The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children are not
developmentally ready for swimming lessons until after their fourth
birthday, yet swimming programs for infants and toddlers continue to be
extremely popular. Many parents -- and swim instructors -- clearly
believe the rewards outweigh any potential risks.
Linda Riggins, owner of Kirkland-based Linda Riggins Swim Instruction,
says the benefits of positive early experiences with water are too many
to list. The key, she says, is to make it fun. "Water play, with an
emphasis on the word 'play,' is really important," she adds.
Having fun with your baby helps build attachment, self-esteem and
trust. "One-on-one interaction with their parents is very important to
children," Riggins says, "and in the water is even better because it is
face-to-face and skin-on-skin."
Carrie Aull of Kenmore says swimming with her 8-month-old son at
Waterbabies Aquatic Program is a great way for them to bond as a
family. "Alex loves the water and is doing great," she says. "To him
it's just good fun with Mommy and Daddy."
At any age, swimming is also great exercise, resulting in increased
strength and greater endurance. Water allows babies to exercise muscles
they can't normally use, which helps their motor development,
coordination and balance. "I think Alex is learning how to use his body
more, working his muscles in different ways," Aull says. "He's learning
to hold his breath for short amounts of time. And even at this early
stage, he's learning water safety."
Dave Fulmer, a Redmond father of 3-year-old twins, also feels the
Waterbabies program has made his boys safer. "As a skydiver, I'm aware
that a large percentage of fatalities in any dangerous activity are due
to panic," Fulmer says. "The only reliable way to increase the chances
that you'll react appropriately in a crisis is through lots and lots of
repetition." He says his boys have learned to be relaxed while having
respect for water, and have also gained practical water safety skills.
Howard M. Uman, M.D., a pediatrician at Swedish Medical Center,
questions the value of these early water skills. "Any limited reflexes
or abilities that a small child might develop cannot confer safety
without proper supervision," he says. However, he doesn't believe
swimming programs are necessarily a disadvantage either.
"Developmentally, young children are just not capable of having
judgment," he says, "so they really cannot make a reasoned choice about
safety."
The American Academy of Pediatrics is also concerned that some early
aquatic programs could give parents a false sense of security. In the
U.S., drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death and
injury among children under age 5, and children between the ages of 1
and 2 are the most likely victims. Aquatic programs for infants and
toddlers should not be promoted as a way to decrease drowning risks,
the AAP states.
Vera Garibaldi, founder and director of Bellevue-based Waterbabies,
agrees. "It is the parents' job to always supervise their children and
keep them safe from all hazards, including water," she says. "The only
thing that makes children less prone to drowning is constant vigilance."
"No swimming program should ever be called 'drown proofing,'" Linda
Riggins adds. "That is a very dangerous thing for parents to believe."
According to Uman of Swedish, there is no specific window of
opportunity for children to learn to be comfortable in the water, so
parents should not worry or feel pressure about participating in an
early swimming program. "Water exposure is not a milestone children
need to achieve on any given timetable," he says.
The bottom line: Swimming is healthy fun for most infants and toddlers.
Just make sure you follow your child's lead, practice basic water
safety guidelines and always maintain focused, arms-length supervision
of your child. Then, go get those little feet wet!
Laurie Thompson
is a freelance writer from Bellevue. Her children, ages 3 and 5, have
been swimming their entire lives and are happiest under the water.
Infant/toddler swim resources
Water safety tips for all ages
- Always supervise your child in and around the water.
- Pay attention to your child: He or she should feel happy and secure in the water.
- Before entering any pool or water body, read the signs. Follow all posted rules and be aware of hazards.
- Ensure that your swimming area offers a clean, safe environment: good water quality, non-slip surfaces, lifeguard, etc.
- Check water temperature of the pool: 87-94 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for babies.
- Don't tire them out: 30 minutes is enough for young children and beginners.
- Avoid too much sun: Use UV-protective clothing and child-safe sunscreen.
- Protect the feet: wear flip-flops around the pool and sand shoes at the beach.
- Drink water to avoid dehydration.
- Talk to older children about the danger of strangers in public pool or beach settings.
- Know CPR.
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