AQUA BABY!

To celebrate the start of summer and the swimming season ahead, BabyLove Nappies has collaborated with the ‘learn to swim’ experts for practical tips to help your baby take to the water with glee. Whether it’s the bath, wading pool at your neighbourhood aquatic centre or the beach, now is the time to embrace the fun of being in the water.

‘Introducing babies to swimming early not only ensures their future safety around water, but also leads to so many health benefits from gentle exercise, bonding through skin to skin contact, stimulating children’s appetites and improving sleep,’ said Emily McNeill, General Manager of the Australian Swim Schools Association, who promote learning to swim and water safety practices at over 350 Swim Schools around Australia.

Learning to swim is an essential life skill for children, and they can commence swim classes as young as four months old at many swim schools.

To look the part, BabyLove has introduced a contemporary range of Swim Pants that are reflective of the Aussie cossie, with their colourful designs and bright colours. The unisex range is especially designed for the water, so they won’t swell. They also have a comfy 360-degree stretchy waist band, so they can be pulled on; and easy to tear side seams will help you remove them after their dip.

‘Swim Pants offer babies a fun and safe way to enjoy the water, and provide parents confidence and peace of mind as well,’ said Michael Joel, Marketing and Strategy Manager at BabyLove.

No matter which stage you’re at with familiarising your baby with the water and learning to swim, we’ve got some practical tips that will nurture a water baby.

Top Tips for developing a Water Baby:

Use bath time to develop an affinity between your newborn and water

Hold your baby gently and introduce buoyancy and movement of water on their skin

Use a flannel and eventually a cup, to familiarise your baby to the sensation of water on their face

In swimming pools, securely hold your baby and encourage greater movement in the water to build their muscles, coordination and confidence in the water 

Start swimming classes! Babies readily embrace water so get started early. It’s also a great way to eliminate a fear of water developing later on.

Six Tips for Your First Swim Lesson from Learn to Swim experts, ASSA:

Start with the right gear – Invest in a comfortable pair of goggles to see underwater and a swim cap to keep their hair off their face 

Have a dress rehearsal – familiarise your child with their swim gear in the days leading up to their lesson. It’s also a great chance to practice getting the swim cap on

Safety first – Supervise your child before and after their lesson, and follow the pool’s rules

Arrive early, stress less – Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before class so everyone’s relaxed and ready to go

Try not to distract your child – Remember the teacher will need your child’s full attention 

Have Fun! Swimming is important to your child’s development, but so too is enjoying the class!

‘Learning to swim is an essential life skill that every child should have the opportunity to access. Your local ASSA Member Swim School is ready to offer the highest quality lessons so that you and your family stay SAFER in and around the water all year round,’ said Emily McNeill.

BabyLove Swim Pants are available in three sizes – Small (6-12kg), Medium (9-14kg) and Large (12-22kg). They are available at Chemist Warehouse, Big W and select IGA and pharmacies. For more information, please visit: https://babylovenappies.com.au/ or www.facebook.com/BabyLoveNappies

To find your local ASSA Swim School at: australianswimschools.org.au