Exercises for children in the pool

Water is the cradle of humanity! Even in the womb, a little person lives surrounded by this blessed liquid. When born, he retains his ability to swim for some time.

A newborn baby indulges in water procedures with great pleasure. A short time passes and the child loses these skills and has to be taught to swim again. The ability to stay on the water is very useful and will come in handy in anyone's life. Once you learn to swim, this acquisition will stay with you for life.

Is swimming good for children? There can be only one answer to this question. Yes! Such activities are especially useful for preschool and school-age children. Regular exercises for children in the pool are beneficial for the child's body:

• Respiratory system. The pressure that water creates on the chest forces the baby to take deep breaths and exhales. There is excellent ventilation of the lungs and strengthening of the respiratory tract. This is also a good preventive method for preventing respiratory diseases, and by diving, the baby naturally washes the nasopharynx - an excellent "cure" for respiratory diseases.
• Cardiovascular system. Any physical activity is, accordingly, a load on the heart. When receiving a load, the heart muscle becomes more elastic, strengthened. When swimming, the child feels the pressure of water, which leads to a natural massage of the entire skin, due to this, the work of the circulatory system is toned up, the blood (especially when diving) is saturated with oxygen, carrying it to all internal organs, improving and activating their work.
• Musculoskeletal system. Exercises for children in the pool involve constant motor activity of the child. He constantly moves his arms and legs, the whole body is involved in the movement. Overcoming the resistance of water, the little person puts stress on the joints, skeletal muscles. Swimming and exercises for children in the pool are an excellent prevention of scoliosis, maintaining normal posture in the child. Swimming with fins is an excellent way to avoid flat feet. Studies have shown that babies accustomed to swimming from birth begin to independently hold their heads, crawl, sit and walk much earlier than their peers.
• Excretion system. Natural water massage allows you to saturate the baby's skin with microelements, helps prevent constipation.

Contraindications for children swimming in the pool

Any business requires a thoughtful approach. Children's swimming in the pool is no exception, because it should be beneficial, and not become the cause of an aggravated illness. Even such a seemingly harmless activity as swimming has its contraindications.

Contraindications to children swimming in the pool may be:

• Infectious skin diseases and viral infections.
• Any disease in its acute form.
• Renal and cardiac failure.
• Severe congenital heart defect.
• Individual contraindications (developmental disabilities).
• Joint disease, hip dislocation.
• Allergies.
• Intestinal disorder.
• Cramps.
• Elevated temperature is not a contraindication to water procedures. You should just limit yourself to the bath and avoid diving, so as not to increase the blood flow through the vessels. A runny nose, on the contrary, is not a reason to refuse diving, but you should not visit the pool.

If there are no strict contraindications, but the child is sick, the load should be reduced for the duration of the illness. Reduce the number of repetitions of exercises for children in the pool, without reducing the water temperature. If the load is reduced by 2-3 times, and no improvement is observed, then it would be reasonable to temporarily cancel swimming.

Watch your baby carefully: if the baby starts to tremble, you can see goose bumps, the nasolabial triangle turns blue, or the baby cries or screams, it is better to stop the activity in the water. You can try adding hot water and rubbing the baby's skin with a terry towel, holding him close to you, calming him down. If the baby stops crying and returns to normal, try to continue bathing.

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Exercises for infants in the pool

In utero, the future human being develops in amniotic fluid. Therefore, it would be correct to use these swimming abilities, which are lost already in the 3-4 month of life, as a basis for swimming lessons in the early stages after birth. The newborn adapts very quickly and feels absolutely comfortable in this environment. The swimming reflex, holding the breath during immersion in such a baby are so fixed in the subcortex that with little effort from the parents, after a few months, the newborn is able to dive and swim independently, without anyone's help. He stays on the surface perfectly and is able to swim underwater for a few seconds. It is only necessary not to interrupt training. A break of up to two months can lead to a complete loss of swimming skills. But the skills acquired in infancy remain with him for the rest of his life.

Oddly enough, swimming classes give newborns an impetus to more rapid physical, physiological, psychological development. Such babies do not have the increased tone of the flexor muscles that is typical for children in the first months of life. The change in temperature plays the role of hardening, allows the child to quickly adapt to the outside world and, as a result, is a preventive measure against infectious and colds. Swimming also has a positive effect on the activation of metabolic processes in the child's body, improving digestion, stimulating appetite. The baby gets pleasure from communicating with water. Exercises for babies in the pool improve the respiratory system and brain function.

Currently, there are several methods and sets of exercises for children in the pool. They are different, but they perform the main task - to teach small, newborn children to swim.

General recommendations before the lesson

Before starting lessons, show your baby to specialists: a pediatrician, a neurologist and an orthopedist. If they have not identified any contraindications, then you can begin training. The first lesson can be held no earlier than 2-3 weeks of age, after the navel has completely healed. The best time for "training" is in the evening (a few hours before bedtime). The last meal is 1.5-2 hours before bathing (the baby should not be full). The water in the pool (bath) must be fresh and clean. To clean the pool itself, it is better to use ordinary soda. It is easy to wash off, does not cause allergic reactions, dermatitis on the skin surface of the baby. The temperature regime must be kept at 37-38 ° C.

Try not to over-bathe your newborn the first time. The first session should last no more than 5-10 minutes. The duration can be increased to five minutes daily, bringing it up to four to five sessions a week, 45-50 minutes each. Swimming is quite a serious strain on the body, so before you start the session, you need to prepare your baby for it: do a little massage and warm up. Any young mother (or father) can handle this perfectly.

Before you begin the lesson, prepare a clean sheet and towel, napkins, baby soap, a thermometer, a clock, children's toys (such as those that do not sink). It is simply wonderful if pleasant, smooth music plays in the background during the lesson.

Massage and gymnastics before bathing

Before starting exercises for children in the pool, the newborn must be prepared by giving him a massage and doing some warm-up movements. This will take no more than 25 minutes. Do not use any oils during the massage. The baby's skin will become slippery, which is unacceptable in exercises for infants in the pool. The main movements are kneading and stroking.

1. We start lightly stroking from the baby's foot, then the shin, the next thigh and move on to the hand, then the forearm and finish with the shoulder. Turn the baby over onto his stomach and stroke the buttocks and back. Turn him over onto his back. Stroke the tummy and chest.
2. The second stage involves kneading with gentle movements. The sequence of areas to be kneaded remains the same as in point 1.
3. Let's move on to "dry gymnastics".

First exercise. The newborn lies on its back. The masseur takes the baby by the legs and begins to lift and lower them, imitating the movement of the legs in the swimming technique - crawl.

Second exercise. The position of the baby is the same. Now we imitate the movement of the legs when swimming breaststroke.

Exercise 3. Position on the back. The adult, holding the baby by the arms, imitates swimming movements.

Number of repetitions - 8÷10 times. Then turn the baby over. Do the same exercises lying on the stomach. After this, the future champion is ready for "training".

Swimming technique

The little person begins to hold his head independently by the age of 3 months, so it is necessary to remember that in the first months it must be supported by an adult. Now you can proceed directly to the lessons.

1. We start with walking. The adult holds the baby by the armpits and "moves" the baby along the bottom of the pool. There should be a little water in it. The baby will reflexively start moving his legs.
2. Walk a few meters, let the baby rest.
3. Let's move on to swimming. In this exercise, we use all the same reflexes. The toddler pushes off the edge of the pool with his feet and swims with the support of an adult. Only the face should be above the surface (the chest and ears are under water).
4. The baby's position is on its back. The mother supports the head with one hand, and the chin with the other. In this position, slowly and carefully swim along a trajectory repeating the figure eight.
5. Turn the baby over onto his tummy. The mother's right hand lies under the left armpit, and the left supports the back of the head. And again we swim in figure eights, only now on the tummy.

During the training period, constantly monitor the condition of the newborn. Arrange periodic rest for him. Constantly talk to him, he should feel completely safe. Try to conduct any exercise for children in the pool in a playful form. For example, not just swim, but play tag, while resting, splash in the water, and so on. Turn on your imagination.

Now you can start diving. Some parents are afraid to do this. But you should calm down. If done correctly, these exercises are safe, but they are very useful.

Diving technique

It is worth remembering a few basic but very important rules. Never force your baby to dive. Diving always begins with an inhale and from a position - lying on the stomach. The main thing is that the baby does not get scared. He should get only positive emotions from the lessons, then the expected result will come much earlier, and you will not discourage him from further desire to "communicate with water".

At the first lesson, you should not immediately proceed to diving. Its goal is to develop a reflex to the words - "Dive!" This can be done by saying the command and pouring water on the baby's face. When, after hearing the command, the baby learns to hold his breath, then it is time to move on to diving. Say the command, put him under water. Come up. Rest a little. After 5-6 months from the start of classes, the child will learn to dive independently.

After classes

After completing the water procedures, if the parents want to introduce both an element of hardening and raising the baby's immune system, do not wrap him up right away, let him dry out on his own in the air at room temperature. It is better to carry him from the pool to the changing table with his head covered, having lightly blotted his body with a diaper.

Only after all these procedures can the baby's skin be lubricated with special cosmetics. You should not feed the baby for 15-20 minutes after bathing. He will have swallowed water anyway. Give it time to come out and empty the stomach.

A set of exercises for children in the pool

Swim before you walk – this motto should be adopted by all parents. Exercises for children in the pool are an excellent trainer for the entire child’s body, but for a more even load on all muscle groups, it is worth considering a number of exercises that are most suitable for one or another age.

Children 1.5÷2 years old

At this age, children usually do not know what "fear of water" is, so visiting the pool is perceived by them with great enthusiasm! If such problems still arise, contact the instructor, consult with a pediatrician. This problem can be solved.

The suggested exercises for children in the pool are also great for the bath (some of them). The first few minutes are necessary for the baby to adapt to the water, get used to the temperature difference. Play with him, let him pat the surface with his palms. This will allow the little one to warm up, calm down, get used to the water and the surroundings. You can jump a little "bunny". After that, you can safely move on to the main exercises.

• "Boat motor"

The baby sits on the side and starts actively splashing his legs, imitating the work of an engine. Another option: lies on his stomach with the active support of his parents, and works his legs. This is a basic movement for mastering swimming skills in the future.

• "Harvest"

The water depth should be such that when the baby squats, the water does not reach above the chin. This exercise for children in the pool will help to cope with the fear of water. Children need to collect toys scattered along the bottom. This exercise can be easily modernized as they grow older and depending on their training. You can complicate it by adding lowering your face into the water.

• "Rain"

Lightly splash water on your baby's face, and let him do the same in return. This will help him overcome his fear of water.

• "Little boat"

Supporting the body, swing the child, slightly immersed in water, like a pendulum. The legs should be straight and not reach the bottom. This gives the baby the opportunity to feel that the water can hold, you can even lie on it. The "boat" exercise can be done both lying on the back and on the stomach, try adding the "motor" movement.

• "On the oars"

Bend your palms like a boat, walk waist-deep in water, and begin moving your arms, imitating oars (spreading your arms, push the water back with your palms).

• "The Clock"

This is a great exercise for children in the pool, which will amuse and calm the little one when he is upset and crying. We immerse him, holding him under the arms (to the waist or shoulders) in the water and begin to slowly swing him like a pendulum or in a circle. The kids usually have fun with this.

At the end of the classes, it is necessary to relax and restore breathing. This can be done if you simply blow on the surface of the water or take the toys out of the bottom again. After such relaxation, the child will get real pleasure. Do not forget that at this age they completely imitate adults, so do not be lazy in demonstrating all the movements, showing your personal example.

Children 2-3 years old

Babies at this age are often afraid of water, and older ones are often overly cautious. An adult needs to be patient and restrained - this fear will not go away immediately, because usually the child's "aversion to water" is associated with some unpleasant memories or sensations (too cold or hot water, an unsuccessful dive...) Hence, your primary task is to teach the baby to love water again.

You shouldn't force them to do anything, just have some fun. Let him forget his fear during the game. However, if the mother is not confident in her abilities, you can ask a professional for help. Such an appeal gives another positive moment. Children of this age strive for society, they want to play with their own kind. And a small group of kids on a course is a good reason to get acquainted.

But you can not limit yourself in communication with your baby and take everything into your own hands. When the stage of adaptation and fear is successfully passed, you can begin classes.

The set of exercises for children in the pool of this age is not difficult. If the exercise does not have a name, come up with one with your child - it will be more interesting.

• "The kitty is washing herself"

The toddler scoops up water with both hands and, exhaling, splashes it on his face. To get the exhalation in the right place in the exercise, ask him to say something like "boo" at the moment of splashing. It will be clearer to him what an exhalation is and when it needs to be done.

• "Bubbles in the palms"

Fill your hands with water and try to hold them so that the water does not "run away". Lower your mouth between your palms into the water and exhale. Explain as clearly as possible, using an example, that the more air the baby fills with his mouth, the more cheerful bubbles he will get.

"Hot tea". Ask the child to remember how to blow so that the tea cools down and is not so hot. Take in more air (the child inhales) and blow hard enough on the water.

• "Breeze"

A slightly more complex interpretation of the previous exercise. You will not have to blow on the surface of the water, but use the wind to push a toy that is floating in the pool (for example, a boat, a bird). The wind must be strong so that each time the object floats a greater distance.

• "Crocodile" and "Duck"

Ask your child to depict these animals. He will have to dive first, holding his breath, as a duck does, or hide, as a crocodile does. "Duck" - lower your face under the water, "Crocodile" - completely submerge. Only the upper part of the face (forehead, eyes) should be visible above the surface.

Children 4-6 years old

Children of this age are already quite independent individuals. Therefore, there should not be any significant difficulties in performing the exercises. Let's consider the most familiar exercises for children in the pool.

• "Float"

Take a breath and hold it. Sit down. Hold your knees tightly in the water and pull them to your chest. Tilt your head toward your knees. The water will float the baby up on its back. The main thing is to hold on to the water surface for a few seconds in this position.

• "Starfish"

Take a breath. Relax your body and lie on your back on the water, spreading your legs and arms in the shape of a star. You can't hold your breath. Otherwise, he'll start to sink. Try to teach him not to be afraid of water when it fills his eyes. You need to breathe easily.

• "Jellyfish"

It is necessary to lie face down on the surface, in contrast to the previous exercise for children in the pool, having previously held your breath and relaxed. Lie a little on the surface, moving, like a jellyfish, your legs and arms.

• "Little Dolphin"

Raise your arms at an angle upwards in front. Exhale. Push off the bottom of the pool. Dive forward or sideways. Let him try to jump as high as he can.

Don't demand everything from your child at once. Most likely, he won't succeed the first time. Reassure him and support him, and in the near future, an excellent result is guaranteed. Don't rush. These simple exercises for children in the pool will allow them to master any swimming technique later. But for the effect to be maximum, the classes should be held at least two days a week.

Children over 6 years old

If your baby has reached this age, then you can think about a swimming section, where a professional instructor will help you master various swimming styles. It is from this age that children, if they wish, begin to ascend to their sports Olympus. If sport is not your goal. You can choose other exercises for children in the pool (also children's aqua aerobics).

At the age of 6, you can find a specialized group for comprehensive development for a disabled child.

Water exercises and swimming have a positive effect on the general condition of the body: in addition to muscle tone and strong immunity, the child also gets a healthy appetite and sound sleep.

A set of exercises for children who swim well

• Standing up to your neck in water, make 15 circular movements with your arms.
• Flounder around a bit, using your legs and arms vigorously as if you were drowning. A great exercise for burning extra calories and toning your muscles.
• Run, preferably deeper, the resistance of the water will give the expected effect.
• Periodically, in between workouts, do breathing exercises. Such gymnastics helps to restore breathing, strengthens the lungs and heart. Deep breath, dip your head. Try not to breathe for some time. Exhale slowly.

Communication with water is a unique opportunity to communicate with one of the most powerful elements of nature. Bathing, swimming, diving, we feed on its energy. Such communication is useful for a person at any age, but if we talk about children, then exercise for children in the pool is not just an opportunity to have a great time with their peers or parents. These exercises, in fact, lay the foundation for health, both psychoneurological and physical, for the rest of their lives. It is never too late to learn. If you yourself do not know how to swim, start practicing with your child. Today, it is not a problem to enroll a child in a pool at any age, there are also specialized groups where a trained instructor will show and tell Van how to help your baby take the "first steps" in swimming. Do not get lost and do not be afraid - your child's health is in your hands!!!