Introducing Infant to Water

Hi-I enrolled my daughter in a water babies class when she was 8 months old with a Y program. Then when she was about 15 months old we started her at Emler. In both programs it was mostly about getting the babies comfortable in the water. A lot of repetition, singing, playing and in both she went under water. I also have a 2 year old son and have decided to wait until he is 3 yrs old to start "formal" swim lessons. It really wasn't until my daughter turned 3 yrs that she really started swimming and retaining what she was learning. I enjoyed the water baby lessons with her. I have also been very pleased with what she has learned at Emler and I would highly recommend them. But, I think if you are really comfortable in the water, then you could do a lot of what is done on your own (as far as games, playing, singing, exposure). I think (not too sure where I read/heard this) that the new recommendation for "swim lessons" by AAP is 4 yrs old. It used to be 3 yrs old.

Also, I am not sure if you are aware that babies under 6 months shouldn't have sunscreen/block applied. So, be sure to keep him out of the sun!

We just had a 3 year old great-nephew that drowned, and I had seen this type of water training before, but never thought to tell my nephew :-(. There is something out there called Tadpole training... that teaches babies when they fall in the water to just float. Here is a article on it. If you can find this training, I would recommend it. You just can't be to careful around water with the little ones. Good luck... http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/02/01/news/cttadp...

Infant swim lessons is the greatest way . Mine were both about 6 mo. My daughter got an ear infection and we had to quit and go again at 8 mos. I will tell you if you wait later like 2 and half they are afraid. I went back with my daughter at 2 and half and she would not do anything the instructor told her. As soon as the instructor was not looking she did and when they did a dive she refused. At 6 mos they really have no fear and there is a proper way to teach them and they teach you how to teach them. Ways they do not shove water up their noses and such. I highly recommend it. I do not however know where to go. My lessons were years ago in Seattle. G. W

I don't know when the best time is - my girls didn't get in the water until they were 12 months old - but they did ok. We had a swim instructor (owns her own facility now) talk to our Multiples group - she commented that her classes start at 6 months old. You may find some private instructors who would be willing to work with 3 month olds. Also, check with your Parks & Recreation department and see what they have to offer or what they would advise.

When my daughter was about 4 months old we took a parent/child swim class at the YMCA. It was a lot of fun and just gets them used to the water. I would recommend this. Good luck!