Many new parents don't realize what
natural swimmers their babies are. Until around 6 months, babies placed in
water tummy-side down will move their arms and legs in a swimming motion. When
the swimming reflex and the dive reflex are both engaged, a baby can then turn
on their innate swimming ability. Researchers studying the dive reflex in
babies found that none of them inhaled water or choked when they were under
water.
The babies
didn't seem worried about the next dive at all. In fact, some seemed eager to
dive again! These reflexes don't mean the baby can swim unmonitored as they can
still drown, so supervision is always required. We also don't recommend taking
your baby to a chlorinated pool for swimming classes especially indoor. If you
can find a pool whether private or recreational using salt, it's a lot less
toxic and better for both you and baby.
When a baby
is able to walk, they can even be taught how to survive until help arrives if
they fall into the water without the ability to swim.
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