Babies: psychomotor exercises in the water

In general, all Babies adapt in a positive way to the aquatic environment, but we must bear in mind that each has had some previous experiences, sometimes good and sometimes not, and that is very important when it comes to adapting to the aquatic environment, the environment that surrounds it, the other babies and the professional that directs the activity.

The development of babies in the water

Not all babies and children evolve in the same way. It depends a lot on his character, his psycho-affective relationship with his parents and his adaptability to the changes that take place in his general life. In addition, lExperts believe that you can not teach a baby or a child to swim until they are four years old. This is because they still do not have their psychomotor system fully developed. However, up to four years you can perform different water activities with the child or baby very beneficial. All these practices help to stimulate the baby's psychomotor system, as well as the loss of fear of water, the approach of the affective relationships of parents with the baby and the safety of knowing that your child knows how to float and splash in the water and more now, facing the summer.


But nevertheless, we must bear in mind that there are no two children alike and there are no two evolutions alike. You can not and you should not demand the same from everyone. Every baby or child has its evolution and you have to respect it always, you should never force it. The learning must be positive and playful, if we want your relationship with the aquatic environment to be favorable.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that not because the baby grows up means that he needs less to his parents, but that they must accompany him in his discoveries and acquisitions of new skills, thus reinforcing the child's self-esteem and the parent-child bond.

Psychomotor exercises in baby water

These without some exercises that you can do with your child and that will help both you to be calmer, and him. They will help you to lose your fear and gain confidence, develop psychomotor skills and make the baby or child in the water feel more comfortable.


Babies from 1 to 2 years old

Exercise 1: Pedaling in the water

Put a churrito around the baby, holding the ends. The baby is placed vertically and toys are placed in the water, stimulating him to come closer and begin to pick up the toys. The objective of this exercise is for the child to acquire verticality, facing his first steps.

- Exercise 2 I'm on my own

Put a backpack (corks) fastened at the waist, holding hands or behind, in the back, keeping it upright, you put many toys by the pool in order for them to move their hands, developing balance and begin to move the legs. Acquire the balance you will need when walking. The backpack helps them to be autonomous and move around the pool alone.

Babies from 2 to 3 years old

- Exercise 3: The little horse


You put a churrito between the legs of the child while the father or mother holds him by the ends and they play the horse. The baby grabs the churro by the front end and moves his legs as if walking.

- Exercise 4: Surfing

The baby grabs a flotation board with both hands, at one end, and part of his body is on top of the board, as if lying on his stomach. The legs are on the outside and you have to start kicking, spraying everything you can. Mom or dad hold the board so it does not go sideways and then, little by little, it will go loose.

Children from 3 to 4 years old

- Exercise 5: Swimming as the elders

In Exercises 5 and 6 the objective is to find the horizontality to learn to swim.

Face down, horizontally, the child takes a churro with his hands, with his arms well stretched. Start kicking the water, as if it were a motor. Dad or mom will help you by putting your hand on your gut, in order to raise your bum. Specifically, this exercise is aimed at swimming by learning the croll kick.

- Exercise 6: Learning to float

With dad or mom Lying on one of them face up, or alone, the adult will put a hand on the head, with the child looking at the sky and the rest of the body should go alone. Daddy sings or speaks softly to relax him and starts swinging movements towards the sides, very soft. At first it will cost you a little bit, until you gain confidence in your parents and get to relax. In the end, we let go, little by little, the hand and float alone. It will depend on each child the time he needs to get it.

Monica Campa

Advisor: Laura Cruz. Valley physiotherapist36.

Video: Autism Fitness Activities for Children with Autism to do in the Classroom


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