Babies are born with great reflexes, which makes it seem as though they are natural swimmers. As much as this seems to be the case, it's always good to make sure they get the right training at the right time. After all, swimming has several health advantages for infants. If you've been holding off on taking your infant swimming, here are a few of the health benefits of swimming for infants which you need to know.
Better Sleeping Patterns and Increased Cognitive Skills
This is every parent's dream. If your infant has a predictable sleeping pattern, it becomes easy to plan lessons (and get other things done). The type of exercises included in a swimming lesson guarantees your child will need to take a nap afterwards. This improves both the duration and quality of their sleep.
Swimming is one of those exercises that aid in the development of cognitive skills. Infants who are exposed to swimming activities tend to experience faster development during their sensorimotor stage. This means their vision is greatly improved, and their muscles are stronger too. In addition, compared to their peers who don't swim, swimmers tend to be better at problem-solving.
Swimming Helps to Develop Muscles
Whilst undertaking swimming lessons, your child will need to use several parts of their body. This allows them to develop and strengthen their muscles more so than they would if they didn't practice swimming. Moreover, swimming improves cardiovascular health and strengthens the lungs too. This can add to their overall health benefits, and improve so many factors of their health as they get older.
Swimming also allows your child to improve their flexibility, strength, and balance, which is all thanks to the natural buoyancy in the water.
Boosts Appetite and Enhances Balance and Coordination
Swimming is a strenuous activity, which means it uses up quite a bit of your child's energy. Because of this, your child will naturally want to eat more. If your child tends to have a bad appetite, then enrolling them in swimming classes may do the trick.
This is the perfect time to take advantage by feeding them all the right foods. Have healthy snacks to hand for after their swim and be sure to load them up with healthy meals before and after their swimming lesson.
Swimming also allows your child to improve their flexibility, strength, and balance, which is all thanks to the natural buoyancy in the water. The best part about it is that all this happens with very little strain on the child's joints. They will also gain better coordination from using their arm and legs at the same time.
A Great Bonding Experience
By now, you're probably convinced that there are many health benefits of swimming for infants. However, the hardest part now may be getting your child into the water.
It's important to know how you'll teach them to want to go swimming. You'll need to plan a trip to the pool, be present during the training and sometimes, it even helps for you to be in the water with your baby. You can also watch fun swimming videos together before you even make the first trip to the pool.
Another added benefit is the bonding you'll experience with your child. Swimming lessons are great bonding opportunities as you will be a calming influence for your child during this new activity for them. The best part is that you don't have to be the one training your child for that bond to take place.
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