Fun in the Pool with Your Toddler

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is recommended that between ages one and three, a child should begin to take swimming lessons. The belief is that receiving instruction as early as possible can prevent accidental drowning in young children. Remember, though, that when your child begins to learn how to swim, you have to keep your expectations realistic. A very young child won’t be a strong swimmer, because their motor skills are still developing. The most important thing is to help the child learn how to enjoy the water, and the best way to do that is by having fun.

Playing in the Water

For very young children, begin in water shallow enough that the child can sit down and still keep his or her head above the water. Do fun things like singing, blowing bubbles and splashing. You can also hold the child under his or her armpits, facing you while you walk backwards – encourage them to kick and blow bubbles. For a little quieter activity, sit with your child on the edge of the pool, and show them how to splash by kicking the water’s surface.

Games for Young Children

There are various games that you can play with toddlers at various stages of development and comfort in the water. Try a few of the following:

1. Little Pancake – This is great for very young children. Lay the child on his or her back, and move through the water while supporting them. Sing, “I’m a pancake small and flat; I’m a pancake on my back; turn me over just like that!” Then turn the child over onto their tummy. This helps the child learn how to balance while floating, both on their back and on their front. Back floating isn’t usually all that hard for a child to pick up, but sometimes the front floating takes a little more practice.

2. If You’re Happy and You Know It – This is another great singing game. Hold the child out at arm’s length, and sing, “If you’re happy and you know it, splash your hands!” Encourage the child to splash the water while you sing. You know the rest of the lyrics; obviously it’s the same as “If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands” – just substitute “splash” for “clap,” “kick your feet” for “stamp your feet,” and so on.

3. Scavenger Hunt – This game is most appropriate for toddlers nearing the age of three, who may have already developed some basic swimming skills. What you do is gather up all the floatable toys you can find – in the typical household, there will probably be quite a few. Now toss them all in the pool. Your child gets to paddle around, collecting the toys as quickly as they can. This builds confidence in the water, and can be very exciting, so it’s a great game to play if you’re trying to get your little one all tired out.

Time spent in the pool with your toddler contributes to greater safety in and around the water later on. It’s also a great bonding exercise.