Parents support children in swimming lessons. We teach babies to swim and dive: how and when to start classes with newborns at home in the bath. Lots of video instructions. Swimming gear - photo gallery

The easiest way to teach a child to swim in the bath is shown in the video:

There are many ways to teach a child to swim. From early childhood or already at a fairly adult age - you choose. Below is the easiest way to start teaching your baby to swim in the bath. It is possible to start these water procedures already at the age of 2 months.

The main thing to remember is that:

1. After bathing, you need to get your ears wet from moisture that got there during splashing.

2. If the child does not like water procedures, you should not force him.

3. It is better to start (if you teach the child yourself) before the moment he learns to roll over, otherwise it will be problematic to keep him.

4. If it doesn’t work out right away, then it will work out later!

5. You need to immerse the child slowly, gradually, after checking the temperature of the water so that it does not seem too cold or too hot to the child.
6. The dive starts with the feet upright.
7. It is necessary not to rush and let the child get used to the water.

There are quite a few options on the Internet on how to teach a child to swim. It is recommended to start with a method called "Breath Hold" - in the video.
It is also believed that if you want to teach your child to swim from early childhood, then during pregnancy it is worth practicing in the water so that the baby gets used to it. During the entire period of pregnancy and until birth, the baby swam in the amniotic fluid. And if you choose a good one and guess with his mood, and also do not scare him away from this activity, then he will take up water procedures in the bath.

Firsov's technique is described below.

According to the method of Z.P. Firsov, the temperature in the first lessons can be 37 degrees, in the fifth lesson -36.5, in the ninth - 36, in the fourteenth - 35.5, in the twentieth - 35, in the twenty-fourth - 34 degrees. Further, the water temperature drops to the temperature of a conventional pool - 28 degrees. We usually start at a lower temperature. You must choose the temperature for the child individually. He should be warm and comfortable in the water, but at the same time, the water should not be too warm to encourage the child to make active swimming movements.

As a rule, the temperature of the water for a child just born and weighing up to 4 kg should be about 35.5 - 36 degrees, and for a plump child, with folds, it should be 34-35. In any case, you select the temperature for your child, focusing on how he behaves in the bath.

During the first lessons, you and your baby will feel more confident if you dive into the bath together. This is not required for later sessions. You will stand in front of the tub and bathe the baby. The bath is filled with ordinary pure water. You need to take care of your child every day. The first lessons last 5-10 minutes, then 20 minutes. From the moment you enter the pool, you can practice for 40 minutes.

ZP Firsov's technique is designed for classes within 9-12 months. The ultimate goal is to teach the child up to the age of one, firstly, to stay on the surface of the water for 20-30 minutes, and secondly, to dive to a shallow depth, reach the toy from the bottom and swim underwater for 7-8 seconds. Thirdly, being in light clothes - a summer suit, shoes, socks, a hat - jump off the side of the pool in clothes into the water and in these clothes stay on the surface of the water for 2-3 minutes. The latter seems to me particularly relevant in the light of the statistics of tragic incidents that occurred during Last year with kids. It turns out that a large number of children die from drowning every year, and the strangest thing is that in 78% of cases children die in ordinary puddles, that is, they fall and die terribly from the inability to hold their breath in this way. By teaching a child to swim from infancy, you will forever save yourself from this tragedy.

When and how to start classes with the baby?

You can start swimming lessons when the umbilical wound heals, usually in 2-3 weeks. At first, parents take care of the child in an ordinary home bath. When the bath becomes small for the baby, and he acquires basic skills, you can go to the pool. As a rule, this happens at 2 months.

Nine months before birth, the baby was swimming in amniotic fluid. And if you do not scare him away, then he will gladly accept the water in the bath.

You need to deal with a child when he has good mood, he is full, does not want to sleep, nothing interferes with him. You must be cheerful and friendly. It is desirable to turn swimming lessons into an exciting game that will give pleasure to both you and your child. You need to be patient and not rush. Gradually increase the load, gradually add new exercises. Remember that your main goal is not the achievement of the result, but the pleasure and health of your baby. baby swimming It's easy and all parents can learn to do it. You must be calm, and your hands must confidently and securely support the child. The child feels your mood. It is important not to cause fear, overwork and distrust of water in him. Once a mistake is made, it can permanently discourage a child from learning to swim.

A baby does not know what fear is, he is not afraid of water. During his stay in the womb, he was constantly surrounded by amniotic fluid, and if the child has fear in the bath, then the culprit should be sought among the parents as soon as possible.

How can parents gain confidence? If you want to teach your child to swim, it is also advisable to practice in the water during pregnancy. Parents who love the water and know how to swim have more confidence in the expediency of exercising with their baby. Read the manual carefully. Imagine how you will perform supports in the water. Pick the right time and you can start. Swimming lessons are held in a large bath. Because in a small bath it will be as uncomfortable for a child to swim as in a regular one. What should be the temperature of the bath water? According to the method of Z.P. Firsov, the temperature in the first lessons can be 37 degrees, in the fifth lesson -36.5, in the ninth - 36, in the fourteenth - 35.5, in the twentieth - 35, in the twenty-fourth - 34 degrees. Further, the water temperature drops to the temperature of a conventional pool - 28 degrees. We usually start at a lower temperature. You must choose the temperature for the child individually. He should be warm and comfortable in the water, but at the same time, the water should not be too warm to encourage the child to make active swimming movements.

As a rule, the water temperature for a child just born and weighing up to 4 kg should be about 35.5 – 36 degrees, and for a plump child, with folds should be 34-35. IN In any case, you select the temperature for your child, focusing on how he behaves in the bath.

During the first lessons, you and your baby will feel more confident if you dive into the bath together. This is not required for later sessions. You will stand in front of the tub and bathe the baby. Plain clean water is collected in the bath. You need to take care of your child every day. The first lessons last 5-10 minutes, then 20 minutes. From the moment you enter the pool, you can practice for 40 minutes.

Method Z.P. Firsov designed for classes within 9-12 months. The ultimate goal is to teach the child up to the age of one, firstly, to independently stay on the surface of the water for 20-30 minutes, and secondly, dive to a shallow depth, reach the toy from the bottom and swim underwater for 7-8 seconds. Thirdly, being in light clothes - a summer suit, shoes, socks, a hat - jump off the side of the pool in clothes into the water and in these clothes stay on the surface of the water for 2-3 minutes. The latter seems to me especially relevant in the light of the statistics of tragic cases that have occurred over the past year with children. It turns out that a large number of children die from drowning every year, and the strangest thing is that in 78% of cases children die in ordinary puddles, that is, they fall and die terribly from the inability to hold their breath in this way. from infancy, you will forever save yourself from this tragedy.

At first, we studied Firsov's methodology, then - the experience of his foreign colleagues, and over time, our own experience came. The methodology you are about to read is based on our experience in teaching newborns to swim. It is somewhat different from the basic methods and is one of the modifications of the soft swimming methods and seems to us the most optimal.

Immerse the child you need to slowly, gradually, after checking the temperature of the water so that it does not seem too cold or too hot to the child.

The dive starts with the legs in a vertical position.

At the same time, you can calmly explain to the child that he will be in the water, that now he will swim. Then, when he gets used to the fact that he sank into the water. You calmly translate it into a horizontal position and at the same time support it from below. Supports at first should be stronger so that the child feels secure. Later, supports fall under a smaller area of the body. If you are in the bath with the child (as a rule, the father is at first, because it is not recommended for the mother to take a bath while there are lochia), the child can be kept on bent knees, you can put your hands completely under his back, and wrap your palms around head and shake the child in this position. You can put it on your stomach and on your chest so that the child's head is above the water.

When you start exercising in front of the bath, the most comfortable support is: left hand is located under the back of the child's head, and with your right hand you grasp the hips either from the outside, or between the legs, or from your side, as you please.

Try to keep your child in the most horizontal position in relation to the water while swimming on their back, which contributes to rapid learning. independent swimming. Don't worry about getting water in your ears. The child was constantly in the amniotic fluid inside the womb, and it got into the ears. If you start classes before 3 months, you can not be afraid of the harmful effects of water on the baby's ears. For all the time of classes, we did not have a single case of inflammation of the ears in children.

First, you make small wires on your back along the tub back and forth, and then, preferably, master the figure eight movement along the maximum length of the tub. You support the child, as in the previous exercise, and cross your arms during the turns. You can change the speed. In general, there are children who like slow, calm movement, and there are children who like it when an adult sets a sufficiently high speed. Such wiring on the back is the main exercise that prepares the child for independent swimming on the back.

The next exercise is repulsion from the wall of the bath. It is performed as follows. You hold the child under the back of the head, bring the child with his legs to the side wall of the tub, set two legs with his feet directly on the wall of the tub and slightly move the child to the side. He kicks off with his feet. And how much he pushed off, so much you take him back. So that the child feels a direct dependence: how strongly he will push off, how far he will sail. Some children do this exercise easily and immediately, others are not very willing. But, as a rule, over time, the child likes this exercise and he rejoices, sailing far back.

The next wiring is done in a pose on the stomach. The child lies on his stomach, the head is above the water. With your left hand, you grab the back of the head, with four fingers of your right hand, support under the chin, and with your thumb cover the child's mouth. Firstly, this technique insures against water getting into the mouth, and secondly, the baby will swim more calmly by sucking on your finger. In this position, you swipe back and forth at low speed, and then move on to the movement of eights, the same as when swimming on your back.

There are children who willingly swim on their backs and on their stomachs, there are children who prefer swimming on their backs or on their stomachs. It is better to start classes from the position that is more pleasant for the child. Then, with games, jokes, gradually move to the position that you like less. If you don’t like some exercise, it’s better to switch to another exercise, but don’t take the child out of the water and don’t press it against you, because this can lead to a general reluctance to do anything in the water later. Therefore, if you don’t like swimming on your stomach, then you swim on your back, if you don’t like it on your back. then profit. If you are tired of both this and the other, you are prayed to take a pose for rest.

Resting posture, vertical. You support the child under the chest so that both of his "arms were thrown over your right arm. At the same time, you can either support the head and back, or pour water on them. The child, as a rule, calms down in this position. There are children for whom the position is more acceptable rest is not horizontal, but reclining on your side.After a few lessons, you will understand the characteristics of the child, adapt to them, and it will become much easier for both of you.

Do not try to take the child by force. The main thing in the first two months, while you are swimming in the bath, is for the child to get used to the water and feel confidence in it. At first, his posture will be more tense, and the further, the more relaxed. In addition to these basic postings, you can rock the child so that he feels the water better. As long as the child is calm, he likes the activity and he actively participates in swimming - continue the activity. When you see signs of fatigue - the child begins to whimper, act up, arch, or his nasolabial triangle turns blue - the lesson should be gradually ended. After your child learns how to correctly perform the wiring on the back and stomach, swimming lessons will lengthen, will bring him pleasure and you will see that he trusts the water, you can start diving.

Diving is a necessary component of teaching a child to swim independently and the main thing that will save you in the future from the danger of drowning a child.

You will be calm on the beach, that your child can play in the water, nothing bad will happen to him. How to start teaching a child to dive? This should be done gradually. At first, when the child swims on the back or on the stomach. You give a loud, clear command: “Attention, dive” or “One, two, three, dive!” And at the same time blowing intensively into the child's face. He will wince, close his eyes and hold his breath. This should be repeated for several days. When you master this exercise, you can move on to the next one.

On the command: "Attention, we dive" You splash the child in the face. It is desirable so that water does not get from the bottom up into the nose. You will notice that the baby also holds his breath. Then you can perform in the supine position next exercise. On “Attention, we dive” you lower the child a little deeper into the water so that only the nose and mouth remain on the surface, and the forehead and eyes cheeks so that they sink under water. And finally, if you have mastered all these exercises, you can move on to real diving.

The first dive is best done when the child is very well tuned, relaxed, has already swum for some time. It is better to perform it from a position on the stomach. You give a command and submerge the child for a second in shallow water and bring him to the surface.

At the same time, you do not let him go under water. When a child appears above the water, for the first second he will have a misunderstanding and an expectant reaction: “What was that?” You should praise, say that the child did everything very, very well, that he dived wonderfully. Then he will not burst into tears and will want to dive next time and please you again. At first, diving should be done 2-3 times per lesson. After you have mastered short dives for some period of time, you can move on to longer ones.

Near one edge of the bathtub, you dive the child, run along the entire length of the bathtub and emerge at the other edge. Over time, dives can be extended up to 5-6 seconds under water and on a short time release the child under water, then pick it up and bring it to the surface of the water. More than 5 dives in principle on early stages it is not recommended to do, but you can adjust them according to the reactions of the child. The main tasks you face in teaching your child to swim in the bath are friendship and trust in the water and the ability to dive without swallowing a large number water. By this time, your baby will be 2-3 months old, and you can go to large swimming pool.

There are a number of advantages in the pool: firstly, the water level is higher and the water holds the child better, and secondly, there will also be mothers with children, and children miraculously adopt what other children have already learned and start swimming better next to them , thirdly, it will be more convenient for you to support the child when you are with him in the pool, and not tilted over the bath.

In any case, we recommend using assistive devices from 2-3 months of age. This is the Little Mermaid set. The main component is the “mermaid crown”. She puts on a child from about 2 months of age so that he can lie on the surface of the water on his own.

From birth, the child has a stepping reflex. Sometimes this reflex is not very clearly expressed. It is difficult for a child to walk on land. But if you put a rubber mat on the bottom of the bath, take in not as much water as for swimming, but so that it reaches the child to the chest or a little higher, take him under the armpits and slightly tilt the body forward, he will walk very cheerfully along the bottom baths.

Children learn to walk in the bath much better than on land.

You only insure, look and there is no need to be in an inclined position all the time, supporting the child. Over time, he will learn to lie on the water without any help and without a "mermaid". At first, you support the child quite strongly, then you support the child much weaker, only with your fingertips, then the “mermaid” supports the child, from which you gradually remove the cubes through one. Then, during postings, you release your hands for a short time and again

When you go to the pool, basic exercises and wiring will remain the same, but the depth of the water and the spaciousness of the pool will help you diversify these exercises in every possible way.

You can diversify diving. The child can dive with you. You can hold it behind your back and dive together. You can keep ahead of you, and then he will emerge first, and you after him. You can swim on your back, while the child will lie on your stomach and chest. The kids love it. Two adults can be against each other, and a child who is already well

learned to dive push from one adult to another. He will swim a meter and a half, and then another adult will accept him, wait until his breathing returns to normal, and in the same way direct him to the first one. For swimming on your stomach, you can use the "mermaid necklace", it will support the head, and you will not need to do it with your hand. There is another way to more calmly transition from supports to independent swimming - these are “mermaid pendants”. With them, you support the child lightly to help him balance correctly on the surface of the water.

You can use a circle with a small diameter and teach the child to work with arms and legs at the same time on the circle. An older child can be placed on the side of the pool. You, being in the pool, call the child to you, and he will dive towards you. As a rule, children really like this exercise. To diversify activities, you can use various inflatable and floating toys, as well as toys that you can dive to the bottom for. At first, you can dive for one toy, then you can throw several rings or objects that the child can simultaneously grab and emerge to the surface. The child also likes such exercises very much.

Any way of swimming is based on the ability to exhale air into the water after a deep breath. This child needs to be taught. You can do this exercise. The child lies on the chest in a horizontal position supported by pendants or a belt. You lean towards his face and gently say:

“Look how mom or dad does. We blow on some water like this.” At the same time, you gain a full chest of air and slowly exhale it to the very surface of the water. The child sees circles forming on the water. He likes it and he tries to reproduce this action. You can blow on a light boat or any toy so that it moves through the water, and encourage the child to do so. After a few sessions, demonstrate to the child exhaling into the water, immersing the mouth and nose in it. The bubbles that form on the surface of the water will attract the attention of the baby, and he will want to do the same.

In the home bath, you can bathe the child naked, and it is better to wear panties or swimming trunks in the pool, because sometimes he can poop while swimming or diving. And in order not to dirty the water in the pool, it is desirable that the child has something to wear. In swimming lessons, consistency and regularity are very important.

Usually, good results reach those parents who calmly, but constantly deal with children. At first in the bath every day or at least 5 times a week, then when you go to the pool - 2-3 times a week. In this mode, the child does not lose the acquired skills. Swimming gives him great pleasure.

With swimming lessons, your little one will learn a lot. He will learn to stay on his back, swim on his tummy, and most importantly, he will learn to dive, and this reflex will be fixed in him forever. But the most important thing is that you can give your child a unique joy.

Swimming is not only positive emotions, but also a very useful pastime for children. Water will help timid kids to become bolder, those who are ill - to harden and become stronger. An additional bonus from swimming is strong back and abs muscles, strong arms and excellent coordination. No wonder experts advise sending children to the swimming section. Whatever sport you choose for your child in the future, starting with swimming is ideal.

If it is not possible to trust specialists, then you can start learning to swim on your own. For very young children, a home bath is also suitable as a “pool”, and older children can learn to swim in natural reservoirs, but only in shallow water and under the vigilant supervision of adults.

Method Z.P. Firsova: “Swim before walking”

Babies are not at all afraid of water, so if possible, start training as soon as possible. early age. The most famous training methodology was created by the Soviet specialist Z.P. Firsov. The provisions of this technique are set out in the book "Swim before you walk." Dr. Firsov suggested starting training at the age of 2-3 weeks. These activities should become an exciting game, the main thing here is not the desire for some kind of result, but the strengthening of the baby's health.

Classes for babies are carried out in the bath. The water temperature should be gradually lowered: the first 4 sessions the recommended temperature is 37 degrees Celsius, from 5 to 8 sessions - 36.5, from 9 to 13 - 36, from 14 to 19 - 35.5, from 20 to 23 - 34 degrees. From the 25th lesson, the temperature can be lowered to the usual 28 degrees Celsius for the pool.

Firsov's methodology involves conducting classes throughout the year. At the end of the course, a one-year-old child should learn to stay on the water from 20 minutes to half an hour, dive shallowly and swim briefly under water.

Methods of teaching swimming T.I. Osokina

This technique is designed for older children, or rather, for preschoolers. Osokina's technique is based on the game method. According to the author, the main thing is to get the child interested in swimming, to alternate exercises with games that necessarily contain elements of swimming movements.

Classes should start with mastering in the water, tell the child about the properties of water - resistance, supporting power. If the child is afraid of water, you can start with simple hardening exercises and immersion in water in small pool or bath. Children quickly get used to the water, and after 2-3 lessons, you can safely transfer the child to a larger pool or a natural reservoir.

As soon as the child began to boldly enter the water, we begin to do various exercises in the water. This is walking and running in the water, a variety of hand movements so that the child can independently understand and feel the resistance of the water.

Here are some exercise options:
- "boat" - imitate the rowing of oars with your hands, while the child walks along the bottom in different directions. At the request of an adult, the "boat" changes direction and speed of movement;
- “washing” - during this exercise, the child rinses imaginary linen in water. The first two exercises are carried out at a depth to the waist;
- exercise "crocodile" - the child bends forward and moves along the bottom with the help of arms and legs. This and the next two exercises are carried out at a knee-deep depth;
- "crayfish" and "crabs" - exercises almost similar to "crocodile". The difference is in the direction of movement: "crayfish" go backwards, and "crabs" move to the right and left.

The next step in teaching a child to swim is immersion in water. First dive to the neck, and then - with the head. But before complete immersion, it is necessary to teach the child to hold his breath. Next, the child is taught to exhale into the water. In his book "How to teach children to swim" T.A. Osokina offers a variety of interesting exercises, thanks to which the child will learn to float freely and master the basic styles of swimming.

Before you start teaching your child to swim, we advise you to study the methods of Osokina and Firsov. They contain a lot of useful and professional advice.

However, if you decide to entrust your child's swimming training to professionals, do not hesitate to ask what methods the specialist uses, find out from other parents if their children like classes. You must be sure that the child is in safe hands and will be taught to swim well and behave properly on the water.

When and how to start classes with the baby?

Nine months before birth, the baby was swimming in amniotic fluid. And if you do not scare him away, then he will gladly accept the water in the bath.

You need to deal with a child when he is in a good mood, he is full, does not want to sleep, nothing interferes with him. You must be cheerful and friendly. It is desirable to turn swimming lessons into an exciting game that will give pleasure to both you and your child. You need to be patient and not rush. Gradually increase the load, gradually add new exercises. Remember that your main goal is not the achievement of the result, but the pleasure and health of your baby. Children's swimming is not difficult, and all parents can learn it. You must be calm, and your hands must confidently and securely support the child. The child feels your mood. It is important not to cause fear, overwork and distrust of water in him. Once a mistake is made, it can permanently discourage a child from learning to swim.

How can parents gain confidence? If you want to teach your child to swim, it is also advisable to practice in the water during pregnancy. Parents who love the water and know how to swim have more confidence in the expediency of exercising with their baby. Read the manual carefully. Imagine how you will perform supports in the water. Pick the right time and you can start. Swimming lessons are held in a large bath. Because in a small bath it will be as uncomfortable for a child to swim as in a regular one. What should be the temperature of the bath water? According to the method of Z.P. Firsov, the temperature in the first lessons can be 37 degrees, in the fifth lesson -36.5, in the ninth - 36, in the fourteenth - 35.5, in the twentieth - 35, in - 34 degrees. Further, the water temperature drops to the temperature of a conventional pool - 28 degrees. We usually start at a lower temperature. You must choose the temperature for the child individually. He should be warm and comfortable in the water, but at the same time, the water should not be too warm to encourage the child to make active swimming movements.

During the first lessons, you and your baby will feel more confident if you dive into the bath together. This is not required for later sessions. You will stand in front of the tub and bathe the baby. Plain clean water is collected in the bath. You need to take care of your child every day. The first lessons last 5-10 minutes, then 20 minutes. From the moment you enter the pool, you can practice for 40 minutes.

Method Z.P. Firsov designed for classes within 9-12 months. The ultimate goal is to teach the child up to the age of one, firstly, to independently stay on the surface of the water for 20-30 minutes, and secondly, dive to a shallow depth, reach the toy from the bottom and swim underwater for 7-8 seconds. Thirdly, being in light clothes - a summer suit, shoes, socks, a hat - jump off the side of the pool in clothes into the water and in these clothes stay on the surface of the water for 2-3 minutes. The latter seems to me especially relevant in the light of the statistics of tragic cases that have occurred over the past year with children. It turns out that a large number of children die from drowning every year, and the strangest thing is that in 78% of cases children die in ordinary puddles, that is, they fall and die terribly from the inability to hold their breath in this way. By teaching a child to swim from infancy, you will forever save yourself from this tragedy.

Immerse the child you need to slowly, gradually, after checking the temperature of the water so that it does not seem too cold or too hot to the child.

The dive starts with the legs in a vertical position.

When you start classes, being in front of the bath, the most convenient support is this: the left hand is under the back of the child's head, and with your right hand you grab the hips either from the outside, or between the legs, or from your side, as you wish.

Try to keep the child in the most horizontal position in relation to the water while swimming on his back, which contributes to the rapid learning of independent swimming. Don't worry about getting water in your ears. The child was constantly in the amniotic fluid inside the womb, and it got into the ears. If you start classes before 3 months, you can not be afraid of the harmful effects of water on the baby's ears. For all the time of classes, we did not have a single case of inflammation of the ears in children.

Diving is a necessary component of teaching a child to swim independently and the main thing that will save you in the future from the danger of drowning a child.

On the command: "Attention, we dive" You splash the child in the face. It is desirable so that water does not get from the bottom up into the nose. You will notice that the baby also holds his breath. Then you can perform the following exercise in the supine position. On “Attention, we dive” you lower the child a little deeper into the water so that only the nose and mouth remain on the surface, and the forehead and eyes cheeks so that they sink under water. And finally, if you have mastered all these exercises, you can move on to real diving.

Near one edge of the bathtub, you dive the child, run along the entire length of the bathtub and emerge at the other edge. Over time, dives can be extended to 5-6 seconds under water and for a short time the child is released under water, then picked up and brought to the surface of the water. More than 5 dives, in principle, is not recommended at the initial stages, but you can adjust them according to the reactions of the child. The main tasks you face in teaching your child to swim in the bath are friendship and trust in the water and the ability to dive without swallowing a lot of water. By this time, your baby will be 2-3 months old, and you can move to a large pool.

Children learn to walk in the bath much better than on land.

When you move to the pool, the basic exercises and postings will remain the same, but the depth of the water and the spaciousness of the pool will help you diversify these exercises in every possible way.

As a rule, good results are achieved by those parents who calmly, but constantly work with children. At first in the bath every day or at least 5 times a week, then when you go to the pool - 2-3 times a week. In this mode, the child does not lose the acquired skills. Swimming gives him great pleasure.

Every parent wants their baby to grow up healthy and well-rounded. Today, there are a lot of developing techniques for babies that allow you to make a wish come true. Including baby swimming. Is it really so useful activity or just a tribute to fashion, when you can start swimming, at home or in the pool - there are many questions. It's time to find answers to them and provide new moms and dads with all the necessary information, because any mistake can harm your beloved baby.

What is baby swimming

As you know, in medicine, the attitude to various kinds of developmental activities is rather ambiguous. And swimming is no exception. On the territory of the USSR, they learned about this technique thanks to Igor Charkovsky, a rescue instructor, who in the 60s made a special tank for water activities with his premature daughter. By 3 months, the baby not only improved her health, but also significantly overtook her peers in development. Charkovsky began to advise maternity hospitals on the subject of introducing infant swimming into practice. However, after a couple of years, the technique was recognized as dangerous and was banned. And only at the end of the 70s they started talking about baby swimming again, largely thanks to a book about swimming in newborns, published by the chairman of the swimming federation, Zakhary Pavlovich Firsov.

At what age to start exercising

Having survived the excitement of the first baths, you probably noticed that your baby splashes in the bath with pleasure. And more daring parents also know that if the baby is lowered with its head under water, it will hold its breath and feel quite comfortable. The explanation for this is an innate reflex, thanks to which the baby remembers the time spent in his mother's belly, floating in the liquid. However, by 3-4 months, the reaction of being in the water will begin to fade away, so it will be much more difficult to teach the little one to swim. Conclusion: you need to start swimming with a baby at 3-4 weeks. This is related to the fact that

the wound on the navel will already heal;
butuz will begin to gain weight, adapting to an environment that is still unusual for him;
innate reflexes are not yet extinguished.

Principles of baby swimming

The success of the classes depends on how well the preparatory work is carried out. If you make a list of the principles of swimming with babies, then, in addition to the ones already mentioned, starting from 3-4 weeks, 4 positions can be distinguished.

Teaching methods for newborns and infants

Swimming lessons with a baby should be systemic, that is, not only regular, but also corresponding to certain proven methods. At the moment there are 3 popular systems of work, each of which has been tested by more than one generation of babies.

Firsov's technique

The goal of working on this system is that by the year the little one should:

stay on the water for 20-30 minutes;
dive shallow (for a toy or just like that);
be able to jump from a low bridge into the water without panicking.

Work on achieving the goal is progressing gradually. It begins with an explanation to the baby that he will swim, then the baby is lowered into the water, and after the period of adaptation to the water is completed, the child, supporting under the tummy or back, is placed on the water.

Charkovsky's technique is very controversial, be careful!

It is worth noting that this system of classes was developed for premature babies, so it may not be suitable for babies born at term. Charkovsky's principle is in surprise and sharpness: the baby is quickly immersed under water with his head, then they are taken out and immediately immersed again without delay. One lesson lasts at least 30-40 minutes. In a short moment of emerging, the baby manages to take a sip of air, but while there is no oxygen in the body, the brain is nourished in a more intensive mode due to the body's reaction to danger. Such stresses help to develop more intensively physically and mentally.

The technique is widely criticized among specialists for its danger to the brain - as a result of prolonged diving, the baby develops hypoxia. It is difficult and even dangerous for the life of a child to independently implement the Charkovsky method in practice.

The method of Vladimir Guterman is the most popular today

In the 1960s and 1970s, the author worked in the largest open-air swimming pool in Europe, Moskva, where he observed children involved in medical and sports swimming. In the future, this experience was systematized in its own methodology. It consists of 4 stages:

up to 3 months of age (massage, gymnastics imitating swimming, the actual exercise in the water);
from 3 to 6 months (they explain to the baby how to swim, show the elements of exercises, support), so to speak, the conversational stage;
from 6 to 9 months (children swim independently, dive);
from 9 months, little swimmers swim by themselves, dive for toys.

The benefits of this activity for babies

Thinking about swimming with a baby, parents should clearly understand: their goal is not to educate Olympic reserve, and strengthening the health of the little one. Swimming allows you to achieve very high results in this, namely:

accustoms the child to changes in water temperature, which helps to strengthen the immune system, and therefore reduces the risk of catching a cold;
helps to form the muscular corset and determines the correct posture in the future;
much faster (in comparison with massage and stroking) improves the motor system, that is, it strengthens / relaxes the muscles of the arms, legs, back, neck, and this, in turn, will allow the baby to sit down faster, start crawling and walking;
to absorb more oxygen, the body releases red blood cells, which increase hemoglobin in the blood;
normalizes blood pressure;
the maxillary sinuses are cleaned, harmful bacteria and allergens are washed out, which reduces the risk of a runny nose;
has a calming effect on the baby, he falls asleep faster and stronger, without creating additional anxiety for mommy associated with frequent awakenings at night;
being in the water, the child learns to express himself with gestures, movements, that is, the mother begins to better understand her baby;
teaches the baby to treat water bodies without fear.

The main principle of swimming with a baby is that the process should be fun

Arguments against: possible harm

Every medal has a downside, and swimming is no exception.

Please note that the arguments relate to cases where classes are conducted according to all the rules. And you can list the harm from swimming in violation of accepted standards endlessly. This also includes infant mortality due to careless handling of a baby in water.

When to Swim

Unfortunately, a lot of toddlers are born with health problems. But some of these violations are successfully corrected by swimming:

muscle hypertonicity (excessive muscle tension);
muscle hypotension (weakness of the muscle corset);
low weight (less than 2.5 kg);
dysplasia, arthrosis of the joints;
birth defects in the musculoskeletal tissue;
torticollis;

Swimming helps a lot with hip dysplasia

Contraindications

It is very important to pay attention to situations when swimming for a child can aggravate already serious health problems:

violations in the work of the musculoskeletal system, when fixation of the arms and legs is necessary;
congenital heart defects;
purulent dermatitis;
seizures due to neurological disorders.

We do at home

Toddlers are very sensitive to the mood of adults, so start classes in a good mood. And one more thing: you should be comfortable.

Preparation

Do not expect to stand idle for a long time, bending over the bathroom - put a chair. Have a clean diaper or soft towel ready to dry your little swimmer after.

This is interesting. In the absence of drafts, pediatricians advise to slightly wet the skin of the child and carry him into the room naked - this is one of the elements of hardening.

So that young parents are not nervous, an inflatable life buoy or a special cap with foam padding can be used as a safety measure. All actions with the baby in the water must be accompanied by a calm and confident voice.

Communication with water must begin with immersion of the handle, and then the feet of the little one. And do not forget to accompany all actions with your comments.

Support for the baby can be carried out in two ways: under the back of the head (the baby lies on the back, and the adult grabs his head under the back of the head) and under the chin (the baby lies on the water on the tummy, the chin is in the palm of the adult).

You can support on the stomach both under the chin and behind the back of the head

Exercises

In fact, swimming at home can be just as exciting as swimming in the pool. You just need to pick suitable exercises. It is important that they are approved by the pediatrician.

All swimming exercises must be approved by a pediatrician, and ideally a surgeon and a neurologist.

"Turns and Pushes"

Instruction:

We bring the legs of the little one closer to the walls of the bath.
After the baby feels support under the legs, he will push off, and then roll over from his back to his stomach.

The help of the parent in this exercise is reduced to a minimum: to support the crumbs in the process of pushing and flipping.

"Splashing"

The exercise is performed lying on the water on the tummy. Supporting the baby by the chin, you need to show him what funny circles on the water are formed from splashing.

"Catching up with boats"

Children love to catch up with toys in the water.

Instruction:

We put the baby on his stomach, support by the chin.
We put a toy in front of the little one.
We try to get to it, saying: “Look, our boat is sailing away, let's catch up!” Over time, you can add speed and increase the distance to the target.

"Eight"

This exercise can be started when the baby has mastered the movement in a straight line.

Instruction:

We lay the child on the back or tummy, supporting accordingly.
Having picked up a suitable speed, we imitate the pattern of the number 8.

"Ride on the swings"

Instruction:

We spread the child on the stomach, support by the chin.
We make sure that the head remains above the water, and simulate swimming back and forth, up and down. To do this, we immerse and raise the baby with smooth movements.

"Let's dive!"

Exercise causes fear in some parents, but children, as a rule, are not afraid of it, in fact, some even look forward to it.

Instruction:

We start from the theoretical stage. For 10 days, we regularly say the word “Dive!” and blow into the baby's face. The baby will instinctively close its eyes and hold its breath.
We add a little water: after pronouncing the phrase, we splash the little one in the face with some water.
We pronounce the key phrase and for 1-2 seconds we lower the baby under water with his head. Gradually increase the time spent under water to 5-6 seconds.

This is interesting. We start diving only after the baby has already bathed a little.

How to teach your baby to swim at home in the bath - video

Swimming in the pool

Depending on their preferences, parents choose group or individual lessons in the pool.

Preparation

It is very important that the baby is properly assembled in the pool. Have to take:

bathing panties (for very young children, this may be a special bathing diaper);
towel warm and large;
a hat that you put on immediately after class so as not to chill your ears;
a bathing product for children to wash off the water of the pool after class;
swimming circle (just in case for your own peace of mind);
toys for the baby that he loves, acceptable in the pool.

Swimming gear - photo gallery

Everything you need to know about swimming in the pool

If the child is used to the coach, responds well to it, then the mother may not go into the water at all, but watch the process at the side.

The first lessons are best done with an instructor.

On average, a session in the pool lasts about 90 minutes. Of these, 20–25 go to the preliminary warming massage of the baby. True, the first lesson lasts only 10 minutes, each subsequent training time is added, and in a month you will come to the average timing.

Exercises for training in the pool are identical to those used in training in the bathroom.

This is interesting. Swimming can be combined with hardening. To do this, some parents pour cold water on the little ones after class, but few of the wards enjoy this procedure. Therefore, doctors recommend simply letting the body dry without wiping it - this is also an effective method of hardening.

A set of exercises with a baby in the pool - video

Benefits of swimming lessons at home and in the pool - table

	In the bathroom	In a swimming pool
Comfort for the child	A newborn baby is just getting used to a new environment, so children up to a month are recommended to practice in a special baby bath with their mother nearby. So the child will feel the presence of the mother nearby, and a small space will not cause fear.	Very often, newborn babies are scared big water, extraneous sounds, noise. After all, not only they are engaged in the pool, but also other children. That is why it is recommended to bring children to the pool at the age of two to three months.
Classes with a trainer	Doctors recommend starting early swimming exercises only in the presence of a specialist. When mom gets a little comfortable, you can do it yourself. But often it is problematic and expensive to call a coach at home.	In the pool, you can choose an individual schedule, choose the instructor you like and be completely sure that the classes will be held correctly and with benefit.
Safety	Very often, mothers who try to do baby swimming on their own do not know the principles and methods of training. Water can get into the lungs of an infant, and this is life-threatening.	In the pool, classes are held only under the supervision of experienced professionals, so the child and mother are completely safe.
Group exercises	Very often, kids do not want to swim on their own: they are scared, uninterested, etc. There is no way to do exercises with several children at home.	In a group, the child pays attention to his peers. When the baby sees that others swim with pleasure, he is not so afraid to try new tasks and exercises himself.
Conditions	In this regard, the home bath comes out on top. A mother can prepare boiled water without chlorine, wash a bathtub or a large bathtub well, and can be sure that her baby is not afraid of any infections.	Often chlorine, which is used to disinfect water, causes allergic reactions, problems with the respiratory and digestive organs, when swallowing water from the pool. There is a risk of catching some kind of infection.

Opinions of pediatricians

The majority of doctors are very positive about infant swimming. True, many of them advise to still practice at home in order to reduce the risk of harmful microorganisms entering the baby's digestive tract, as well as on his skin. Evgeny Olegovich Komarovsky, like his colleagues, insists that swimming is useful only when it is carried out in compliance with all precautions, and the baby is in a good mood. In addition, pediatricians often emphasize that bathing in cool water promotes sound sleep for the baby, and is also an important step in the hardening process.