18 month-old Baby in the Water

In this short video clip we can see an 18 month-old baby playing happily in the water with his instructor and adoring mother. He swims happily from wall to instructor and is comfortable and confident in the water.

</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Can We Expect From an 18 Month Old Swimmer?</h2> <p>To look at what we can expect an 18-month-old baby to achieve in the water let us first look at the growth and development milestones of this age group. It’s important to remember that all children are individuals and will learn and achieve milestones at their own pace. The following is a guide only.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">12 – 18 Month Milestones</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Baby becomes much more mobile on land</li> <li>Master walking</li> <li>Begin running</li> <li>Attempt walking up stairs</li> <li>Begins throwing balls</li> <li>Follows simple instructions such as sit or stand</li> <li>Can group objects by shape colour or size</li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">18 – 24 Month Milestones</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Baby is now truly mobile</li> <li>Runs with ease</li> <li>Can walk up and down stairs</li> <li>Throws balls</li> <li>Kicks balls</li> <li>Attempts to jump</li> <li>Needs less sleep throughout the day</li> <li>Plays realistic games</li> <li>Interested in interacting with other children</li> </ul> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">It is with these growth and development milestones in mind that we can hope to achieve the following things in swimming lessons.</h2> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Increase breath control with conditioning and under water</li> <li>Free floats – breath control, distance covered, and independence</li> <li>Back floating</li> <li>Kicking – manipulated and independent</li> <li>Encourage arm movement via splashing, reaching for objects and manipulation</li> <li>Encourage independent propulsion</li> <li>Swim unaided to parent</li> <li>Encourage independence in the water</li> <li>Introduce and master holding onto the high wall</li> <li>Introduce monkeys along the wall</li> <li>Master turning unaided – to adult, ledge, high wall: seated and jumping</li> <li>Introduce and master swim arounds</li> <li>Introduce pick up rings off the bottom</li> </ul> <p>It is amazing to see just how capable these young swimmers are with constant repetition and regular lessons. Independent swimming under supervision is a genuine objective for this age group and is easily attainable with practice.</p> <p><strong><em>We would love to hear your swimming success stories as the result of hard work and persistence. 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