Why do babies swim instinctively

It is very important to remember that swim lessons are only one layer of protection. It is imperative that adults actively supervise children in and around the water.

The aquatic environment is very familiar since it reminds the babies of the liquid environment they were just born from. Drowning is the third leading cause of accidental death worldwide.

And we understand that it might seem scary to take your baby swimming from birth. But it really is the best time to start. You might be thinking, how is my little one able to go underwater and not inhale any water? What actually happens? This kicks into action when your baby feels water on their face, nose or throat. When your baby goes underwater, the soft tissue at the back of their throat called the larynx closes to block the entrance to the airway.

Go" to build up the association with this phrase and going underwater, so that your little one is always in control. Sometimes, the involuntary spasm carries on a little longer.

The amphibian reflex will diminish around the age of 4 months. Babies can grip and hold on. Babies are born with a reflex called the palmer grasp reflex. When you press in the palm of your babies hand they will grip on very tightly. We can use this reflex to promote a strong grip for swimming, grabbing and holding on which are all life saving skills. The palmer grasp reflex will diminish around the age of 3 months. Infants can walk. Babies are born with a stepping reflex.

We can use this reflex to promote muscle development, movement and co-ordination. The stepping reflex will diminish around the age of 5 months. Babies under 6 months float really well. Not only do they have a high fat content in their body to help them float but they have been surrounded by amniotic fluid for 9 months in the womb.

This makes the feeling of water in their ears quiet natural and they will be happy to relax on their backs for the float. Under the age of 6 months or before the righting reflex kicks in you will only need to support your baby lightly with your finger tips if at all when performing a back float. The submerging reflex will disappear around the age of 3 years. Your baby has a reflex that we can use for submerging by adding a cue.