WATER BABIES

(credit and thanks go to Lai Yin and her water babe, LTD)

Swimming tips provided by Lai Yin, a certified lifeguard who said, "It wasn't an extrordinary thing we did when we took Linus to the pool at 7 weeks. First time round he cried coz the water was very chilly but calmed down after we kept rubbing his body n held him close. After that he loved it and at 7.5 months kicked mummy away and swam on his own with armbands!"

For the benefit of moomies who would like to introduce their babies to the pool, here are some tips:

1) WHEN?
Do it as early as possible, even from 1 month if u can get access to a clean private pool.

2) PREPARATION
Enjoy bathtimes b4 introducing to pool. Spray water from back of head and let water drip over baby's eyes n face n watch his reaction. Spray on yourself too n pretend to giggle n show that u are comfortable n having fun. Play kicking/splashing games in bath tub. Blow bubbles in water. Bring water toys/bubbles gun to bath. Make bathtime FUNTIME!

3) OBJECTIVE
1st few visits to pool, esp if baby is under 3 months, stay only 5-10mins. Remember - objective is to let baby be comfortable n associate water with FUN, not learn how to swim.

4) WHAT TO WEAR?
Linus first used swimming diaper from Mothercare wich he outgrew at 5months n thereafter a bodysuit which actually keeps him warmer n now he can stay an hour in the pool.

5) POOL ACTIVITIES
From 1mth+ till about 6mths, I support Linus under the armpits and just walked around the pool singing songs with modified swimming lyrics eg 'I am kicking my little feet, I am keeping quite a beat, I am splashing with my toes, See how far the water goes....' to the tune of Twinkle2 Little Star. At this age he naturally floated horizontally (I think the swim diaper helped coz got air trapped inside). We have a routine from the start - I walk into the pool holding him close. Slowly wet ourselves, all the time rubbing him to keep warm. Then I'll say 'Watch Mummy Peekaboo?', go underwater in front of him n emerge with eyes wide open n smiling. I do that 3 times then I'll say 'Now Linus's turn to Peekaboo'. I'll bounced him once, twice then dunk him on the third. After a while he will know how to anticipated the dunk. Also, when time is up, stop b4 baby is ready to stop even though he's enjoying himself tremendously.

6) FLOATS?
Couldn't find any floats which could fit his tiny arms till about 6mths. Bought the Arena 0-12mths armbands. Review - very good balance n easy to blow. At 9mths changed to bigger armbands, original 'Floaties' brand. Review - although softer material n comfortable, quality control poor and difficult to blow.

7) WHEN TO LET GO?
I didn't, he kicked me away. I noticed that happened when he can balance well with the armbands. Let him enjoy his new found freedom, just keep a watchful eye and don't be too eager to help. A few gulps of water will do no harm.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
Once he could stand but can't walk yet (about 8mths+) he enjoyed 'walking' about the baby pool on his own. (Note: Spend more time in big pool) We also introduced jumping n plunging in from sides, climbing out and sliding in on his own, lying on back to watch birds etc (He doesn't like this position).

He's just turned 1yr this week and can swim more than width of the pool by himself - about 20 metres. I usually take him about 3 times a week.

Cheers, Lai Yin