SCRUB A DUB DUB!

Helping your baby love bath time is one of the best ways to prepare them for baby swimming lessons.  Bath time will help them acclimatise to the water in their own comfortable surroundings, and it can be done at a calming time that suits you and your baby – with this being National Sleep Month too, you are sure to have a relaxed, sleepy baby after bath time!

Preparing for bath time

Babies already have a natural affinity with the water, having been snuggled in the womb for 9 months, but for new mums and dads handling a wet young baby might be a bit daunting at first, so it’s always good to be prepared.

• Keep the water shallow (about 20-30cm) and make sure the temperature of the water is between 36-38 degrees.  If you are unsure, use a thermometer to check, or test it with your elbow for any hot patches.  It should feel comfortably warm.
• Have everything to hand, i.e., a soft cuddly towel to wrap them up in afterwards and a soft washcloth, and place a non-slip mat in front of the bath.
• Get a few baby-friendly toys to play with – ones that light up, are colourful or make a funny sound also raise a smile.

Bonding time

Just like baby swimming lessons, sharing a bath with your baby provides a wonderful ‘skin-to skin’ bonding experience.

• Sit in the bath with your knees up, and hold your baby close to you and facing you.
• Lay them on their back against your legs and talk to them and gently splash their tummy – let them experience being in the water with you.
• Lie back with them on your chest, with their body submerged so they can feel the sensation of the water – massaging their legs and arms will help keep them relaxed.
• Always maintain eye contact and talk to reassuringly to them.

As you grow in confidence and as baby gets stronger, you can also practise some of the floating holds you’ll learn at your Turtle Tots baby swimming lessons.

Playtime

Show them how to play with the bath toys and sing songs as you play – this will all bring positive associations with water.  When you are ready to go the ‘big bath’ for baby swimming lessons, bring those same toys you used at bath time  – the familiarity of those toys will give your baby a feeling of safety in the new setting and can make the first transition to the pool much smoother.

Water time

One of the hardest parts for parents during a baby swimming lesson is the time when you need to get your baby’s head wet, so its always best to try wetting their heads first in the safety and security of their home, at bath time with you close, next to them in the water.

Start off slow by sprinkling a very light trickle of water on their head, and very gradually increase the amount of water over time – keep eye contact, and keep reassuring them through words and songs.

Do not be put off if your baby’s first experience of getting the face / head wet is not bliss. If they cry, stop and cuddle them, and try again at the next bath time.

Once your baby has experienced this feeling of water on their own face, it will make the experience far less stressful when its time for splashing during swimming lessons.

Finally, the joys of sharing bath time with your baby will establish the idea that water is enjoyable.  Always be silly, play games and keep bringing on the smiles.  The earlier they feel at ease with the water, the easier it will be to get them swimming and enjoying water.

IMPORTANT:

• Never leave a baby alone in the bath under any circumstances and never ask an older sibling to look after a baby in the bath.
• Be very careful with hot taps while handling your baby in the bath – they may protrude and often remain unexpectantly hot.