Babies and letting them in the pool or the sea can be a scary thought for most parents. When you put them in private swimming lessons for children in Singapore, they might fair well despite your initial expectations. This instils doubt in you, and you may wonder to help. Here is everything you need to know about babies, their progression in water, and how you can help!

How Can My Infant Be in the Water and Be Okay?

In the first six months since birth, they’re at their prime to have a ‘laryngeal’ reflex, more commonly known as a ‘gag’ reflex. This ensures that the tissue at the back of their throat closes and blocks the water’s entry to their airway. This is effective when your baby submerges into the water as their body helps to keep them safe. When you start their swimming lessons young, coaches can let them associate specific phrases and words with ensuring they know they’re about to go into the water. This aids their control of the water and how their bodies react to it.

Why Does My Baby Not Want to Go Into the Water?

It’s not new for some babies to fear the water and not want to go in when it is time. This primarily has to do with the separation anxiety they cultivate when they’re in the water for swim lessons and you’re not with them. As they’re used to always being around you, even an hour or two of not seeing their parent will be challenging for them and eventually cause distress. Some signs to take note of if you think your baby is fearful of being in the water are:

• Not wanting to take part in activities
• Being wary of anyone (including the swim instructor) that’s not their parents
• Not wanting to let go of you
• Refusing to be underwater

What Can I Do?

You’d want the best solutions for your child’s problems as a parent. Fret not, as here are some ways to help your infant overcome their fear of the water. First, you’d want to have a praising tone while you’re in the pool with your baby. Be reassuring by praising their little movements and encouraging them to go further. Secondly, you can bring their favourite toys to the pool if possible and feasible. Having something familiar to hold onto other than you will comfort them and ease their worries. They’ll feel more confident and secure with the toy in their hand. This way, you can help them advance their movement in the pool. Thirdly, keep your baby close to you. The goal here is to make them familiarise the movements and feel of the water while having you there so that when you eventually let them be on their own with an instructor, the feeling does not seem foreign to them, and they will be comfortable enough to learn more during lessons.

Conclusion

Introducing an infant to the water can be terrifying, as swimming can even be intimidating for adults. However, with the proper supervision and training, you’ll be happy to see your baby progress quickly, both physically and mentally, as there are many common benefits to adding swimming to your routine from an early age. If you plan on putting your baby in lessons, Swim2u offers swimming lessons for two year olds, ladies, adults, and more. Check out our website for a suitable class for you or your kid!