Moms Talk: Infant Water Training

Welcome to Moms Talk, a feature here on Suisun City Patch dedicated to reaching moms and families. We invite you and your circle of friends to help build a community of support here in Suisun City. Additionally, you will have opportunity to ask questions or offer answers on issues and hot topics that concern you.

So grab a cup of coffee and settle in as we start the conversation today with a question from your Moms Council: 

Summer is coming up and my older children, ages 6 and 7, are going to be taking swimming lessons. I am interested in enrolling my 5 month old son in lessons, as well, but some say this is a bad idea. Is it safe to take my infant out to the water?

My Answer: Though there may be infant swim classes available, you want to be cautious and consider if they are right for you and your child. One thing to keep in mind is if your child has frequent health issues, you will want to check with his or her doctor first. Also, children under five months may have a hard time keeping their head up, so make sure they have good control of their neck and are able to hold it up at a 90 degree angle for a considerable amount of time. If not their head may bobble under water for too long.

Lastly, swimming classes for infants do not make your child any more likely to be a better swimmer as they grow older, though this can help infants be more comfortable in the water. That being said, it is just as much important to remember that an accompanying adult should be comfortable in the water, as well, if they are to teach help their infant be comfortable.