Why do babies lose their swimming skills after 6 months?
Have you ever wondered why babies can swim naturally before 6 months and why they lose this ability after 6 months? It’s a fascinating phenomenon that reveals a lot about the development of human infants and their connection to their aquatic ancestors. In this blog post, I will explain the science behind this amazing skill and how you can help your baby retain it for longer.
Babies are born with two reflexes that enable them to swim naturally: the diving reflex and the swimming reflex. The diving reflex is triggered when the baby’s face is submerged in water, causing them to hold their breath, slow their heart rate, and divert blood flow to the vital organs. The swimming reflex is activated when the baby is placed horizontally in water, causing them to move their arms and legs in a coordinated way, resembling swimming.
These reflexes are not unique to humans. They are also found in other mammals, such as seals, dolphins, and whales, that live in aquatic environments. They are part of an evolutionary adaptation that helps these animals survive and thrive in water. Scientists believe that human babies have inherited these reflexes from their distant ancestors who also lived in water millions of years ago.
However, these reflexes are not enough to make babies proficient swimmers. They also need to learn how to control their breathing, balance their body, and coordinate their movements consciously. These skills develop gradually as the baby grows and matures. Around 6 months of age, the diving and swimming reflexes start to fade away, as the baby becomes more aware of their surroundings and more influenced by their emotions and fears. This is why babies lose their natural ability to swim after 6 months.
But this doesn’t mean that babies can’t swim at all after 6 months. It just means that they need more guidance and encouragement from their parents or caregivers to keep practicing and enjoying swimming. Swimming is a great activity for babies, as it helps them develop their physical, mental, and social skills. It also strengthens their bond with their parents or caregivers, who can share this fun and relaxing experience with them.
If you want to help your baby retain their natural swimming ability for longer, here are some tips:
- Start early. The earlier you introduce your baby to water, the more comfortable they will be with it. You can start by giving your baby a gentle bath or shower, then gradually move on to a larger tub or pool.
- Be consistent. Try to swim with your baby regularly, at least once or twice a week, to maintain their interest and confidence in water.
- Be supportive. Always stay close to your baby and hold them securely while they swim. Praise them for their efforts and achievements, and never force them to do something they don’t want to do.
- Be safe. Make sure the water is clean, warm, and shallow enough for your baby. Use appropriate flotation devices if needed, and never leave your baby unattended in water.
- Have fun. Swimming should be a joyful and playful activity for both you and your baby. Sing songs, play games, splash around, and make it a memorable time for both of you.
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Check out our fun facts section – Swimming Lessons for Babies.
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