How a Baby Can Learn to Swim

Ideally, babies will learn to swim as early as possible for their safety. If they should fall into a pool, they will be able to get to the side and grab hold if they have learned how to do this. Too many babies drown each year, and this could be prevented if adults were more cognizant about pool safety as well as instructing young children how to swim, according to Pregnancyinfo.net. Your infant may not be developmentally ready to learn how to swim, technically, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, but there is no harm in acclimating your baby to water early on.

Kicking

• According to Gretchen Mack, founder of Water Babies Swim School, there are certain exercises that your baby must learn before she can start swimming. The first is kicking. Hold your child as if you are hugging her and walk backward, so the infant gets a sense of moving in the water. You can guide her legs with your hands until the baby grows accustomed to moving in the water. The baby will begin kicking her legs.

Dipping

• While holding your child, placing your dominant hand on the infant's back and your other hand on his chest, count to three and then blow into your baby's face. Quickly dip him under water. Blow continuously on the baby's face until he is totally underwater. This is dipping. Bring the baby back up to the surface and hold him close to your chest. Praise him. Relax and after awhile try it again.

Remain Calm

• When your baby gets water in her mouth, which she will at some point, do not panic. Some babies may be startled, while others aren't. If you remain confident and calm, so will the baby.

Floating

• Blow in his face, dip him and, then once the baby is underwater, let him go for a second. After you have practiced kicking and dipping and then gradually let go of the baby, he will realize that he can float.

Releasing and Breath Control

• Holding the baby, your dominant hand on her back and your other hand on her chest, blow in her face once again, dip as before and let her stay under water a little longer. Bring the baby back up, hold her to your chest, praise her and then do it again. This technique is called releasing and teaches the baby breath control.

Advice

• If your infant seems to be enjoying himself, move on to the next step, which is turning over and floating; however, if he's worn out or irritated, quit for the day.

Back Floating

• To engage your baby in turning over and floating, put the baby in front of you, with one hand under each arm. Count to three, blow into her face, lift her out of the water and turn her over onto her back, moving slowly. Your dominate hand is used to reassure and stroke the baby, while your weaker hand is used to support your child's head. Put the baby on her back and allow her to stay in that position until she gets comfortable and is no longer squirming.