Humans have a swallowing reflex that is triggered automatically when liquid passes the throat. The epiglottis closes over the airways, so that no liquid enters the lungs. In addition, babies are born
with a diving reflex that makes it possible for a baby to be submerged safely under the water. The epiglottis closes automatically as soon as the water touches the baby's face. Once above the water again, the breathing and swallowing actions return automatically, sometimes with a small cough. Some experts that say that the dive reflex disappears after 6 months, but practice shows that the dive reflex continues much longer. When baby is in the water, he is stimulated automatically to move, and thus, at a very early age, the baby begins to actively move the arms and legs as if swimming. The diving also helps to strengthen the baby's lungs and other organs. In addition, the baby "enjoys" the feeling of weightlessness in the water. It mu"remind him" of when he was in the womb. Parents say that their baby sleeps better after swimming and, some believe that babies who participate in baby swimming get sick less often than non-swimming babies.
Parents can learn how to submerge their young baby under water with confidence. There are several techniques and signals that parents can use.
The first time you submerge your baby is the hardest. The baby may act surprised and even cry out. But
if you stay calm and happy and react positively, the next time you dunk him, your baby will love it!
There is a new baby program from Denmark that has some great pictures and videos of 2 month old
babies diving. Look for them at Active Baby Swimming on the web and on youtube. I also have videos and pictures on my swimbea website and YouTube: Learn to Swim with Miss Bea.
Also, write to me with your questions or concerns.
Also, write to me with your questions or concerns.
In addition to showing you how to put your baby under water, the Learn to Swim with Miss Bea dvd also demonstrates tricks for teaching swimming to kids of all ages that I have developed through experience, from reading books, and from strategies that other parents and swimming teachers have shared with me through the forty years that I have been teaching swimming. Try this technique as shown in this video:
How a baby goes under water, holding his breath
You, as the parent are the best person to practice with your baby and act happy that he won't swallow water when you put him under the water. The above video, from the Learn to Swim with Miss Bea dvd, demonstrates the reflex of taking a breath when air goes on a baby's face. If your baby makes the funny face when you blow in his face, then you can use this reflex. Try it! Count to Three, blow in his face, watch him take a breath, then gently put him under water for a second. James' mom taught him the signal and then used this technique. then praised him and talk happy... It is imperative to always be very clear with your signals. The child is under your power and it is up to you to make him feel secure. Be clear and consistent with the signals. There are signals for everything: the "one, two, three", the blowing in the face, and other signals for going under the water. Then you will play at back floating, kicking, playing "peek a boo" with you, turning to the wall, etc. When you watch the dvd, you gain confidence and can do it with your own baby!
You, as the parent are the best person to practice with your baby and act happy that he won't swallow water when you put him under the water. The above video, from the Learn to Swim with Miss Bea dvd, demonstrates the reflex of taking a breath when air goes on a baby's face. If your baby makes the funny face when you blow in his face, then you can use this reflex. Try it! Count to Three, blow in his face, watch him take a breath, then gently put him under water for a second. James' mom taught him the signal and then used this technique. then praised him and talk happy... It is imperative to always be very clear with your signals. The child is under your power and it is up to you to make him feel secure. Be clear and consistent with the signals. There are signals for everything: the "one, two, three", the blowing in the face, and other signals for going under the water. Then you will play at back floating, kicking, playing "peek a boo" with you, turning to the wall, etc. When you watch the dvd, you gain confidence and can do it with your own baby!
