" What you should bear in mind when bathing the little ones "

Water is the elixir for little mermaids and puddle pirates. Even in the first months of life, visits to a swimming pool are a blessing for parents and children. Not to enjoy the best possible early development, but rather to spend time together and strengthen the bond between parents and child. Baby swimming is without a doubt one of the most popular courses for babies. If you are also interested in a baby swimming course, then first find out who offers such a course in your region. It is important that baby swimming takes place under the supervision of a trained specialist. This is the only way to guarantee fun and safety.

From what age can a baby go swimming?

From birth to the first few weeks of life, babies have an innate reflex that suppresses breathing under water. However, this natural reflex is lost over time. As no one can say for sure how long this natural protection will work, the first visit to a baby swimming pool is recommended around the 12th week of life. By this time, the baby is usually able to hold its head up independently.

Mother with newborn child at baby swimming

Babies have the most fun splashing around when they are a good 6 months old. Not only are their motor skills more developed, but the bond between parents and child is also stronger. Ultimately, the decision is a purely intuitive one and you as parents usually have a better feel for it. After all, little angels develop at different speeds.

What does a swimming course like this involve - does the baby learn to swim?

Of course, baby swimming is not about learning swimming techniques. The little water fleas do not yet have the motor skills for this. Children learn the correct swimming movements from the age of a good 4 years. This is more about getting used to the water and water gymnastics. However, there are often no problems with getting used to the water. After all, the warm water is reminiscent of the cozy environment in the womb. The focus is on water gymnastics.

Swimming course

With small, easy exercises, swimmers are encouraged to perform certain movements. An instructor will be at your side. The trained staff will help you to decide which movements are good and what the babies will ultimately really enjoy. Water familiarization takes place rather unconsciously, as the focus is on the interaction between certain movements and the close contact with the mother or father.

The focus is on the joy and the development of your little sunshine's motor skills.

Many of the otherwise rather clumsy movements are much easier for a baby to perform in water. The weight-bearing effect of the water supports babies in certain movement sequences.

How long does a lesson last?

The smaller the course participants are, the shorter the duration of baby swimming. Babies under 6 months old spend on average between 15 to a maximum of 20 minutes in the water. Older babies can enjoy a good 30 minutes in the wet water. So that the little water spirits don't freeze, the temperatures are adjusted accordingly on such days. On average, the water temperature for baby swimming is around 33°C.

After swimming, it is important that you quickly wrap your little diaper wearer in the bathing poncho so that they do not cool down. It is ideal if you take a few terry towels into the pool to dry your child well. It is essential to prevent your child from cooling down.

What do I need to take with me?

There are actually a few things you will need for a visit to the baby swimming pool. If you want to go to the swimming pool more often, it is advisable to buy your own swim bag. This will save you the hassle of packing every time. Such a bag should of course include so-called swim diapers. These are a prerequisite for your little water lover to be allowed to go swimming at all. These special diapers are available in drugstores.

You also need to think about the time after splashing around. A bath poncho, terry towels and a towel for mom or dad should not be forgotten either. A nourishing lotion for the baby is also recommended. To prevent the delicate skin from drying out too much, there are moisturizing lotions that can be applied after bathing. In addition to towels and lotions, you as an adult should not forget to bring bath slippers and your own swimwear. After all, you will be accompanying your baby into the water.

The changing bag - important for many other utensils

There is a small difference between going to a swimming pool alone or with a baby. In addition to the actual swimming bag, the changing bag is just as important. After all, the mermaid or little pirate needs a fresh and dry diaper immediately after swimming.

Changing utensils such as wet wipes, powder and cream are also essential when swimming. You can also put the diapers in a diaper bag so that you always have them to hand. A small cuddly blanket, a cuddly blanket and of course a little snack. You probably remember this from your childhood: swimming makes you hungry!

What are the advantages of taking a baby swimming?

There are neither advantages nor disadvantages. Baby swimming is simply a way of getting your baby used to the water and training some motor skills through water gymnastics. You should not confuse going swimming with toddler education. It's really much more a question of having fun and being together. Not everything that is done with a baby always has to have a pedagogically valuable background.

Many parents often lose sight of this and fear that they are not encouraging their child enough. Unfortunately, many forget that emotional development is also very important.

Baby swimming can be attended by both parents

Babies who are given basic trust and who are clearly shown that they are welcome and loved will develop into strong and healthy personalities. Baby swimming strengthens the bond between parents and child immensely and is by no means an event that is only intended for mothers. Such a course can of course be attended by both sets of parents.

The personal touch for swimming equipment

Why not give the baby poncho or towels made of terry towels a personal touch. Have the swimming gear embroidered with a cool saying, such as:

• "Only for mermaids"
• "Only for puddle pirates"
• "Only for the water flea"

Then you not only have beautiful terrycloth towels, but also a wonderful memento of the beautiful and truly unforgettable moments of baby swimming.

The particularly soft terry towels are not a short-term purchase. You will enjoy them for a very long time. As far as the choice of color is concerned, it's up to your own taste.

However, it can sometimes be a good idea to break away from the classic colors of pink and blue and choose other shades. This can be a particular advantage if you want another sibling for your little one. In this case, the slogan on the towel should also be neutral.

Have fun splashing around!