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Welcome to AquaMobile's video series on infant swimming!
In this video we'll show you some of the best ways to get your baby comfortable in the water
when you're at the pool.
Whether you're looking to join a mommy and me class and are wondering how to prepare
or are just looking for some general tips for your first swim, this is the video for
you!
Bath time is a great way to get your little swimmer accustomed to water.
But remember, bath water is way warmer than what you'll experience at a pool.
Make sure the pool you're headed to is heated to a comfortable temperature for you and baby.
Usually around 90-92 degrees is ideal.
Babies can't regulate their body temperature as well as adults can.
So watch for shivering and blue toes, nails and lips.
You can still bring them in for a swim in slightly cooler water but limit those dips
to ten minute intervals with a nice warm towel wrapped break in between.
When you're heading to the pool, don't forget the essentials!
You should bring, swim diapers, a swim suit, a towel, a changing bag, toys, a snack and
some warm clothes for after the lesson.
If you're going to an outdoor pool remember to bring a swim shirt, some sunscreen, a rashguard
and a big brimmed hat to protect your baby's skin from the sun.
So you're heading to the pool for the first time and wondering what to do with your little
swimmer to ensure they're engaged and enjoy their swim.
Start off by holding them facing you and submerged to shoulder depth.
Keeping eye contact, smiling and encouraging them will calm them down and make them feel
safe.
If you have objects like this ball right here for example, that float, you can practice
placing the ball in front – placing the floatable object in front and have them reach
for the object.
When they reach for the object, they're splashing, they're promoting a nice streamlined and horizontal
position in the water and they're also probably gunna get their face a little bit wet.
So it's working on all aspects of comfort in the water for them.
Let's try it out.
What is that?
Wanna reach for it?
There we go, reach!
What is that?
What is that?
Reach.
Reach for it.
There we go, that's good!
These are the first steps to increasing a child's comfort in the water.
Babies also love to copy actions, if you hold them facing you and blow some bubbles, they'll
eventually try it too!
Just be careful that they're not drinking the water when they do this.
Lots of support in the water is the best way to start your baby out, feeling safe and comfortable
during their new experience at the pool.
Back floats are a great way to practice supporting them in a new way.
When doing a back float, be sure to place their head on your shoulder and to hold their
back and bum up with your hands.
Try giving them a toy to play with or singing them a song while they're doing the back float.
Let's review what to bring and what to do before your baby's first swimming lesson!
You should bring, swim diapers, a swim suit, a towel, a changing bag, toys, a snack and
some warm clothes for after the lesson.
If you're going to an outdoor pool remember to bring a swim shirt, some sunscreen, a rashguard
and a big brimmed hat to protect your baby's skin from the sun.
The ideal temperature for pool water is between 90 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit.
Always remember that babies can't regulate their body temperature like adults can.
If you're doing your lesson in slightly cooler water, limit the lesson to ten minute intervals.
Also, keep in mind that babies get tired out pretty quickly – plan a thirty minute swim
lesson because your child will get tired pretty easily.
Especially if they're actively splashing around in the water.
Have fun during your first trip to the pool!
Thanks for watching and we'll see you next time!