Everything you want to know about baby Lifeguard swimming

Lifeguard recertification and swimming with your baby is not only healthy, but also good for your child's motor skills and social development. But from when is it possible? Do you need to practice beforehand? And what should you put in the bag? All about baby swimming.

Why baby lifeguard swimming?

Most babies feel comfortable in the water. Baby swimming increases that confidence. Your baby learns to turn, float and move in the water. It stimulates physical and psychological development and strengthens the bond between parent and child .

When can you start lifeguarding baby swimming?

When your baby is three months old, you can start baby swimming. Your baby can then keep itself warm and the risk of infections is small. There is no need to wait for your baby to get all the vaccinations . It differs per child when is the best time to start, for example, it may not be until six months old. A swimming pool is very impressive for a small baby, so it also depends on how sensitive your child reacts to stimuli whether he will like it there.

Is your baby healthy, does he have a good immune system and does he like water? Then you can try out a baby swimming lesson. Baby swimming is not recommended if you have a fever, open wounds, inflammation, a cold, a cough or just after a vaccination. If your child was born prematurely , you can follow the advice of the consultation office.

Baby lifeguard swimming: in a group or alone?

You can take your baby to the swimming pool yourself at a time that suits you, but baby swimming in a group is definitely recommended. There is then expert guidance, so you have the confidence that you are safely entering the water with your baby. You will also learn ways to hold your baby in the water, stimulating your child's natural reflexes. You are together with other parents with babies of the same age, so who knows, you might also make some nice contacts. During baby swimming, the pool water is 31 to 33 degrees, which is warmer than usual and the optimum temperature for your baby.

Benefits of baby lifeguard swimming

During baby swimming, your child learns how to handle water in a playful way. Singing, dripping water on the head, relaxed floating, kicking with the feet, with the head under water... Your baby is busy moving: good for physical development and motor skills. Baby swimming also has a positive influence on the bond between you and your child, because you make constant contact together. Your baby will learn to rely on you in this new situation.

Baby swimming and chlorine

Some parents have doubts about baby swimming because there is chlorine in the swimming water. Strict rules and standards are applied in the Netherlands for the use of disinfectants. For example, all indoor swimming pools must meet the requirements of the 'Hygiene and Safety of Bathing Establishments and Swimming Facilities Act'. Swimming pools are regularly checked by the province for compliance with these rules and swimming pool owners are obliged to check the swimming water quality (or have it checked). You can therefore safely swim with your child in Dutch swimming pools.

Are armbands necessary?

No floaties are used during baby swimming lessons . The use of floaties can give your baby and you a false sense of security in the water. It is important to learn how to hold and support your child in the water so that your child can move freely without flotation devices from the start. If you are going to swim with your baby yourself (so not in a group), swimming rings are mandatory.

Get used to the water

You can already practice at home by playing together or moving in water. Take a bath or shower with your child and let the water gently flow over his head. That way he can get used to the feeling. Other activities to get used to water: playing with a watering can, washing hands or playing with soapy water.

What do you bring to baby lifeguard swim?

Baby swimming for the first time can be quite exciting and there is a lot to think about, such as what to bring. A handy list:

• Bathing suit or swimming trunks
• Swim diaper (plus one extra)
• Bedcap
• Large hydrophilic cloth
• Ordinary diapers
• baby wipes
• Bottle and food
• Body lotion (for after swimming, to prevent dry skin)
• Shampoo
• Clothes that are easy to put on and take off