Baby swimming

A very popular activity for many mothers is swimming with their baby. Whether we are talking about baby tub bathing, which we already wrote about, or infant swimming as part of a course, both are very natural and pleasant for babies. It can also greatly help babies who have some physiological problem, a stiff neck, underdeveloped abdominal muscles, tension in the body, etc. In this article, we will look at what infant classes are like and what to prepare for.  

Hardening your child

The pools in infant classes are heated, but not to the same temperature as the one we usually use to bathe our children at home in the bath/baby tub. The difference is approximately 5-7°C. It is therefore a good idea to gradually lower the water temperature at home so that the child gets used to it and is not surprised by the colder water in class. And in addition, this will start to harden your child, which will help strengthen their immunity.

Infant classes

Most large cities offer infant classes, and they are suitable for babies up to 6 months old. You can also start the course later, that is not a problem. In the first lessons, children get to know the water and swimming aids, and learn to dive. Gradually they try swimming on their tummy, on their back, climbing out of the pool, jumping into the water from the pool edge or from a slide, catching objects in and under water, learning to kick with their legs, breaststroke arms, frog legs, and more. 

Classes usually last 30 minutes, which sounds like a very short time, but for the youngest children it is often more demanding at first than it might seem. Some cities even offer pools with salt-treated water. 

After the class, it is usually possible to use the local children's corner or playroom, or a dining area where you can warm up food or milk for your child. 

Swimwear for babies

Find out in advance what requirements the pool that organizes infant swimming has for baby swimwear. You can either get disposable infant swim diapers or neoprene infant swimsuits with legs (note that this cut does not suit every child), or growing swimsuits that can be adjusted with snap fasteners and will last for a longer period of time. 

Health insurance contributions for swimming courses

Almost all health insurance companies contribute to infant swimming. We have listed how much each insurance company contributes in 2023.

• General Health Insurance Company - up to CZK 500 for infant swimming for children up to 1 year of age and up to CZK 1,000 per year for children from 1 to 18 years old.
• Military Health Insurance Company of the Czech Republic - up to CZK 500 per year for swimming courses for children. 
• Czech Industrial Health Insurance Company - up to CZK 1,000 for swimming courses for children up to 10 years of age. 
• Professional Health Insurance Company - up to CZK 1,500 per year for swimming courses for children up to 15 months old.
• Health Insurance Company of the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic - up to CZK 1,500 for organized swimming for children.
• Škoda Employees' Insurance Company - up to CZK 1,600 for infant swimming.
• RBP Health Insurance Company - up to CZK 500 for swimming courses. 

If you have the opportunity, definitely try an infant course. It is a great activity that makes parental leave more varied, helps children socialize, and you may even find some new friendships.