Ask:
I did not search this...so sorry if this has been discussed.
Anyone participated in swimming lessons with your baby??
How did it go?? What age was your baby?? Would you recommend it??
TIA for any thoughts!!
Answer:
I didn't with my own children but I did do a baby 'water safe' swim class with two children that I worked for the family as their nanny. The kids took the class when they were about 6 months old. It was very weird to me, because during one part of the class you have to let the baby go underwater (they hold their breath). I found the whole thing nervewracking! And it wasn't even my own child!
Anyhow, I think it really depends on who you talk to if these types of classes are effective for babies/small children. If they fall into a pool, that they've learned in the class to float (supposedly). If I had a pool, I might consider it...along with all the other safety measures that I would have with a pool (fencing, pool cover, doors locked that go out to pool etc). Hard to say...I just don't know if they're really effective or not.
I don't know if that is the type of class you're talking about or not...other than that, Dh and I did 'Mommy & Me' type swimming classes with both of our kids when they were around 3 or 4.
Answer:
Thank you. Yes that is what I was talking about. I did not do this with my older two.
My Dad had a pool at his house, and they learned at around 3 or 4 also.
We do NOT have a pool at our house, but are very close to the community center. So, my DH was asking about the baby swimming classes. I honestly didn't know what to say to him, other than...I will check into it.
Answer:
I did this with both my kids!! It was nie as It halped give them some better feel for the water!! and to me the best part was the one on one time with each kid!! (WE even did it as a family dh had 1 kid I had the other It was fun!! I dont think the kids more out of it than the 1 on 1 parent time tho (Tho Id say they did get some diff exposrure to senses they wouldnt get otherwise!!)
Answer:
We did them wtih my oldest when she was about 18 months or so. She had alot of fun, but I don't know that it really taught her anything. But of course that was a long time ago, since that "baby" is almost 21 now.
Answer:
Thanks for asking the question. I had been thinking about the same thing for DD once she is at least 6 months or older. She LOVES the water and got in a indoor pool a couple of weekends ago on vacation. I want to do a class since we go to the river a lot and we will be spending a week at the beach with a pool over the summer. I want to feel more comfortable with her in the pool/water in general.
Answer:
I did Mommy & Me classes with all my kids at about a year. It was really fun (besides the part of me being in a swimsuit )
We did group lessons starting at 4 yrs. it was very helpful and they really liked being in a class with other kids their age, and being taught by someone other than a parent.
Answer:
We participated in a class at YMCA with my oldest when she was 6 months old. The class was great. It gave me a lot of ideas of games to play in the water and tips for teaching her how to swim. It was very nice to get out of the house in the middle of winter. However, it was challenging getting her and myself dressed on a bench and keep both of us dry. Then I'd rush her home for her afternoon nap. It was also expensive and they didn't reimburse you if class was canceled for snow or holidays.
Answer:
I would definitely recommend swimming classes for babies simply to start them off with water confidence. In NZ, because we are surrounded by the sea (Most NZers live within 45 mins of the coast) children have swimming lessons at primary school. When I was teaching, there were several children whose parents had not exposed them to much swimming while they were preschoolers and they were afraid of the water. which made learning to swim almost impossible. I am planning to take my darling girl swimming as soon as she has good head control.
Mum to dd aged 3 months