What You Need to Know About Baby Swim Safety

You’ve heard all the warnings and you know that kids can drown in as little as one inch of water. That means an unlocked toilet seat, a forgotten bucket, and the bathtub can all pose a risk if you’re not watching. Given that, it’s fair to be extra-concerned about swim safety.

As your child becomes more mobile, watching him or her around water should be an even bigger priority. If you have a backyard swimming pool, be sure it is fenced in and inaccessible to your little one whenever you’re not around.

But having that backyard swimming pool (or even just enjoying swimming as a pastime) means that you will surely have your baby in a suit and in the water at some point. So how can you ensure their safety when that happens?

Well, obviously, maintaining a watchful eye is the most important thing. But beyond that, you may want to consider enrolling your child in baby swim lessons. At this point, they won’t actually be learning how to swim, but they will be learning to be comfortable in the water. Some lessons will also teach various survival techniques, like how to find and hold onto the pool’s edge. You might find that you learn a few tips and tricks for keeping your little one safe while at those lessons as well. And if done right, they should prove to be a fun parent/child bonding activity that you both enjoy.

Outside of lessons, anytime you’re near open bodies of water (the ocean, a lake, the creek that runs just behind your house) your little one should have a lifejacket or floaties on. These natural bodies of water can be swift and unpredictable, and you want to make sure that your baby is protected if a rogue wave appears or if they accidentally fall into the fast-moving current of that creek. You should also always be within arms reach for a quick rescue, should they fall in.

When it comes to your backyard pool, now is the time to begin laying the ground rules. No running around the deck and no swimming without an adult around are good places to start. It might also be a good idea to become infant and child CPR certified yourself, so that you can respond quickly in case of an emergency.

Above all else, never leave your child unattended around water. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and while no parent ever thinks it will happen to them, no family is completely protected from the possibility of accidental drowning.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

4 Baby Classes Worth Checking Out

We’ve all heard of Mommy and Me baby classes; the same ones featured on dozens of television shows and movies where new parents sit in a circle with their little ones and play alongside other new parents. There is usually music and laughing and fun. Babies love it, and Mom and Dad get a chance to socialize with other adults—win-win! But nowadays, it isn’t enough to just attend a local Mommy and Me session. No… your child has to specialize.

Kidding! There are still plenty of Mommy and Me centered classes available, just about everywhere, but there are also a lot of exciting options to consider if you want something more focused. These baby classes can be an opportunity to spend time with your child, and to help them hone skills that may be beneficial as they continue to grow!

  1. Swimming: Around 6 months of age, parent-baby swimming lessons become an option. Don’t worry, no one is going to toss your little one in, but this can be a fun way to get them comfortable in the water and building upon some basic swimming techniques. Water babies love the chance to splash around with Mom and Dad, and you’ll learn tips for helping your little one to build on their swim skills.
  2. Music: Most people think dedicated music lessons are for school-aged children, but most people are wrong! There are actually a lot of different options for music education starting in infancy, and that exposure can be great for brain development. By toddlerhood, little ones can even begin to recognize instruments by sound, and notes on a page.
  3. Gymnastics: With a bit of research, you can probably find a handful of gyms in your local area who cater specifically to babies and toddlers, sometimes starting as early as 6 months old. These baby classes are very hands-on for parents, led by teachers who help you in keeping your little ones moving. This can be a great way to develop gross motor skills and balance, and your baby is sure to have tons of fun on the equipment available to them at baby gymnastics.
  4. PEKiP: You may not have ever heard of PEKiP before, but it’s the new baby class everyone is getting excited about. Originating in Prague, infants can start this child development program as early as 6 weeks old, lasting through the first year of life. The goal is to assist in infant development through play and movement, giving parents opportunities to build upon their interactions, while also receiving lots of support and having fun along the way.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.