Are Baby Swimming Classes Worth It?
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There are a lot of different classes you can look at taking while your baby is still young so it can be hard to choose which will be the most beneficial. With that in mind you may be wondering if swimming classes are worth it.
Swimming classes are worth taking as they beneficial to babies developement in both mentally and physically. Though you don’t necessarily have to take swimming classes to benefit from mental and physical stimulation for your baby.
Babies enjoy being in the water, and you will be surprised when you notice your little one being able to do primitive swimming strokes when you put them in water.
Note that babies can go into the water from the time they are born. However, you have to control the water temperature since, unlike adults, they can’t adequately regulate their body temperatures. Therefore, you must ensure the water is warm enough.
What Are Baby Swimming Classes?
Baby swimming classes are specially designed swim lessons aimed at teaching your child swimming skills.
Not only that but infant swim lessons are also designed to help your child get comfortable with water. Most babies love water, even then, there is a small percentage of those that scream their lungs out when put in water.
What’s involved during the swimming classes?
There is a lot that happens during the swim lessons. These activities differ depending on the age of your child. For instance, infants as young as one month old attend swimming lessons. At this age, the aim is to introduce your baby to the water and help him get used to it.
Don’t worry if he doesn’t take to the water at first. Give him time.
If you are new to baby swimming lessons, here are essential factors to remember.
- Don’t forget to buy a swim diaper
A swim diaper is a must for your child. There are both reusable and disposable ones, so you can choose what you see fit. Luckily, many swim schools have them available for purchase on-site.
Note that many swim schools also require that your baby has a swim diaper on until the age of three. This is regardless of whether they are potty trained or not.
- Bring towels and a change of clothes for you and your baby
You will need to bring enough towels for both you and your baby, and dry clothes. Younger infants will require you to get into the pool with them.
A great idea is to wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you can avoid the hustle of changing once you get to the pool. Apart from towels and dry clothes, don’t forget to bring a fresh diaper.
- Size of class
Ensure your baby is in a small class. A class of 15 to 20 parents may not be the right one for you. Find a small intimate class where the swimming instructor is not overwhelmed with the numbers.
A small class also ensures that the instructor will give your baby adequate attention.
- Age of your baby
It’s understandable if you want to introduce your baby to water early. However, six months is the ideal age as they are ready for the water at this point.
What To Expect During Swimming Lessons
Ages 6 to 18 months
Here are a few things to expect and what’s involved during swimming lessons.
- Your baby will learn how to get used to the water. It will also learn how to get comfortable in it. This is the most significant step in swimming lessons.
- They will learn some basic arm movement and kicking.
- To get them used to putting their faces in the water, your baby will be taught how to blow bubbles.
- Another major step is to get your baby to learn how to float in water and glide. This will take some time. Be patient and encouraging.
18 months to 3 years
During swim lessons, your baby will learn the following:
- Your baby will learn how to get in and out of the water on their own.
- They will also learn how to dunk their heads underwater and hold their breath
- They will jump off the side of the pool with no fear
- Their ability to float and get to the sides of the pool unaided will improve
You must stay close to your baby when in water. Even if your baby is a quick learner and a strong swimmer, always be within arm’s length. This is because children get tired quickly and easily. Additionally, be with your child in the pool at all times.
Up until four years old, enter the pool with your child. Please don’t leave her unattended or under the mercies of the swim instructor. Apart from swim diapers and goggles, invest in puddle jumpers as well. These devices help your child utilize natural swim motions but still keep them safely above the water.
3 to 4 years old Swim lessons
While this age group is considerably older and more independent, they need just as much care and attention as the younger one. Here is what to expect.
- Your baby will be able to start using their legs and arms to move forward while in water
- They will be able to float on their backs
- They will also be able to swim towards a wall and pull themselves out of the pool unassisted
At this age, it is necessary to get a more individualized session with the swim instructor. This will help your child learn faster. If it’s a group lesson, ensure your class has no more than five students per instructor. You don’t have to get into the pool with your child, so be sure to enjoy some sun.
Remember to teach your child not to get too close to or into the pool when there is no adult to supervise him.
Additionally, teach your baby general pool safety rules. This includes not running along the poolside and what to do when stuck in the pool.
Do You Need Baby Swimming Classes?
Well, whether you need baby swimming classes is a matter of personal decision. Nonetheless, here are solid reasons why you need these classes.
Swimming Improves Your Baby’s Cognitive Functioning
Swimming helps your baby’s brain grow. Bilateral cross-patterning movements like those done during swimming build neurons in the brain.
This also facilitates modulation from one side of the brain to another. As your child grows older, this may help improve their language development, reading skills, and even spatial awareness.
Swimming Helps Improve Confidence And Self-esteem
Many baby swimming classes include activities such as songs, water play, and even skin-to-skin contact with caregivers or parents. As your child interacts with other kids in the class, he learns how to function in groups and builds their self-esteem.
Swimming is also associated with improved self-control, a strong urge to succeed and be the best, and better self-esteem.
Swimming builds muscle
You want your baby to healthy and physically fit. Well, what better way to do this than to exercise. For infants, exercise can be as simple as kicking around in the pool. Swimming helps to enhance muscle development and control, especially in babies.
Swimming also exercises their joints. What’s more, this activity is excellent for their cardiovascular health and helps strengthen their lungs, heart and brain.
Improves their appetite
Quite shocking, but a day spent in the pool does leave you hungry, and babies are no different. While in water, your baby uses a lot of energy to stay warm and swim. This burns off calories. Your child is likely to eat more after such a session.
Can You Do These Classes On Your Own?
Unless you are a trained swim instructor, it’s best to leave these lessons to the professionals. As a parent, you want the best for your baby. The best includes letting professionals handle them when it comes to activities such as swimming lessons.
You may not know how best to teach them, the technique, and what to do in case of any eventuality. It’s wise to let a licensed and certified swimming instructor teach your child.
How Much Are Baby Swimming Classes?
The cost of swimming lessons varies depending on your baby’s age and the region you are in. Note that most swimming lessons are carried out during swimming when the weather is friendly. Prices may be charged per level, hourly, or per term.
For example, in the Chiswick London region, baby swimming lessons are billed per course. A 9-week course goes for £135. If you are enrolling multiple babies, the second child gets a discount and pays £95.
Twins and multiples get a special discount and pay only £95 per child. These prices are approximate figures and may vary from time to time. Additionally, you can get baby swimming vouchers and gift them to a loved one.
In the West Yorkshire area, swim lessons cost between £9.50 and £12 per class and are billed in 10-week terms.
On average, swimming classes cost between £8.00 and £15.00 per class. This may change depending on the area you live in, the availabilty and facilities on offer.
Are Baby Swimming Classes Worth It?
Baby swimming classes are worth it, considering the benefits. As a parent, you have to sit down and weigh your options. Skills such as swimming are extremely beneficial in life, it is good if you start teaching your child early.
On the flip side, baby swimming lessons may not be worth it. If your baby has health concerns such as allergies and sensitivities, it’s best if you hold off swim lessons for a while. Additionally, your baby may not take to the water at all. When this happens, don’t force them. Let your little one be. You can teach him/her how to swim at a later time.
You may also find that swimming lessons aren’t for you or your baby and find that simply taking them to the swimming pool yourself is more than enough. There are Youtube videos that have helpful tips to help navigate your babies learning while swimming so you can be the instructor and save some money too.