Whether you’re a first-time parent or not, there are some aspects of your baby’s life that you’re quite skeptical and hesitant about, however swimming should not be one.
Swimming is a sport that is not very popular in the African community. The result of this has caused many children and adults to grow up with severe aquaphobia – the fear of water – leading to them limiting themselves from fun water activities.
For expecting parents, we urge that you prioritise this skill and implement it from a very tender age. Swimming is not only a sport that has numerous benefits but also a survival skill and factor that everyone should prioritise and obtain.
Read below to find out 4 benefits that swimming has on your little one :
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Improves coordination and balance
According to Healthline – a website and provider of health information reviewed by a medical subject matter expert – pool time can be beneficial for your infant as it aids towards baby’s development. Coordination and balance are quite a challenge in infants, however swimming can improve this and play a vital role in baby’s development.
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Builds muscle
Swimming plays a significant role in helping towards the development of muscle growth in babies. As advised by Healthline, “little ones will need to develop the muscles needed to hold their heads up, move their arms and legs, and work their core in coordination with the rest of their body.”
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Reduce the risk of drowning
Teaching your infant, the basics of swimming may prevent them from drowning at a later stage of their life. Healthline further shares that the leading cause of death among toddlers and children is drowning. Implementing this skill will teach your little one how to handle water and the breathing techniques required underwater in moments of panic.
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Improves sleeping pattern
As mentioned by Healthline, the water is often a new playground for babies that requires them to use their body in various ways to familiarize themselves with both cold-water temperatures and swimming techniques. Because this activity can be quite energy consuming for little ones, they are often left tired and sleep longer. Healthline further advised that “you may have to schedule in time for a nap after time in the pool or move up bedtimes on the days that swim time is in your routine.”
It is evident that introducing your baby to swimming is an essential skill that will not only do wonders for their growth but also aid towards their milestone developments. The difference that swimming brings will give your baby that extra boost that will result in your baby to outperform their peers.
Also see: Different parenting styles and how they affect kids
