one year of age. 20-30 minutes, secondly, dive to a shallow depth, get the toy from the bottom and swim underwater for 7-8 seconds. Thirdly, while wearing light clothes - a summer suit, shoes, socks, a hat - jump from the side of the pool in clothes into the water and in these clothes stay on the surface of the water for 2-3 minutes. The latter seems especially relevant to me in light of the statistics of tragic incidents that have occurred over Last year with kids. It turns out that a large number of children die from drowning every year, and the strangest thing is that in 78% of cases children die in ordinary puddles, that is, they fall and die terribly from the inability to hold their breath in this way. By teaching your child to swim from infancy, you will forever protect yourself from this tragedy.
At first we studied Firsov’s methodology, then the work experience of his foreign colleagues, and over time ours came own experience. The technique that you are about to read is based on our experience in teaching newborns to swim. It is somewhat different from the basic methods and is one of the modifications of soft swimming methods and seems to us the most optimal.
Immerse the child you need to slowly, gradually, after checking the temperature of the water so that it does not seem too cold or too hot to the child.
The dive begins with the feet in vertical position..
At the same time, you can calmly explain to the child that he will be in the water, that now he will swim. Then, when he gets used to being in the water. You calmly move it to a horizontal position and at the same time support it from below. At first, the supports should be stronger so that the child feels secure. Later, the supports fall under a smaller area of the body. If you are in the bath with your child (as a rule, the father is there at first, because it is not recommended for the mother to take a bath while there is lochia), you can hold the child on bent knees, you can put your hands completely under his back, and cover him with your palms head and rock the baby in this position. You can place it on your stomach and chest so that the baby's head is above the water.
When you start exercising while in front of the bathroom, the most convenient support is this: left hand is located under the back of the child’s head, and with your right hand you clasp the hips either from the outside, or between the legs, or from your side, as you wish.
Try to keep your child in the most horizontal position relative to the water while swimming on his back, which will help him quickly learn to swim independently. Don't worry about water getting into your ears. The baby was constantly in the amniotic fluid inside the womb, and it got into the ears. If you start classes before 3 months, you don’t have to worry about the harmful effects of water on your baby’s ears. During the entire period of training, we did not have a single case of ear inflammation in children.
First, you do small movements on your back along the bathtub back and forth, and then, preferably, master the figure eight, movement along the maximum length of the bathtub. You support the child as in the previous exercise, and cross your arms during turns. You can change the speed. In general, there are children who like slow, calm movement, and there are children who like it when an adult asks enough higher speed. Such back maneuvers are the main exercise that prepares a child for independent swimming on his back.
The next exercise is pushing away from the wall of the bathtub. It is performed as follows. You hold the child by the back of the head, bring the child's legs to the side wall of the bathtub, place two legs with their feet directly on the wall of the bathtub and slightly move the child towards the side. He pushes off with his feet. And how hard he pushes, the more you pull him back. So that the child feels a direct relationship: how hard he pushes, how far he swims. Some children easily and immediately perform this exercise, others are not very willing. But, as a rule, over time the child likes this exercise and is happy, sailing far back.
The next wiring is done in a position on the stomach. The child lies on his stomach with his head above the water. With your left hand you clasp the back of the head, with four fingers of your right hand you support the chin, and with your thumb you cover the child’s mouth. Firstly, this technique protects against water getting into the mouth, and secondly, the baby will swim more calmly while sucking your finger. In this position, you swipe back and forth at low speed, and then move on to a figure-of-eight motion, the same as when swimming on your back.
There are children who willingly swim on their backs and on their stomachs, and there are children who prefer swimming on their backs or on their stomachs. It is better to start classes with the pose that is more pleasant for the child. Then, with games and jokes, gradually move to the position that you like less. If you don’t like some exercise, it is better to switch to another exercise, but do not take the child out of the water and do not hold him close to you, because this can lead to a general reluctance to do anything in the water later. Therefore, if you don’t like swimming on your stomach, then we swim on your back; if you don’t like swimming on your back. then feed on your stomach. If you are tired of both, you can take a rest position.
Relaxing pose, vertical. You support the baby under your chest so that both of his arms are thrown over yours. right hand. In this case, you can either support the head and back, or water them with water. The child, as a rule, calms down in this position. There are children for whom a more acceptable resting position is not horizontal, but reclining on its side. After a few lessons, you will understand the child’s characteristics, adapt to them, and it will become much easier for both of you.
Do not try to take the child by force. The main thing in the first two months, while you are swimming in the bath, is for the child to get used to the water and feel trust in it. At first, his posture will be more tense, and as it goes on, the more relaxed. In addition to these basic movements, you can rock the child so that he feels the water better. As long as the child is calm, enjoys the activity and actively participates in swimming, continue the activity. When you see signs of fatigue - the child begins to whine, be capricious, arch, or his nasolabial triangle turns blue - the lesson should be gradually completed. After your child learns how to correctly perform maneuvers on the back and stomach, swimming lessons will lengthen, will bring him pleasure and you will see that he trusts the water, you can start diving.
Diving is a necessary component of teaching a child to swim independently and is the main thing that will protect you in the future from the danger of the child drowning.
You will have peace of mind on the beach that your child can play in the water and nothing bad will happen to him. How to start teaching your child to dive? This should be done gradually. At first, when the child floats on his back or on his stomach. You give a loud, clear command: “Attention, we’re diving” or “One, two, three, we’re diving!” And at the same time you blow intensely into the child’s face. He will wince, close his eyes and hold his breath. This needs to be repeated for several days. Once you have mastered this exercise, you can move on to the next one.
To the command: “Attention, we are diving,” you spray the child in the face. It is advisable so that water does not get into the nose from bottom to top. You will notice that the child is also holding his breath. Then you can perform the following exercise in a supine position. At “Attention, let’s dive,” you lower the child a little deeper into the water so that only the nose and mouth remain on the surface, and the cheeks, forehead and eyes submerge under the water. And finally, if you have mastered all these exercises, you can move on to real diving.
It is better to perform the first dive when the child is in a very good mood, relaxed, and has already swam for some time. It is better to perform it from a position on your stomach. You give the command and submerge the child shallowly under water for a second and bring him to the surface.
At the same time, under water you do not let go of it. When the child appears above the water, for the first second he will have a misunderstanding and an expectant reaction: “What was that?” You should praise, say that everything turned out very, very well for the child, that he dived wonderfully. Then he won’t cry and will want to dive in next time and please you again. At first, diving should be performed 2-3 times per lesson. After you have mastered short dives for a certain period of time, you can move on to longer ones.
Near one edge of the bathtub you dive in, guide the child along the entire length of the bathtub and emerge at the other edge. Over time, dives can be extended to 5-6 seconds under water and on a short time release the child under water, then pick him up and bring him to the surface of the water. More than 5 dives in principle initial stages It is not recommended to do this, but you can adjust them according to the child’s reactions. The main tasks facing you in teaching your child to swim in a bathtub are friendship and trust in the water and the ability to dive without swallowing large quantity water. By this time, your baby will be 2-3 months old, and you can move to a large pool.
There are a number of advantages in the pool: firstly, the water level is higher and the water holds the child better, secondly, mothers with children will also be there, and the children amazingly adopt what other children have already learned and also begin to swim better next to them , thirdly, it will be more convenient for you to support your child when you are in the pool with him, rather than leaning over the bathtub.
In any case, we recommend using auxiliary devices from 2-3 months of age. This is the Little Mermaid set. The main component is the “little mermaid crown”. It is put on the child from about 2 months of age so that he can independently lie on the surface of the water.
From birth, the child has a step reflex. Sometimes this reflex is not very clearly expressed. It is quite difficult for a child to walk on land. But if you put a rubber mat on the bottom of the bathtub, take in water not as much as for swimming, but so that it reaches the child’s chest or a little higher, take him under the armpits and slightly tilt his body forward, he will walk very briskly along the bottom baths.
Children learn to walk in a bath much better than on land.
You just belay, watch and there is no need to be in an inclined position all the time supporting the child. Over time, he will learn to lie on the water on his own, without any help and without the “little mermaid”. At first you support the child quite strongly, then you support the child much weaker, only with your fingertips, then the child is supported by the “little mermaid”, from which you gradually remove the cubes one at a time. Then, during the wiring, you let go of your hands for a short time and again
When you move to the pool, the basic exercises and maneuvers will remain the same, but the depth of the water and the spaciousness of the pool will help you diversify these exercises in every possible way.
You can diversify your dives. Your child can dive with you. You can hold it behind your back and dive together. You can keep it in front of you, and then he will emerge first, and you after him. You can swim on your back, with the baby lying on your stomach and chest. The kids really like it. Two adults can stand against each other, and a child who is already well
learned to dive and push from one adult to another. He will swim a meter and a half, and then another adult will take him, wait until his breathing returns to normal, and in the same way direct him to the first one. To swim on your stomach, you can use a “little mermaid necklace”; it will support your head, and you won’t need to do it with your hand. There is another way to make a calmer transition from supports to independent swimming - these are “little mermaid pendants”. With them you support the child lightly to help him balance correctly on the surface of the water.
You can use a circle with a small diameter and use the circle to teach your child to work with his arms and legs at the same time. An older child can be seated on the side of the pool. While you are in the pool, you call your child to you, and he will dive towards you. As a rule, children really like this exercise. To diversify the activities, you can use a variety of inflatable and floating toys, as well as toys that you can dive to the bottom for. At first, you can dive for one toy, then you can throw several rings or objects that the child can simultaneously grab and dive to the surface. The child also really likes these exercises.
Any method of swimming is based on the ability to exhale air into the water after a deep breath. We need to teach this to a child. You can do this exercise. The child lies on the chest in a horizontal position supported by pendants or a belt. You lean towards his face and say tenderly:
“Look what mom or dad is doing. We blow on some water like this.” At the same time, you take a full breath of air and slowly exhale it to the very surface of the water. The child sees circles forming on the water. He likes it and tries to reproduce this action. You can blow on a light boat or any toy so that it moves through the water, and encourage the child to do this. After a few lessons, demonstrate to your child how to exhale into the water, immersing his mouth and nose in it. The bubbles that form on the surface of the water will attract the baby's attention, and he will want to do the same.
In a home bath, you can bathe your child naked, but in the pool it is better to wear panties or swimming trunks, because sometimes he may poop while swimming or diving. And in order not to dirty the water in the pool, it is advisable for the child to wear something. In swimming lessons, systematicity and regularity are very important.
As a rule, good results are achieved by those parents who calmly but constantly work with their children. At first, in the bath every day or at least 5 times a week, then when you move to the pool - 2-3 times a week. With this regime, the child does not lose acquired skills. Swimming gives him great pleasure.
With swimming lessons, your baby will learn a lot. He will learn to sit on his back, swim on his tummy, and most importantly, he will learn to dive, and this reflex will be fixed in him forever. But the most important thing is that you can give your child unique joy.
Swimming will bring pleasure and great benefits to your baby. In addition, during joint procedures, mother and child will become even closer and establish contact. You can start practicing in the bathroom almost from birth. But keep in mind that children's swimming at such an early age occurs not due to the work of muscles, but due to innate reflexes.
If you want your baby to actually learn to swim, continue the lessons in the pool. The optimal age for swimming in the pool is when the child is 6 months old. However, today special programs have been developed that are designed for swimming with a 2-3 month old baby.
You need to start learning to swim in your home bath and then move on to the pool. Whether to do this at two months or after six months is up to the parents to decide. In any case, with regular lessons, by the age of one year, the baby will have conscious swimming skills and abilities. Swimming has undoubted benefits for the health and development of an infant.
What are the benefits of swimming for babies?
Everyone knows that swimming has a beneficial effect on the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems, on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. Let's take a closer look at the benefits of infant swimming:
- Strengthening the baby's muscles, straightening the arms, legs and fingers;
- Cool water hardens and strengthens the immune system;
- Improving the functioning of the newborn’s respiratory system and developing “deep” breathing;
- Increasing resistance to colds and infectious diseases;
- Regular swimming stimulates blood circulation and stabilizes blood pressure, has a positive effect on lung function;
- Water, which is denser than air, optimizes vascular pressure, facilitates the work of the heart and normalizes heart rhythm;
- Diving and holding your breath activates the brain and washes the baby's nose of dust and bacteria. This prevents the development of allergies and is an excellent prevention of runny nose and infectious diseases;
- Swimming normalizes sleep and helps your baby fall asleep faster. After the procedures, the child sleeps soundly and calmly;
- The child gets used to temperature changes, which also has a positive effect on immunity and promotes physical development;
- Systematic classes will help to form the correct and beautiful posture, a strong muscle corset for the infant spine;
- Studies have proven that a baby in water relaxes and gets rid of fears, becomes bolder and more confident. In addition, a child who knows how to swim almost from birth will not be afraid of open water.
Water procedures will help the newborn quickly adapt to new living conditions. Interestingly, exercise in water is much more beneficial and more effective than massage. It strengthens and at the same time relaxes the muscles of the legs and arms, back and neck. This stimulates and improves the musculoskeletal system.
In addition, swimming with a baby strengthens the relationship and establishes contact with the mother, which has a positive effect on the baby’s psyche and emotional state. The newborn is less capricious, worries and cries.
However, there are also contraindications for infant swimming. A child should not swim if he or she has congenital heart disease or dermatitis, or has seizures or serious disorders. nervous system. Swimming will become dangerous for children with musculoskeletal disorders that require limbs to be fixed.
Swimming during a cold or viral illness will only make the situation worse. You can resume classes after complete recovery. Before you start systematic swimming exercises, it is better to consult your pediatrician.
Rules for swimming in the bath
If there are no contraindications, then feel free to start training. It is important to follow safety rules and some recommendations for swimming in the bathtub. Then you will avoid problems and easily teach your baby to swim. You can begin training as early as three weeks after the baby is born.
Before the procedures, prepare a bath. It is enough to wash the plumbing laundry soap before immersing a newborn. Once a week, treat the bathtub with baking soda, then rinse thoroughly with hot water. Do not use potassium permanganate and herbal infusions. Do not forget that a child may swallow water, and these substances often cause a negative reaction.
Water temperature also plays a big role. The optimal indicators for newborns will be 37 - 35 degrees above zero. Then the temperature is gradually reduced. But remember that children under three months should not swim at temperatures below 32 °C!
The first baths should last no more than 15 minutes. At the same time, when the water cools down, there is no need to add hot water! The baby’s body gets used to new conditions and hardens, which has a beneficial effect on the child’s immunity.
Never leave your baby alone in the bathroom! Two or three seconds are enough for a newborn to choke even in a small amount of water!
How to choose a temperature for bathing a baby
You need to start bathing at a temperature of 34-37°C, which should be reduced by 1-2 degrees every four days. But don't get carried away with hardening. Too much cold water will only harm the newborn. The minimum temperature for three-month-old children is 32 degrees, and for babies up to one year old – 25 degrees.
When the temperature is not suitable for the baby, he cries when immersed for several minutes. If the baby resists and is capricious, return to previous levels. Observe moderation and do not force anyone to bathe. When the baby is passive and does not want to move, the water is too warm. But if the child whines at first, but then calms down and actively splashes, you have selected the ideal temperature.
To measure degrees, you can use a special thermometer or use the old “grandmother’s” method by lowering your elbow into the water. The skin in this area is softer, more delicate and receptive.
In addition, it is important to monitor the air temperature. Do not make the bathing area too hot. The baby will not like a large temperature difference and can lead to illness.
Eight exercises for swimming with a baby
The optimal time for bathing is considered to be 40-60 minutes after feeding. Breast milk has already been absorbed, but the baby is not yet hungry. The baby should not be tired, as he will cry and be capricious during infant swimming. But if the child is calm and willing to do the exercises, you can conduct classes before bedtime.
Back support
The child lies on his back, and the mother holds her head under the back of her head. Sometimes the smallest babies have to be supported with the other hand and under the bottom. Very soon, with regular support, the baby will float on the water on his own.
Chin support
IN in this case The baby is tummy down in an almost vertical position. Mom supports her head so that her chin rests on her palm.
Pushes and turns
The baby's legs are brought closer to the wall of the bathtub. He feels support, pushes off from the side and tries to swim.
splashing
The mother places the baby on her tummy so that he is completely immersed in the water and lightly supports his chin. Show your baby how fun it is to splash around. Move your hand back and forth through the water with your child. Soon the baby will splash around on its own and move its legs and arms.
Swimming for a toy or catching up
The mother places the baby in the same way as when splashing with the tummy down, supporting the chin with her hand. A bathing toy is placed in front of the baby, which needs to be chased. Gradually increase your speed and distance with each session.
Eight
When the baby learns to move in a straight line, they begin to swim, repeating the outline of the number 8. The exercise is performed both on the back and on the stomach. Gradually increase the speed of movement and the size of the numbers.
Swing
The baby is lying on his tummy. Mom supports her chin and the back of her head to keep her head above the water. The child is immersed and lifted with smooth movements, moved back and forth.
Diving
Children are able to hold their breath from birth, so there is no need to be afraid of being completely immersed in water. Start diving after the baby has gotten used to the water and has “swimmed” a little. First, say “Dive” and blow on your face. Then the baby will close his eyes and hold his breath, and you immerse him headlong for a couple of seconds. Repeat the lesson for 10 days. Then the spray is added again to the key phrase and the breeze. Before immersing the child, we say the cherished word, blow and lightly splash water on the face. When the baby gets used to the procedure, gradually increase the immersion time to 6 seconds.
If you are concerned about the safety of your baby, at first use special inflatable rings for newborns or a cap with foam to support the head. Then the child can easily be on the water without mother’s support. But such devices will not allow you to dive.
Rules for swimming in the pool
You can start swimming in the pool as early as two months. The main thing is that the umbilical wound heals completely. It is better if you study with an instructor according to a program specially designed for mothers and babies. However, you can do the exercises on your own.
Be sure to take three towels to the pool, one of which will be for the parent, one for the baby, and use the third as a bedding for the changing table. It is recommended to take the baby's favorite toy, pacifiers and rattles. If necessary, they will help calm the baby.
The optimal temperature, as in the bathroom, should be 32-37 degrees. Start classes with 10 minutes and gradually increase the time. The maximum time for infant swimming is half an hour. Before doing the exercises, let your baby get used to the water. You can splash the baby, but be careful not to get water in the eyes!
If your child is cold, take him out of the water and warm him with a towel. You cannot leave your baby alone in the pool! While swimming, talk and support the child so that he feels contact with his mother. This will give the baby confidence.
7 month old babies are more active and independent and perform exercises without the help of their parents.
Bathing a baby with a circle at 7 months video:
By the age of one year, you can teach your child to raise his legs higher to the surface and make splashes. The exercise develops conscious control of the lower limbs and allows you to quickly master the skill of walking.
Review of the circle for bathing babies from parents video:
Thanks to this product, you can perform any gymnastics exercises in water for infants, except diving. It is not recommended to prepare for diving - dousing the child with water from above. The chin recess is in close contact with the skin, and water can get into the baby's mouth or nose.
Music for bathing. An excellent solution for musical accompaniment has a Flipper circle while swimming. Calm classical melodies will interest any child and bring more joy from gymnastics in the water.
Gymnastics to relieve tone in infants
Muscle tone gives learning to act consciously. When the baby is relaxed and calm, his muscular system is slightly tense. This phenomenon is called muscle tone.
Is gymnastics necessary for a baby with hypertonicity - Doctor Komarovsky video:
As you get older, the tone decreases. But this does not always happen, and tone pathology (hypertonicity, hypotonicity, asymmetrical, uneven tone) needs to be corrected. To eliminate muscle tone, it is recommended to perform gymnastics in water for infants and a set of massage exercises.
Throughout all manipulations there should be affectionate communication with the baby. If the child is tired or unhappy, the massage should be stopped.
In each age period, specific manipulations are done:
From 1.5 to 3 months. Hypertonicity of the arms and legs is common. Stroking is done to relax. The duration of massage and gymnastic exercises is 15 minutes.
Gymnastics and massage for hypertonicity in infants 1-3 months video:
From 3 to 6 months. Energetically moves his arms and legs, grabs toys - muscles and joints develop and strengthen. The lesson includes passive, simple exercises that become more difficult as you get older.
Gymnastics for hypertonicity of infants 3 - 6 months video:
Massage is carried out according to the principle: shake, vibrate and rub using your fingertips. To relax and calm the nervous system, the massage begins and ends with stroking. Gymnastics for hypertension at this age is also performed using an inflatable ball.
From 6 to 9 months. The use of gymnastic procedures to enhance coordination actions and develop the musculoskeletal system.
Gymnastics to tone up infants 6 - 9 months video:
The following exercises are used: bring the arms together on the chest, bend and unbend the legs, turn them over from the back to the tummy, encourage crawling, raise straight legs.
From 9 to 12 months. Do gymnastic exercises and massage to strengthen the joints of the legs and arms, abdominal and back muscles.
Gymnastics to relieve hypertension in infants 9 - 12 months video:
It is recommended to perform a massage during the day, an hour after a meal or an hour before a meal. It is useful to ventilate the room. Temperature minimum 22 degrees. Hands are washed with soap, dry and warm. For massage, cream or oil is suitable and should be applied to your hands. Creams are not applied directly to the child’s body.
The cause of muscle tension can be different. Water procedures are recommended for everyone, and when performing a massage for overexertion, a number of features must be taken into account.
For hypertension A gentle massage is performed: light stroking and pinpoint touches.
For hypotension a stimulating massage is carried out: lightly press, rub, tap, tap, pinch while stroking.
With asymmetrical tone A soothing massage is performed. Strengthening is directed to the side with reduced tone. An inflatable ball is used.
Physical manipulation has a great effect on development. In addition to rubbing and the ball, gymnastics in water for infants is of great importance.