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5 Benefits of starting swimming lessons as a baby

 
Starting swimming lessons as a baby comes with many benefits including improved physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. It also sets a positive foundation towards a lifetime of participation and enjoyment in a variety of water sports and time spent on, in and under the water. On the whole, children who start swimming lessons early are far more relaxed and happy in the water, and in a country as water-loving as New Zealand, this is vital.
Starting swimming lessons as a baby comes with many benefits including improved physical, emotional, social and cognitive development.

It also sets a positive foundation towards a lifetime of participation and enjoyment in a variety of water sports and time spent on, in and under the water. 

On the whole, children who start swimming lessons early are far more relaxed and happy in the water, and in a country as water-loving as New Zealand, this is vital.


5 Benefits of starting swimming lessons as a baby

 

1. Overcoming their fear of water


Teaching your baby to swim might help them overcome their initial fear of water and provide a great excuse to have some fun and exercise at the same time.
 

2. Developing gross & fine motor skills


Recently, researchers from Norway and Britain found that children who had taken baby swimming classes did better on tests involving gripping and reaching as well as balance, compared to children who had no experience swimming as babies.

This helps their physical progress later in life as well, along with providing them with some essential social skills.

Gross and fine motor skills are also strengthened and coordination and balance are enhanced in babies who enter the water early.

For this reason, the younger your little one starts swimming lessons, the easier their transition is to enjoying the water.
 

3. Self-awareness


A baby who is used to being stationary can move about independently in the pool as they learn balance and coordination. 

The motion and sensation of the water gives them an awareness of themself that otherwise would not be gained at such a young age, and sets them up for life.

Additionally, early experiences in water allow little ones to better develop their psychomotor skills, because there they can move more freely and begin to understand concepts of distance and movement.

Their cardio-respiratory system is also strengthened as the baby exercises his or her heart and lungs. 
 

4. Developing social skills & self-esteem


A weekly swimming lesson is often a baby’s first social experience out of the home that involves their peers.

They learn to relate and interact with each other and look forward to seeing their classmates each week, and even watch them for cues when it comes to taking risks and learning something new.

Early swimming also fosters a growing sense of self-esteem, confidence and independence, and as a baby’s ability to freely move through the water increases - so does their sense of wellbeing.

For the right people, in the right situation, baby swimming lessons can also nurture a special new connection to family, community and to the outer world.

Social skills and self-esteem are developed through interaction with other children and positive encouragement from parents and any other family who watch them at swimming time, and your child will develop a trusting relationship with you at the same time. 
 

5. Bonding time


When parents spend time face-to-face, skin-to-skin with their babies in the water, it is a very special time for both parties.

Their bond increases through the swimming lessons and parents can also exercise their patience, encouragement and kindness toward their little one.

They will also learn more and more about their little person’s growing personality and how they approach new situations as they are challenged more and more.

More kids swimming articles to enjoy:
Source: This article was written by Northern Arena. Call 09-421-9700 for more information.
Image source: passaicparc.com
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