Baby swimming has become a hot topic in Austria in recent years, even though the infrastructure for the Baby Swim Class isn't very good yet. It is undisputed that baby swimming is very beneficial for both the baby and the mother or father. Water is an element that is very familiar to the baby; movements in the water help the baby develop more than exercises on dry land, and the Baby Swim Class helps babies develop their first sense of self-confidence.
Tips for Swimming with Your Baby
However, it is also extremely important that the pool be properly equipped for the baby swimming class so as not to endanger the baby’s health. Young babies are still very sensitive to temperature fluctuations; they are also susceptible to fungal infections and, due to their still-developing immune systems, can quickly catch viral illnesses. The pool should change and heat the water for baby swimming, and the pool’s ambient temperature should also be appropriate. Furthermore, the distance to the pool should not be too stressful for the baby.
If the baby is healthy and a good class is offered in your area, there’s no reason not to start baby swimming right after the third month. This is the ideal time, since babies can already hold their heads up quite well and have completed their initial adjustment to life outside the womb.
When to Start Baby Swimming
In theory, you could take your baby to baby swimming classes even earlier, since babies feel very comfortable in warm water and also have a breathing reflex that disappears between the 3rd and 6th month of life. Nevertheless, you should consider whether it might be better and more sensible to limit your baby’s baths to your own bathtub during the first few weeks. For very young babies, this provides a more familiar and protected environment than a public pool.
