There are many classes that are now dedicated to swimming with babies.
Babies have a natural affinity with water after spending 9 months in the womb, so those early months are a great time to start swimming. Babies, however, demand a very specific style of teaching and its essential to find classes led by appropriately qualified swim teachers.
Gentleness and understanding is the key to baby swimming. Babies need to be in a safe, protected environment that can provide lessons which are both structured and spontaneous. Allowing freedom to explore and enjoy within a caring and nurturing framework will encourage babies to grow into confident swimmers.
The media often promotes programs that claim to make babies 'water safe'. There is no such thing. These programs can be agressive and traumatising for children, focusing on a fear of drowning rather than an enjoyment of the water. If you are looking for a program that builds aquatic skills for life you must look carefully for a swimming with babies course that fulfils key criteria:
- Have a philosophy of gentle teaching. Happy swimming babies are taught in an environment of safety and fun.
- Have appropriately qualified teachers. Look for a specific baby teaching qualification on top of the basic teacher training.
- Encourage parents to be involved in the teaching/learning process. Make sure you understand why certain things are being taught - this will help you to continue teaching the children when you visit the pool without the teacher.