Baby swimming advice

[WTF475878237NC]

Good morning.

Any advice how to get my baby prepared to go swimming? To dunk or not to dunk? Should we bathe together first?

We're not having a lesson but have been invited to a heated pool party.

TIA

I don't think you necessarily have to bathe together first but it's a good idea to pour a little water over the baby's head in the bath to get them used to the sensation and it also prepares them for holding their breath under water. I was worried about dunking my baby under but we did a few lessons and it was fine. I'm not sure I'd have felt confident dunking without any direction though.

How old is the baby? I don't think it's necessary to dunk them, especially not without lessons. You have to make sure they're right under, their whole head submerged so they don't breath in too soon but there's really no need.

I’d just focus on making it enjoyable and low stress for you all initially. Help foster positive associations with being in water.

I did the dunk think with my first son when he was about 3 months, but not with my daughter. Made no difference either way to be honest.

Thank you. Baby will be 9 when we go.

Most baby swim schools do this 'name, ready, go' thing where you say your baby's names, say 'are you ready' then gently with your wet hand wet their face. That gets them used to the verbal command so that when you say it and then take them under they're ready for it. What would be more useful is getting them/keeping them happy with lying on their back in the bath with their ears under the water (you might need to have something super interesting above their face for them to look up at. I've done loads of baby swimming lessons with several swim schools (they've all done very similar exercises) I think it's absolutely brilliant and have loved it so enjoy!!!

If you're at all nervous I wouldn't dunk them - the swim teacher will help you to do it feeling really confident

We've been having baby lessons for a year. We started with a playful toy watering can sprinkling water near the baby before we got to ready go and dunking. Even now we have to watch for baby cues etc so whilst we have opportunities for dunking underwater, I only do it when the my daughter is ready 😀. Any good swim school will talk you through because you need to be confident before you do it

I wouldn't dunk, I'd just let baby get used to the water and the environment to build confidence and feel secure. Gauge the reaction to splashing/water going on the face. Take it as it comes and enjoy it

If this is an ordinary heated pool (which it sounds like if it’s a party) important to be careful of baby’s temperature, they can get cold quickly.

Will do.

Thanks everyone.