National baby swimming week 2022

National Baby Swimming Week 2022 runs from Monday 3rd to Sunday 9th October and to honour this week we’d like to remind you of the benefits of baby swimming.

Even if it is a little daunting for first-time parents, taking a baby swimming has many benefits.  Infants have already spent the best part of 9 months growing in a fluid environment so you’d think it would come naturally, however any seasoned parent will tell you, all babies are different!

Some babies take to water like a duck, others not so much, but introducing an infant to a swimming pool from an early age gets them used to the feeling of being immersed and splashing; not to mention the sights and sounds of a public pool.

One of the key considerations for parents should be the pool water temperature, babies get cold very quickly and the maximum recommended temperature is 30-32 for babies/young children*

Also general parenting advice is to ensure infant swimwear is adequate and pool time swim sessions are on average around 30 minutes.

Here’s a list of some of the key benefits of baby swimming.

Benefits of Baby Swimming

• swimming encourages parent/guarding bonding
• swimming starts building water confidence early
• swimming helps to improve coordination and balance
• swimming helps to build muscles, develop joints and improves the strength of their heart and lungs
• swimming offers a stimulating environment, the lights, sounds, smells
• swimming can improve their sleeping
• swimming can improve a baby’s appetite, make sure you have fluids and/or snacks when they come out

If you’re looking for a local pool, check out swimming.org pool finder.

We hope you enjoy National Baby Swimming Week this year!

*Source PWTAG.  Value is not to be interpreted as a target temperature.