Many parents look forward to taking their children in the water and teaching them how to swim – it’s a great way to bond, and have an amazing time together.
Swimming is also a very important life skill and as such, imperative that kids learn how to swim – and learn about basic water safety – early in life to help prevent drowning.
But the question is “how soon should your kids learn to swim”?
Babies can start learning to swim around age 1, though they won’t master swimming skills until they’re at least 4 years old.
Another question that many parents seem to be asking is “Can babies swim?”
You may or may not have heard a popular myth that babies are born with the ability to swim. While it would be great to answer this in the affirmative, I’d like to categorically state that this isn’t true, though newborns have reflexes that can make it look like they’re swimming.
A reflex called the bradycardic response (also called the diving reflex) makes babies hold their breath and open their eyes when submerged in water. (This same reaction can be triggered by blowing in your baby’s face.) This reflex starts to go away after six months but may last for up to a year.
Many of today’s baby swim classes rely on the diving reflexes to help babies “swim,” but the truth is babies are not old enough to hold their breath intentionally or strong enough to keep their heads above water. They won’t be developmentally ready to learn how to swim until they’re older.
However, even though your baby can’t swim yet, you can bring them into the water with you once they’re about 6 months old. Some babies really enjoy getting in the water, so feel free to have a little pool and make splashing in it a family affair. Just make sure to put your baby in a well-fitting infant life jacket anytime they’re near water or on a boat.
When can I sign up my baby for swimming lessons?
When your baby is 6 months old, you can join a parent-child swimming class. You’ll be in the water with your baby during these classes. Swimming classes can help babies become comfortable in the water and can be fun for you both. Babies are too young at this point to learn to swim, however.
Once your child is a year and over, early swim lessons can help them gain confidence in the water, it is at this point you can start teaching them water safety basics, and prepare them for independent swim lessons when they’re older. Experts say taking your toddler to swim classes at this age can help reduce the risk of drowning.
By the time your child is 3 or 4 years old, they’ll be more ready for independent swim lessons. They’ll learn basic skills like floating, treading water, and figuring out how to get out of the water. Kids can learn more advanced skills, like various swim strokes, when they’re 5 or 6.
The most important thing is that your child is comfortable and having fun during swim lessons. If you notice that they’re consistently scared of the water or uncomfortable in a swimming class setting, take a break and wait until your child’s more comfortable in the water before going to formal lessons. (You might also consider getting a small kiddie pool to play in at home, or spend some time together at a pool.)
If you’re not sure whether your child is ready for swim lessons but you want to start, your pediatrician can help you decide what’s best – and help you find a good swim program.
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