Step by step to success

Preparatory exercises

In addition to the preparatory exercises, some core exercises are required.

In the shower

Hold your child in an armpit grip (same as with the core exercise). Always maintain eye contact and make a few funny grimaces and sounds. Also try a nose swab from time to time. You yourself know best what makes your child happy. The playful interaction should make the child feel comfortable in the water and even have fun in the new location.

Bubble

Here too, keep your child in an armpit grip (same as with the core exercise). After you have already made a few slanted grimaces and if the child also reacts positively to the nose nudge, you should try bubbling. To do this, blow your mouth into the water so that bubbles form. First only with yourself and then close to the child. Always pay attention to how the child reacts. You can even bubble on the child's stomach if they are enthusiastic about the bubbling. ‍ This is also about playful interaction in water and the main goal is for the child to feel comfortable in the water.

Nose swabs

Hold your child in an armpit grip (same as with the core exercise). Then make a few funny faces and make a few funny sounds. Eye contact is always maintained. Also try a nose swab from time to time. You yourself know best what makes your child happy. The playful interaction should make the child feel comfortable in the water and even have fun in the new location.

On the mat next to the pool

Use a soft swim mat for this exercise. Such mats can be found in every conventional indoor pool and you can usually borrow them for a short period of time. Place the mat at the edge of the pool and place your child on it. Then play with the child for a few minutes and let him watch the surroundings. They are standing in water. Try to convey joy and well-being. From time to time, you can also splash a little water on the mat and the child. ‍ Through this exercise, the child can slowly get used to the strange environment in the indoor pool.

Getting into the water

Hold your child in front of your chest so they can look over your shoulders and support the child's head with your hand. It is best to carry the child a little sideways to grasp the railing with the other hand. Infants like to be carried on the side of their hearts, as they can feel the heartbeat there through skin contact. Thanks to this grip, the child feels body heat, making it feel safe. Next, slowly step by step across the stairs into the water until the water reaches the chest for the child. This exercise is particularly suitable for children up to 6 months who still like close skin contact with their parents.

Schritt für schritt zum erfolg

Häufige Fehler

Grip too close to the armpits

Be careful not to hold your child too close to the armpits. As a result, the blood supply to the arms can be reduced. The handle should be slightly loose under the armpits. Also pay attention to the child's skin again and again. As soon as the child's skin appears a lot paler than normal, it is better to stop visiting the bath to prevent hypothermia.