Worrying about baby submersion at swimming

[busybee94]

So we just got back from our second mini swim class and now I'm freaking out about secondary drowning and water inhalation.

Dd is 3 months and we did the submersion with the instructor, but she had her eyes open as she went under and cried afterwards.

I'm worried silly - and obviously won't be doing it again, but can anyone reassure me?

If not happy with submersion how about a little bit of watering can on to the head after saying the cue? That's what they did at DDs classes until the kids are full comfortably. Just getting them used to the different sensations.

Them being tired out for the afternoon is a bonus! She no longer has me in the lessons and it's the only day she still has a daytime nap - utter bliss!

I do think it has other benefits even if they are not learning to actually swim yet. She had respect for the water from a young age, if the worst happened and she got away from us and fell in a pool the things she had learnt could give the vital extra time to find her. Once they can sit unaided and are happy being submerged they are taught to jump in and then turn and grab the side. That could easily save a toddlers life.

[quote canyoutoleratethis]@Shmithecat2 why don’t you grab yourself a nice cocktail, put your phone down, chill out and just enjoy your holiday. You seem rather wound up in your post, if you think taking a baby swimming is ‘absolute nonsense’. I struggle to muster up quite such an intense reaction.

OP - don’t dunk your LO if you don’t want to, but baby swimming can be a fun activity with benefits for mum and baby, so I don’t agree with those dismissing it off hand. I’ve taken my DD since she was 5 months and can see her growing in confidence and learning basic swimming skills. I’ve taken real joy from seeing her splash about, and the structure of the class is clearly having an impact on her abilities more than I could do myself at the pool (although I do also take her outside the classes). There hasn’t been a camera or a ‘Nivana’ shot in sight - the teacher isn’t doing it for shits and giggles - so I don’t share others view on this My DD has now learnt to close her eyes and mouth when I use the ‘trigger’ phrase before submerging her, and she shows no sign of distress when she’s back out of the water. But if you’re not enjoying it, then maybe ask if you can ‘bank’ your lessons for a few months. Either way, do what you feel comfortable with. Swimming classes are definitely not essential, but they can be a helpful way to build confidence in the water for both you and baby. Oh and the quality of their naps after swimming is reason alone to go!! [/quote]
Where did I say taking a baby swimming was nonsense? . I don't think it's nonsense to take a baby swimming. It's fab if both parent and baby are enjoying it. Dunking an infant is total nonsense though, totally unnecessary and has no effect whatsoever on their overall swimming proficiency.

And have no fear, a cocktail is always in hand.