The Baby Diving Reflex and the Swallowing Reflex

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.

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!

Water Safety Month- Teach your baby to swim!

May is National Water Safety Month.  

The Learn to Swim with Miss DVD can give parents knowledge to teach their children to be safe in the water from their first bath.   Many parents don't think about swimming until their child can walk.  But early water safety skills can save your baby's life!

The most basic skill is for your baby to be familiar with having water on the face, knowing not to swallow water.  Even without going to swimming lessons, parents can play games with their baby in the tub and pool that can save their life.

Babies can hold their breath for even more than 2 minutes!  This is longer than adults.  Many drowning rescues occur in that time frame.  If a baby can hold his breath, he will survive.  The Learn to Swim with Miss Bea DVD has many more activities for the bathtub and for the swimming pool for children up to 4 years old.

Don't wait till you child is ready to swim; there are things you can do to make your child want to swim, even if your child is scared of the water.

You may believe that you can't teach your own child, but that is simply not true!  Parents will feel confident in teaching their own children following the simple step by step demonstrations by parents and their children on the DVD.

Order today.

Baby's First Bath

When it’s time for baby’s first bath we get nervous because the baby is slippery, she might get cold, we have to be careful about her belly button.   When we google "baby’s first bath” we find all kinds of suggestions and rituals.  But I know that my baby was in a liquid environment for 9 months, why shouldn’t he love his bath?  I would get all prepared and go for it!

So, how best to approach the baby’s first bath?
This is Julie's story:

My baby was born in January and it was cold so I put a space heater in the bathroom until the bathroom was toasty warm.  Then I filled the baby tub about 5 inches with water that felt warm to my elbow (because I read that somewhere).  Then I laid my baby into the baby tub that holds her in a reclined position and covered her with the “babyluve towel” (a great gift from my aunt).  

I promise you that she seemed to give me the most peaceful look.  She just laid there!! I sang to her and talked to her as I poured more warm water over her chest to keep the towel warm.  When I washed her gently, I was confident as she kept her eyes on mine.  Good thing Daddy was around to help me get her out of the tub with her hooded towel.  Then we wrapped her up in several warm blankets.  Until I felt that she was dry and her body “normal”.  I’m glad that she didn’t pee on me.  Next time I will put a diaper under her bottom with the blankets just in case.

In later baths I started to gently pour water on her face with a washcloth and wipe her nose so she would get used to water on her eyes and face.  Then with a small cup, I would count to three and pour about one ounce of water over her face.  Then, gently wipe her nose.

Now are we ready for the pool?

 

how to teach your baby to swim (under 7 months)

Here are the proven instructions to teach babies to go under water if under 7 months using the air in the face reflex:

Blow like a gentle gust of wind onto the baby’s face.  You can see your baby take in a gulp of air and/or make a funny face – do this several times before you go in the pool to see if your baby still has this reflex. (This reflex is usually lost between 4 and 9 months)

Follow these steps in the pool:

• After the baby is comfortable and playful in the water, hold the baby under the arms facing you, and make eye contact with your baby. 
• Count to three to set the signal,
• blow quickly on your baby’s face
• watch your baby make the funny face
• smoothly and gently lower the baby’s head completely under the water for one second
• When you raise your baby, wipe your baby’s nose so that not even a tiny water bubble will go into the nose. 
• Give your baby a hug to your chest so that the baby will blow out and not swallow any air.  Skipping this step may cause the baby to develop a hard tummy.  This may become a big burp, and may even lead to throwing up.  
• Immediately distract your baby with a toy.
• Do this about 5-10 times a session if the baby doesn’t show any discomfort.
• Extend the time under the water to up to 5 seconds pulling your baby toward you for a short glide as you step back.
• Place your hand gently behind your baby’s head gliding your baby to another person.
• Scatter underwater practice with practice on the other skills as instructed on the dvd, and playing with your baby.
• Enjoy your time together!

Swim with the Pumpkins in October

October is the month of pumpkins but don't forget about swimming!

So, swim with the pumpkins!

Don't forget all the fun and skills that you learned over the Summer!  I you didn't learn how to swim, you have all year to prepare yourself for next Summer!  

There are lots of swimming lesson programs for babies!  Don't be afraid of the public pools.  When you take a child to a public pool, check the pool temperature to make sure it is not too cool.  Also after the pool, shower the baby/child to remove the pool chemicals.  Otherwise the public pools are very safe, especially in the off season when there are fewer people in the pool.

How to put your baby under the water for the first time!

Mommy and daddy have been pouring water on my face every time they give me a bath.  Lately I noticed that they must be using a bigger cup or something because I'm having to hold my breath a longer time!

I loved the first time we went in the pool, even though the water was cold at first!  Mommy held me and I played with my bath toys and she poured water on my face just like in the tub.  I also practiced floating on my back, but I don't like that!! 

 They put my legs into a floaty and I liked the feeling of not being held but only for a little while.  I like it better when they play with me.
I love going to the pool but was so surprised when I found myself under the water!  What was that!  I choked for a second.  Wow!  Now I had to be more careful of what was going on.  Were they going to do that again?

This time I heard the signal for the water - I didn't hear it before!  I was ready when I was put under the water but I still sputtered some.  I guess I better learn to like it if it's going to keep on happening.  What she's going to put me under ten times!  Wow!  I'm getting so good now, I can tell, and am ready!

Soon she is gliding me to her.  I could see her under there!  How cool is that!

I like kicking and digging, splashing with my arms and legs and especially splashing my mimi in the face because she makes funny noises and blows bubbles when I do that.

I'm getting used to it now.  Wait, she's holding me under the water longer now and I want to breathe but I know that I can't.  I guess that I'll have to get used to that too.  

My daddy is a little bit nervous about me going under water but he loves me so much and wants me to be water safe.  He wants me to love the water and swim like he does.

Oh but this is fun, I see my daddy and I'm swimming to him now!

Is this what it's all about?

What else can I learn?