| A: | Swimming is an activity many babies love, if the water temperature is warm and they feel secure. You may choose to introduce your baby to swimming on your own in a warm pool or in a mom and baby swimming group. Some of the possible benefits include: • Letting your baby move in an environment that has less gravity helps to develop their gross motor skills • In a group, your baby will be socializing and also learning fun rhymes and tunes that are often part of the session • Like any other mom and baby group the greatest value is found in the focused time you have with your baby. For young babies, under 6 months of age I recommend playing in a warm bath as opposed to a pool due to the chemicals required to keep a pool adequately clean and the bacteria found in the warm environments most public and warmed pools are kept in. After 6 months of age swimming can be fun and beneficial however, as with all activities remember to watch for your baby’s enjoyment and follow their lead. |
