Shortly after Lucy was born, I saw an ad for a local swimming school about swimming lessons for babies. I thought that sounded crazy but quite interesting! I did some research, talked to Jamie and finally signed Lucy up for it.
Funny thing was that she was one of the older ones in the class. There were about 8 babies in there ranging from 6 months to 2 years, and Lucy was one of the 3 older babies in the class.
In the class she learned how to hold on to the side of the pool without me holding on to her. She learned how to go under water and wiggle to the top. She learned how to find someone/something to hold on to when let go of. She learned how to "walk" with her hands on the side of the pool. She learned how to climb up the steps of the pool and get out. She learned how to float on her back. She learned how to jump off the side of the pool and into someone's arms. She learned how to kick her legs and reach her arms out to grab a toy, a person or the side of the pool. She learned soooo much in this class and I left feeling amazed every week.
It was an excellent mommy and me class and I'm excited to sign up for it again in the Fall.
I've never really thought of the importance of pool safety for little ones until I had a little one and began reading about drownings and accidents and other horrific stories.
Our swimming instructor told us some pretty terrifying stories about drownings and it reiterated my reasoning for signing Lucy up for the class. You can never start teaching your baby how to swim too soon.
I surprisingly got a lot of flack from some other mamas about signing Lucy up for this class. They thought it was too soon. They thought it was irresponsible of me because I should ultimately be the one looking out for her when we're around a pool. They thought it was a waste of time and money because babies can't learn how to swim.
I couldn't disagree any more. Yes, I will be the responsible person for Lucy's safety when anywhere near water, but I want my baby and future babies to be familiar with water and not afraid of it. The most important thing Lucy learned was to find the side of the pool and walk her hands to the steps to walk out. I'm telling you, that was some brilliant stuff she learned!
Can I toss Lucy in a pool and expect a little fish? Absolutely not! But we can be in the water and feel comfortable together, a little less fearless. The last thing I want is to have a child that is afraid of the water and uncomfortable even when I'm there with her.
All this to say, I can't recommend this class to new and old mamas enough! Get your babies comfortable in the water. I know I'm going to continue classes, because not only did we have fun, but we both learned so much!
I'm writing this post to share what a positive experience Lucy and I had if any of you mamas are on the fence about taking your babies to swim school. It can only be beneficial to them!
Love you guys! Happy Friday!!
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