First visit to the pool - when?
Toddlers love to play in the water, but parents often wonder when is the right time to make them familiar with the pool. It is not only about age, but also about the time of year. They are most likely to take their children to the water in summer, because they are afraid of catching a cold in the autumn and winter period. In the meantime, just be a little cautious and your immunity will be strengthened even more. So now is the perfect time to go swimming with your little one. According to pediatricians, babies from 3-4 months of age can already participate in pool activities. It is worth starting to learn to swim early, because babies have natural reflexes remembered from their fetal life until about 6 months of age. They still associate water with the natural environment known from the mother's belly and when immersed they automatically close their mouths, which eliminates the risk of choking.
As time passes, your natural reflexes fade away, so take advantage of this early life stage to develop your love of swimming. Ideally, both parents should be present when visiting the pool. This will facilitate logistics, but you will also be able to move more and gain energy to care for your baby, and in addition, swimming will make one-piece slimming swimwear you will quickly change into costumes that suit you best. Remember that the first visit to the pool can be stressful for a child due to the changing environment, so parents need to be calm and relaxed. When the baby feels safe, it will respond better to the new situation. A hungry child will certainly not be happy when forced to be active, but a hearty meal is also not a good idea. Your child should eat something at least half an hour before visiting the swimming pool, and 15 minutes earlier in the case of breastfeeding, but not much, and you should make sure your little one has burst.
Before you go to the swimming pool with your baby ...
Babies can splash in the pool as long as they are developing properly and are able to lift and hold their head confidently. Before the first contact with water in the swimming pool, consult a pediatrician if there are any contraindications. The child must be completely healthy. The swimming pool is not a suitable place for kids with recurrent otitis media, gastroesophageal reflux, urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract inflammation and cardiological diseases. Also, children with acute atopic dermatitis should not visit the pool. In the event of a cold, wait for the child to fully recover.
Group or individual classes - which ones to choose and why is it worth it?
The use of organized activities under the supervision of a professional instructor provides the child and parents with many benefits, but the first contact of the child with the swimming pool is best organized by yourself. Two water entries lasting about five minutes are the best idea to tame your baby with it. If it quickly feels like a fish in the water, the maximum bathing time can be up to half an hour. Once again, decide to take classes with an instructor. In the first months, or actually years of life, the child is accompanied by their parents while swimming, but at the age of about four they can be left under the care of an experienced trainer who will keep an eye on him not only at the swimming pool, but also in the locker room.Each child learns to swim at their own pace and you should not rush it. Time spent at the swimming pool together with parents allows the child to get used to water in an atmosphere of safety and relaxation. There is no better relationship with your child than doing something together. There are group and individual lessons to choose from. During individual classes, the instructor personally teaches the child to swim, but also shows the parents how to hold the child so that he does not get hurt and what exercises are recommended for him. It is worth learning the basics in a few individual lessons and then participating in group activities, where the child has the opportunity to be with other toddlers, and parents can also establish new social contacts. Basewhich you choose must be adapted to the needs of the youngest (here you will find a list of such pools). A suitable temperature for babies is 36-37,5 ° C. In places adapted to the needs of families, you will find a changing table and more and more often you can count on the possibility of using family locker rooms.
Big packing, or what to take to the swimming pool?
When packing for a swimming pool, think not only of your child, but also of yourself. It makes sense to say that a happy mother is a happy child. When you feel good about yourself and enjoy life, your little one feels positive energy. Therefore, if you are not back in shape after giving birth, and you want to feel special again, a costume is a good idea. covering the belly. It doesn't have to be typical one-piece swimsuitbut, for example, more sensual monokini. The choice depends on your needs. Pack your baby's items in a separate bag so you can find everything quickly. First of all, you will need special swimming diapers that do not absorb water and, additionally, a diaper to change after leaving the pool, a towel and a bathrobe or two towels.Before entering the pool, do not apply olive oil or anything else to the child so that it does not slip out of the hands, but both ozonated and chlorinated water dries the skin, so after visiting the pool, care cosmetics will be useful. If you are not breastfeeding or the child is already eating other foods, be sure to take something to eat, because the child will surely gain an appetite after classes in the water. A swimsuit for a baby is not essential, a bathing diaper is enough.
Fun in the pool - an activity that develops
Activities in the water have a comprehensive impact on the child's development. They help shape it physically, mentally, intellectually and socially. They have a fantastic effect on the functioning of muscles and joints and strengthen bones. Playing in the pool helps to increase motor coordination and train the sense of balance. Activity intensively supports motor development. Babies who systematically take part in swimming pool activities start to crawl faster and take their first steps. This form of movement reduces the risk of posture defects and strengthens the circulatory system. It increases respiratory efficiency and general immunity. During the classes, children perform certain activities dictated by the instructor, thanks to which they learn to take up challenges, which later results in greater courage in overcoming life obstacles.
An important lesson for parents
You and your partner will also strengthen the joints and muscles during a visit to the pool, but it will primarily be time spent with your family. You will learn how to keep your child safe in the water and instill in them the awareness that spending time actively together is something natural and pleasant. Classes at the swimming pool will be a lesson of patience and understanding, but you will also feel the joy of success together.
