It’s such an exciting time. There’s a new addition to the family. There are so many things you want to do for them and with them. The list is endless! One of the best things you can do for your baby (and yourself) is to enjoy water babies swimming lessons together.

Here are 5 great reasons to start baby/toddler & parent swimming lessons:

1️⃣ Reduces the risk of drowning: Safety is our first priority in all of our swimming lessons. Right from the beginning, we teach life-saving skills. Teaching your baby these essential skills prevents them from developing a fear of the water and gives them the knowledge to keep themselves safe in water. Babies as young as 6 months old can be taught how to turn on their backs and float. This skill could save their life. Consistently attending swimming lessons will help babies to learn this skill effectively.  

2️⃣ Improves Coordination and builds strength: Research at Griffith University found that babies and children who take swimming lessons have a competitive edge across all development areas including physically, intellectually and socially. Swimming helps to improve coordination and balance. Because much of your baby’s body is supported by water, the main focus for them is on maintaining balance. On the whole, babies who swim have a much better balance out of the pool.

Swimming also develops a baby’s muscles and joints, as well as improves the strength of their heart and lungs. Little ones will need to develop the muscles needed to hold their heads up, move their arms and legs, and work their core in coordination with the rest of their body.

3️⃣ Improves sleep and appetite: Good quality sleep is important for everyone and especially for growing babies. As time in the water takes a lot of energy for babies, it can improve their sleeping pattern. Swimming can also improve a baby’s appetite. Lots of gentle exercise and warm water help to make a baby hungry, so make sure you have a healthy snack or milk for after they finish.

4️⃣ Builds confidence and develops social interaction: Swimming builds water confidence. When a baby learns a new skill, this sense of achievement gives them the confidence to try new things. In turn, they’ll flourish in and out of the water. The swimming lessons will also develop their social interaction as they play with other babies in the class. The swimming lessons are a great way to meet other parents and spend time with like-minded people.

5️⃣ Promotes quality bonding time: One of my favourite reasons is the quality bonding time the swimming lessons provide. For those 30 minutes, it’s just you and your little one focused on each other through skin-to-skin and eye contact. As busy people, this set time each week guarantees quality, uninterrupted parent and baby time. This includes a mobile-free zone too.

We love delivering our baby/toddler and parent swimming lessons. We recommend your baby start swimming lessons from six weeks old, after their check-up. You and your little one will be fully supported and guided by our highly-experienced swimming coaches. Our lessons are progressive, informative, well-organised and engaging.

Regardless of your little one’s ability, it’s important that you’re next to them at all times in the swimming pool. It’s crucial that you don’t leave them alone or turn your back on them – safety always comes first at Swim Max.

We’d love to know, which reason are you most excited about?