FAQs for Baby Swimming

Many researchers and scientists agree that reflex swimming is a primary motor behavior, and having newborns in the water immediately after birth connects to a phylogenetic memory of life before birth. If such reflex movements are cultivated properly, they can become voluntary swimming movements by the age of 11 months, and through appropriate stimulation and proper guidance they lead to autonomous swimming by the age of 16 months. Of course, even after that age, it is never too late for children to start swimming and reap the benefits of baby swimming.

What is the right age to start a baby swimming?

The answer is “the sooner the better!” In fact, infants at 6 months of age perform reflex swimming movements, and have a breath-holding reflex when submerged under water. This is because when infants are submerged in water the reflex motion of the epiglottis allows them to hold their breath without swallowing water. Infants should be taught swimming from the beginning, because as the infant grows, this reflex is lost. Learning baby swimming should begin by the age of six months, in order to cultivate these characteristics and provide a voluntary skill.

Is it safe for children’s health? (Do I need to worry about germs in the pool, the transmission of colds, etc.?)

A natural concern of parents is whether the participation of young children in baby swimming programs can increase the risk of diseases or other harmful health situations. When the pool maintenance and water quality is excellent (as they are in the pools where we conduct Family Athletic Club Ydria’s lessons) the risk to children’s health is minimal. By contrast, many studies have shown the positive effect of infant swimming programs in strengthening the immune system of infants and young children, and in reducing the frequency of illness (Kontzia Costas, Kourtesis & Tzetzis, 2004, Ahrendt, 1997, Serebriakova et al., 1989). In Baby Swimming, children get stronger and get sick less. Furthermore, swimming at this age has been shown to reduce the incidence of otitis and similar infections of the ear, since the water has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the eustachian tube (Robestson, Marino, Namjoshi, 1997).

Many parents are afraid of accidents. Is there a risk?

We minimize the risk of accidents, since the pools where we conduct the lessons of Family Athletic Club Ydria meet all safety standards, and the lesson happens with the involvement of parents. Along with the swimming lessons we also teach water safety skills to both children and their parents in order to prevent accidents.

Do certain weather conditions prevent classes?

There is no weather that prevents the ability to hold class because the lessons of Family Athletic Club Ydria are conducted in specially designed indoor swimming pools. Both the pool and the surrounding area maintain a constant warm temperature for children. So, regardless of weather conditions the courses operate normally.

How often should I bring my child to baby swimming programs?

Research has shown that once a week for 30 minutes at a time is enough for the effectiveness of the program.