Babies under 6 months can swim!

Babies are born with an affinity to a warm watery environment. They were surrounded by amniotic fluid for 9 months in the womb so this environment is natural to them. The earlier you can return your baby to a warm watery environment the more comfortable they will be and the sooner we can encourage a progression on the ability to swim that they are born with. It is very unusual to find a baby under the age of 6 months that does not like warm water and the feeling of floating.

Babies are also born with many reflexes that allow them to swim without being taught. Unfortunately, many of these reflexes will disappear very early in life, which is why it is important to start early so that they are available to use.

Did you know?

Infants can hold their breath. When you tip your baby forward so their head is lower than their hips (dive position) they will hold their breath. This is called the dive reflex and can be used for submerging infants (please do not attempt without a qualified instructor) The dive reflex will diminish around the age of 4 months.

Babies can grip and hold on. Babies are born with a reflex called the palmer grasp reflex. When you press in the palm of your babies hand they will grip on very tightly. We can use this reflex to promote a strong grip for swimming, grabbing and holding on which are all life saving skills. The palmer grasp reflex will diminish around the age of 3 months

Infants can walk. Babies are born with a stepping reflex. We can use this reflex to promote muscle development, movement and co-ordination. The stepping reflex will diminish around the age of 5 months

Babies under 6 months float really well. Not only do they have a high fat content in their body to help them float but they have been surrounded by amniotic fluid for 9 months in the womb. This makes the feeling of water in their ears quiet natural and they will be happy to relax on their backs for the float. Under the age of 6 months (or before the righting reflex kicks in) you will only need to support your baby lightly with your finger tips if at all when performing a back float.

The submerging reflex will disappear around the age of 3 years. Your baby has a reflex that we can use for submerging by adding a cue. When your baby closes their eyes their throat will close as well. A baby that has been conditioned to close their eyes on cue can submerge and not take in any water. This reflex will diminish around the age of 3 years. Having your child start after the age of three they will need to be taught breath control, by starting under the age of 3 years we can use this reflex instead of having to teach them to hold their breath. (for how to submerge your baby correctly please see article on our website)

Many parents ask when is the best age to start my baby swimming. The answer is as early as possible. Ensure you have all of the reflexes available to your baby to promote early physical, mental and swimming development.

The earlier you start your babies swimming journey the earlier they will learn to swim and be safer in and around water. A baby that starts lessons under the age of 6 months and attends consistantly can usually swim around the age of 18 months or sometimes even earlier. The benifits of an early introduction into an aquatic environment do not stop at just water safety, studies have shown that there are many physical and mental developmental advantages as well. This research can be viewed as part of the Giffith study https://app.secure.griffith.edu.au/news/2012/11/15/swimming-kids-are-smarter/

Give your baby a head start in life! Aquatots is helping to create healthier, happier, stronger and safer babies.