Infant Swimming Class 411

I have had a lot of people ask me what is involved in the infant swimming classes, so I decided to dedicate a blog to explaining just what occurs. The class lasts exactly 30 min long due to the fact the babies can only handle 30 min, and they get too cold if its any longer. The class starts with the mommy (or daddy) holding the baby in towards them and going around in a circle singing. (Well the instructor sings, I sadly do not know all the songs). We put the babies up and down in the water and get them warmed up. Then we do exercises getting them to kick their legs and then we take their arms and move them in the swimming motion. Every week seems to be a little different on all the activities. This past week we got out kick boards and they laid on them and we encouraged them to kick their feet as we held and supported them. We do exercises do get their ears wet and try and get them to blow bubbles in the water. The exercises include letting the babies face inward to see one another, which they just love. It actually is tiring for the parent because you have to balance them on your legs and do other things to keep them going and happy. At the end of the class, they taught us to blow in their face and quickly dunk them under water. I was very weary about this, but I do it, and yes Irelyn still hates it. The second week was better though, she cried for only a moment when she came back up. They say that it is a great way to get them unafraid of the water.

I look forward to it every week because it is a fun time with my baby. It definitely is easier when my husband comes with us. It is interesting afterwards to get yourself dried off and dress and then change your baby into warm clothes and put them in the car seat. I definitely recommend it for all moms. The times always fall after work or on the weekend which is great for working moms (which hopefully I will be sometime soon). I am excited because I think Irelyn will enjoy the pool more in the summer, and I plan on continuing these classes for the years to come.