Swimming for babies: Health benefits and greater bond between parents and children

Swimming has always stood out as a complete and accessible sport. It can be practiced by people of any age, including babies, pregnant women, the elderly and the disabled. The activity works all muscle groups, improving physical conditioning, providing greater joint flexibility and physical resistance.

But the benefits don’t stop there! “Swimming, in general, improves the circulatory and cardiorespiratory condition, helps in motor coordination and flexibility, reduces stress, improves sleep, helps in the recovery of movements and reduces obesity, cholesterol and glycemic levels”, highlights Thiago Gara, pediatrician. from the São Luiz Anália Franco Hospital and Maternity Hospital.

Andrea Cristina AM de Almeida, physical educator and partner of Elemento Água, emphasizes that swimming – at any age – promotes a series of benefits: providing a feeling of well-being, improving the practitioner’s routine, improving self-esteem (even softening , depression and anguish), increasing concentration, relaxing the mind and activating memory, improving socialization (by offering a new environment of friendship and relaxation) etc. “Not to mention that it improves the quality of life, helping to prevent various diseases”, she says.

And the most interesting thing of all is that swimming is a super-indicated activity for the baby, as it allows him to develop in all his fullness. It is worth mentioning that the younger children, the less afraid of water they have! And so, the practice, as soon as possible, respecting some essential care, will create many advantages for the little ones, both physical and mental.

Swimming for babies: 9 questions answered

Despite being a highly recommended sport for the little ones, it is common for parents to feel some fear about putting their baby in swimming. Below, you can find the answers to the main questions on the subject.

1. Are there any contraindications to swimming for babies?

Thiago Gara highlights that there are no contraindications, only care with the treatment of the pool (excessive chlorine, for example) or allergy.

2. What precautions should be taken when parents choose a swimming school for their child?

“It is necessary to pay attention to the form of water treatment, with preference for ozone or salt, in case of allergy. Another important point is the water temperature, which, in the case of babies, should be around 26 degrees”, explains Gara.

3. From what age can the baby start swimming?

Age may vary slightly from one gym to another. But, in general, from six months onwards, as highlighted by the pediatrician.

4. Can swimming harm babies’ ears?

In general, no. Ear problems are most often caused by poor water treatment. Therefore, Gara remembers the importance of paying attention to the care of the pool where the baby will have classes.

An interesting attitude is also to dry the child’s ear well after swimming class, as humidity favors the proliferation of bacteria. Another idea is to put a moldable plug on the baby (accessory that prevents water from entering the ear).

5. Will early contact with water prevent the child from developing fear of entering the pool or the sea?

“It depends a lot on how the parents deal with it, usually the fear is passed on by them or after some trauma. If there is no failure in this sense, there will be no difficulties or fears”, says the pediatrician.

For Eduardo Furlan, physical educator and partner at Elemento Água, swimming is also important to provide confidence and show that swimming is within everyone’s reach. In this way, the benefits can start in childhood and last for a lifetime. “In general, swimming promotes the expansion of the potential of the organism as a whole, raising self-esteem and greater social insertion. Having mastered the technique, it is possible to expand leisure options, allowing you to venture into cool things to do, such as diving to discover the wonders of the seabed, practicing water sports or even feeling free to give a simple jump in the pool with the intention of refreshing the body and soul”, he comments.

6. Is it true that in water the relationship between mother/father and child can be strengthened?

Yes, the affective and trusting relationship tends to improve a lot, according to Gara.

7. Do babies with breathing problems benefit from activities in the water?

Yes, according to the pediatrician. “There is an improvement in the cardiorespiratory system, with this, there is an improvement in lung capacity in gas exchange and better performance, which improves bronchitis / asthma, for example”, he says.

8. Can chlorine-treated swimming pools harm children’s skin?

“They can, in case of excess chlorine or error in the PH of the pool”, says Gara.

9. Is it necessary to wait for the child to complete one year to start?

No, in general, some swimming schools already give lessons to babies from six months. They participate in the classes accompanied by a responsible adult (father or mother). At this stage, the child will have already taken part of the main vaccines.

And, it is worth noting: the sooner you start, the greater the baby’s motor and emotional repertoire, which will help in healthy growth.

But, it is always important to talk to the child’s pediatrician before starting him in the sport.

9 benefits of swimming for babies

The specific benefits of swimming for little ones are:

1. Improved motor coordination;
2. Reduction in the incidence of respiratory conditions;
3. Increased bonding with parents;
4. Improved quality of sleep;
5. Improved appetite;
6. Increased muscular endurance;
7. Better notion of space and time;
8. Activation of blood circulation;
9. Safer contact for the child (and future adult) with water.

Details you should pay attention to

Decided to put the baby in swimming? Excellent! But it is important to think about a few points:

• The baby needs to be vaccinated with the first mandatory vaccines, so it’s always important to talk to the pediatrician and get better information.
• Thiago Gara recalls that attention must be paid to the way of treating the pool water, with preference for ozone or salt in case of allergy.
• It is also necessary to pay attention, according to the pediatrician, to the temperature of the water, which, in the case of babies, should be around 26 degrees.
• The use of ear protectors can be interesting for the baby.
• After the class, which usually lasts about 30 minutes, the baby should have a good meal, as the moments in the water require a lot of energy and, therefore, whet their appetite.
• After class, give the baby a good bath at home and preferably moisturize his skin.

Finally, it is always interesting to talk to the pediatrician about the interest in putting the little one in swimming; he will surely pass all the specific guidelines.

Fun and stimulating, swimming is a great activity for babies! In addition to being a moment of pleasure shared between parents and children!