From the moment of birth, babies are surrounded by amniotic fluid, which inherently makes them feel close to water and enjoy the sensation of being enveloped, reminiscent of life in the womb. Therefore, as long as the baby is born smoothly and the health check results are good, they can theoretically begin their swimming journey.
Within 2 to 10 days after birth, the suitable swimming water temperature is approximately between 35 to 37 degrees. At this time, it is recommended to use a professional baby pool and have a qualified professional supervise to ensure safety and comfort.
As the baby grows to 2 to 3 months, swimming can be attempted in the family bathtub. Parents can take this opportunity to guide the baby in simple sliding movements, which helps promote coordination development between the brain and limbs.
During the 3 to 6-month period, babies can learn basic swimming postures in the pool. Practicing at this stage is beneficial for strengthening the development of hand and foot muscles.
When the baby reaches 6 months to 1 year old, they can attempt to practice breath-holding in water based on mastering swimming postures, engaging in comprehensive swimming skill training. Importantly, regardless of the growth stage of the baby, family members should always accompany them while swimming, and the adjustment of water temperature should take into account the baby’s individual adaptability to ensure swimming is both safe and effective.
It is worth noting that while there are many benefits to baby swimming, parents must carefully consider related safety issues, including time limits, water temperature, water quality management, and the implementation of protective measures. Any oversight in these details can impact the positive effects of swimming.
