The benefits of infant swimming
People say that swimming is "the most complete sport", because while practicing the muscles of the legs, trunk and arms are exercised. Also, a cardiovascular work is done and helps to tone muscles. These are your general benefits, Do you know the ones brings children?
The best age to learn to swim
Babies can go to the water since they are a few months old: They learn to splash and also have fun in the water while learning some safety measures such as survival float. As noted by the American Academy of Pediatrics, around the first year the child can learn some "rudimentary" swimming movements, perrit styleor".
Even so, they are clear and sharp: "until he turns four he does not have enough motor development to learn coordinated swimming movements ", they assure to explain that this age is the best to learn to swim.
They also make an important reminder about swimming pool safety: "It is very important to note that the fact that your baby feels relaxed in the water and learns to float, it does not mean that you are out of danger of drowning. You must always be with your child and either hold it, or keep it at arm's length at all times, "they remember.
The benefits of infant swimming
In addition to work and exercise muscles, improve motor coordination and the circulatory and respiratory system, the children learn independence and self-confidence thanks to swimming. These are some of the main benefits of swimming for children:
1.- Psychomotor, coordination and sensory skills in and out of the water
2.- Correction of bad postures
3.- Prevention of growth injuries
4.- Help against stress and attention deficit, as well as stimulation of appetite and sleep, which in turn will improve their character and behavior
5.- Strengthening lungs (and respiratory system), bones and musculature
In addition, it is a sport, so if your child gets used to practicing it since childhood he will create in his life the habit of exercise and healthy life, something that has multiple benefits for him, such as avoiding childhood obesity.
Also, there are those who defend that the baby's feeling of independence and self-confidence also helps them awaken your intelligence and your communication skills with the rest.
Enjoy the water with your baby
The multiple benefits of infant swimming they are derived from a swimming that is enjoyed: it is not an obligation, nor a task that has to last a certain number of minutes, It is a physical activity with which you can also have a great time. These are some of the methods recommended by the American Pediatric Association to enjoy in the water and for the baby to lose fear.
- Leave your baby play with your bath toys: throw one of them a few centimeters away and let it recover
- Teach your baby to make bubbles with her mouth under water. "This is something important that babies should learn, because they can not swallow water if they are blowing," they explain, while recommending that, in the case of smaller babies, you can choose to "move a toy by the water blowing it and have it returned to you in the same way; or at least try to imitate your blowing. "
- Songs and dives. This little game is also recommended from this association, because with it you will have a good time and the baby will learn to take a breath before entering the water: "When you can sit, usually around the sixth month, place it on the edge of the pool and sing a children's song that hints at a fall. When you get to the part that says "he fell!" or something similar, raise it and put it noisily in the pool ".
- Kick. Try that your little one kicks in the water, so that he exercises his legs. One way is by laying it on your back with your head on your shoulder.
Angela R. Bonachera
