A baby spends a full 9 months swimming in amniotic fluid, so water as such is natural for it after birth. Babies therefore are not afraid of water at all from birth, and we should make use of that if we want the child to develop a positive relationship with swimming later on. Of course, that does not mean that if you start swimming with your baby only at six months or later, it will not like water; it may just be a little more challenging. In addition, bathtub swimming can also help with tummy pain, relaxing stiff muscles around the spine, and more. So what exactly is bathtub swimming, who is it suitable for, and why is it great?
What is bathtub swimming
Bathtub swimming means swimming with a baby in the bath. It can be done at home or in a facility that specializes in this kind of swimming. Of course, when we hear the word swimming, we do not immediately imagine breaststroke or freestyle. It is more like splashing around in the water with small movements of the body. In addition, the child learns, with the help of a signal, to gradually submerge the whole head without swallowing water. Naturally, when submerged, it closes its mouth and opens its eyes so it can orient itself in the water without any problem.
Why do bathtub swimming
You can do bathtub swimming with your baby even if it is completely healthy and nothing is bothering it. It is a great activity for building closer contact with your baby. Dad can do bathtub swimming too, since he may not have as much contact with the baby in the first weeks and months as the mother, who is constantly caring for and breastfeeding it.
More often, however, parents do bathtub swimming because their baby has some kind of problem. Whether it is tummy pain, a blocked cervical spine, or the baby is more prone to crying because of greater tension in the body. Thanks to the water’s buoyancy, it is then easier for the baby to do certain movements that are painful and uncomfortable for it on dry land. Bathtub swimming greatly supports its psychomotor development. It is an excellent form of rehabilitation that is pleasant and also strengthens the relationship with the parent.
Who is bathtub swimming suitable for
For any baby that has a healed navel. From 6 months onward, it is suitable to switch to infant swimming, which is now offered in every larger city. Children who have done bathtub swimming at home then find the transition to the big pool easier; they are already used to the water and to the signals.
Bathtub swimming can easily be done at home
At home, it is better mainly because it is a familiar environment for the baby and the crib is only a short distance away too. Babies tend to be very tired after this activity, so it can easily happen that the baby falls asleep right after bathtub swimming ends. So the benefits of bathtub swimming include better sleep and also a bigger appetite.
Mom can manage bathtub swimming on her own
The ideal situation is when an instructor comes to your home, shows you everything, and together you gradually learn the individual exercises. It is enough if they come once every two weeks, and in the meantime you can practice everything at home on your own, ideally 2-3 times a week.
Equipment for bathtub swimming
The only things you will need are a bathtub that the baby fits into and a towel to wrap the baby in after you are done. Nothing else is needed. Equipment such as belts, arm floaties, boards, etc. is used later in infant swimming. They would not even fit in the tub anyway.
Bathtub swimming is simple, beneficial for the baby, and a great activity to add some variety. If you have a bathtub at home and an instructor nearby, then do not hesitate and try it. You definitely will not regret it.
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