In this blog, we've partnered with baby swimming experts, Water Babies, who have shared five must-know social benefits of baby swimming lessons that can positively impact the whole family.
It’s National Baby Swimming Week! A time for us to celebrate, raise awareness, and share the benefits of getting babies and toddlers water confident from an early age. Not only is learning to swim a life skill, but it’s also an activity which supports little ones as they grow, helping them achieve key developmental milestones.
Did you know that 90% of the neurons in the brain are formed and connected by the time a child reaches five? Evidence reveals that being physically active from an early age is one of the important prerequisites for success in school and later in the workplace and community.
Not only this, but baby swimming lessons have social benefits which can be key for their development from a young age. It also supports and prepares them for big transitional phases, such as starting nursery or school.
1. Helps to grow water and life confidence
Learning to swim from a young age has the opportunity to grow your baby’s confidence, both in and out of the water, as we believe water confidence builds life confidence. The excitement of grasping a new skill or achieving new goals they’ve been working on, will give them the confidence to learn and try new things as they grow.
Not only this, but exposing your little one to a new environment, such as a swimming pool, will give you both the confidence to try new things and explore out of your comfort zones.
2. Increases social skills and opportunities for both babies and carers
Structured activities are a great way to support babies’ social skills, as they’ll learn to share and communicate with babies and toddlers their age and connect with classmates.
Baby swimming lessons are a great way to do this as you will all be dedicated to singing, learning new skills and having fun in the water that everyone will be bonding without realising it. It’s also an opportunity for you to meet other carers and to socialise with new families in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Everyone will be learning and growing together in a safe space, whilst also having lots of fun!
3. Provides a chance for babies to explore imaginative play
Speaking of fun… baby swimming lessons provide an opportunity for your little one to learn and explore in a safe environment, whilst having lots of fun! Play is so important for all of us, and for babies and toddlers, it’s a key element in helping them learn new things. Sometimes without realising it! Through fun games and activities, singing, and introducing new exciting characters, swimming lessons can provide the chance for all little ones to explore their imaginations and bring their swimming lessons to life.
4. Strengthens the bond between baby and carer
One of the most important benefits of baby swimming, is the bonding opportunities it provides for you and your baby. The focused time in the water strengthens this bond between baby and carer, through holding them close and the special skin-to-skin contact in the comforting warmth of the water.
Your baby can smell you, feel your heartbeat and breathing, which helps to calm and relax you both. This stimulation reminds them of the security of the womb and it’s a special time for you to enjoy together, with no distractions from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s the chance to put your phone away and connect with your little one in a social environment as they learn a new skill.
5. Creates improved sleeping and eating patterns
Another two key benefits of baby swimming lessons are the impact that they can have on children when they get out of the pool. The mini workout can help to increase appetites and improve sleeping patterns, which is a win-win for the whole family!
Start your journey today - If you’d like to discover more about the benefits of baby swimming, how to get ready for your first lesson, or even some bath-time skills you can do at home, head over to the Water Babies website. We can’t wait to see you in the pool soon!
Check out Nuby’s bath time essentials to help get your baby comfortable with water at home before and during their swimming lessons journey, including baby bath toys and baby bath tubs and seats.
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