Exercises for children in the pool

Water is the cradle of humanity! Still in the womb of the mother, a small man lives surrounded by this blessed liquid. Being born, for some time he retains his ability to swim.

A newborn child is very pleased to surrender to water procedures. It takes a little time and the child loses these skills and teach him to swim has to be done anew. Ability to stay on the water - it is very useful and useful in the life of anyone. Having once learned to swim, this acquisition will remain with you for life.

Is swimming useful for children? There can be only one answer to this question. Yes! Especially useful are such activities for preschool and school children. Planned exercises for children in the pool are fruitful for the child's body: 

• Respiratory system. The pressure that creates water on the chest forces the baby to perform deep breaths, exhalations. There is an excellent ventilation of the lungs and strengthening of the airways. This is also a good preventive method of preventing respiratory disease, and diving, the baby naturally rinses the nasopharynx - an excellent "medicine" for respiratory illness. 
• The cardiovascular system. Any physical load - this, respectively, and the load on the heart. Getting a load, the heart muscle becomes more elastic, strengthens. Floating, the child feels the pressure of water, which leads to a natural massage of the entire skin, thanks to which the work of the blood system is toned, blood (especially when diving) is saturated with oxygen, spreading it to all internal organs, improving and activating their work. 
• Musculoskeletal system. Exercises for children in the basin suggest constant motor activity of the child. He keeps moving his arms and legs all the time, involved in the movement of the entire body. Overcoming the resistance of water, a small man gives a load on the joints, musculature of the skeleton. Swimming and exercises for children in the pool are excellent prophylaxis of scoliosis, keeping the child in a normal posture. Floating with fins is an excellent way to avoid flat feet. Studies have shown that kids, accustomed to swimming since birth, begin to hold their heads, crawl, sit and walk much earlier than their peers. 
• Selection system. Natural water massage allows you to saturate your skin with microelements, helps to prevent constipation.

Contraindications to swimming of children in the pool

Any case requires a deliberate approach to it. Swimming children in the pool is no exception, because it should be beneficial, and not steel, the cause of the aggravated disease. Even, it would seem, such harmless occupation as swimming has its contra-indications.

Contraindications to swimming of children in the pool can be: 

• Infectious diseases of the skin and viral infections. 
• Any disease in its acute form. 
• Renal and heart failure. 
• Congenital heart disease in severe form. 
• Individual contraindications (deviation in development). 
• Disease of the joints, dislocation of the hip joint. 
• Allergies. 
• Intestinal disorder. 
• Convulsions. 
• Elevated temperature is not a contraindication to water procedures. It is only necessary to limit the bath and do without diving, so as not to increase the flow of blood through the vessels. Coryza, on the contrary, is not an excuse to refuse diving, only to visit the pool is not worth it.

If there are no hard contraindications, but the child is sick, it should be during the illness to reduce the load. Reduce the number of repetitions of exercises for children in the pool, without lowering the temperature of the water. If the load is reduced 2 to 3 times, and no improvement is observed, then it will be prudent to temporarily cancel the bathing.

Carefully observe the child: if the baby starts to tremble, "goosebumps" is visible, the nasolabial triangle is blue; either the baby is crying or screaming, it's better to stop working on the water. You can try to add hot water and rub the baby's skin with a towel, squeeze, calming him. If the child stops crying and bounced back, try to continue bathing.

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Exercises for babies in the pool

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

As it is not strange, swimming lessons give newborns the impetus for more rapid physical, physiological, psychological development. These babies do not have an increased tonus of flexor muscles, characteristic of children in the first months of life. The change in the degree of temperature plays the role of hardening, enables the child to adapt quickly to the surrounding world and, as a consequence, is a preventive means of preventing infectious and colds. Swimming also positively affects the activation of metabolic processes in the child's body, improving digestion, stimulating appetite. The baby gets pleasure from communicating with the water. Exercises for babies in the pool improves breathing apparatus and brain function.

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

General recommendations before class

Before committing to the lessons, show the baby to specialists: a pediatrician, a neuropathologist and an orthopedist. If they have not revealed contraindications, then you can start training. The first session can be performed no earlier than 2 ÷ 3 weeks of age, after complete healing of the umbilical cord. The best time for "training" - in the evening (a few hours before sleep). The last meal for 1,5 ÷ 2 hours before bathing (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 well washed off, does not cause allergic reactions, dermatitis on the cutaneous surface of the baby. The temperature regime must be kept at 37 ÷ 38 ° C.

First time try not to buy a newborn. The duration of the first lesson is no more than 5 ÷ 10 minutes. Daily duration can be increased to five minutes, bringing to four - five sessions per week for 45 ÷ 50 minutes each. Swimming is quite a serious load on the body, so before you commit to a lesson, you need to prepare a baby for him: do a little massage and warm-up. With this, any young mommy (or daddy) can do fine.

Before you start, prepare a clean sheet and towel, napkins, baby soap, thermometer, watch, children's toys (such that they do not sink). It's just great if, during the class, background music will sound pleasant, smooth.

Massage and gymnastics before bathing

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

1. We begin easy stroking from the foot of the child, then the shin, the next thigh and go to the hand, then the forearm and we finish with the shoulder. Turn the baby on his stomach and stroked his movements to walk on the buttocks and back. Turn over on the back. Stroke the tummy and the breast. 
2. The second stage is gentle kneading movements. The sequence of the cleared areas is left as in step 1. 
3. Let's move on to "dry gymnastics."

The first exercise. The newborn lies on his back. The masseur takes the child by the legs and starts to lift them and lower them, simulating the movement of the legs with the technique of swimming - the crawl.

The second exercise. Position of a crumb too. Now we simulate the legs with the movement when swimming brace.

The third exercise. Position on the back. The adult, holding the baby by the handles, depicts swimming movements.

The number of repetitions is 8 ÷ 10 times. Then turn the baby over. Do the same exercises while lying on your stomach. After that, the future champion is ready for "training".

Swimming techniques

The little man begins to hold his head by the age of 3 months, so it must be remembered that in the first months it should be supported by an adult. Now you can proceed directly to classes. 

1. We begin with pacing. The adult holds the baby by the armpits and "moves" the baby on the bottom of the pool. There should be little water in it. Reflectorically the child himself begins to rearrange the legs. 
2. A few meters passed, let the baby rest. 
3. We pass to swimming. In this exercise we use all the same reflexes. The karapuz pushes away from the side of the pool and, with the support of an adult, floats. In this case, only the face (the chest and ears under the water) should be above the surface. 
4. The position of the baby is on the back. Mom with one hand supports the head, the second - the chin. In this position, slowly and gently float along the trajectory repeating the figure-eight. 
5. Turn the baby on his tummy. The right hand of the mother lies under the left armpit, and the left hand supports the back of the head. And again we swim with eight, only now on the tummy.

During the training period, constantly keep under control the state of the newborn. Arrange for him a periodic rest. Constantly talk with him, he must feel safe. Try any exercise for children in the pool to hold in a playful form. For example, do not just swim, but play doganyalki, resting, splashing water and so on. Turn on your imagination.

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

Diving techniques

It is worth remembering a few basic, but very important rules. Do not forcibly force the baby to dive. Diving always begins on inspiration and from the position - lying on the stomach. The main thing is that the kid does not get scared. He should receive only positive emotions from the classes, then the expected result will come much earlier, and you will not beat him of the desire to "communicate with water" in the future.

On the first lesson, do not immediately jump to diving. His goal - the development of a reflex to the words - "Dive!". This can be done by pronouncing the command and watering the little face of the baby with water. When the team learns to hold their breath after the team they heard, then it's time to move on to diving. They made a command, loaded it under the water. Have emerged. A little rest. After 5 ÷ 6 months from the beginning of the lessons, the child will learn to dive independently.

After classes

After the completion of the water procedures, if the parents want to make an element of hardening, and raising the immune system baby, do not immediately wrap it up, let it self-dry in the air at room temperature. From the pool to the changing table it is better to carry with a covered head, slightly wetting the body with a diaper.

Only after all these procedures baby's skin can be lubricated with special cosmetic means. It is not necessary and in the next 15 ÷ -20 minutes after bathing to feed the baby. He swallowed any water. Give her time to go out and free her stomach.

Complex exercises for children in the pool

It used to be a swimmer than walking - this motto should be used by all parents. Exercises for children in the pool - it's an excellent simulator for the entire child's body, but for a more even load of 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

At this age, babies usually do not know what "fear of water" is, therefore, they are welcomed by the pool to cheer them! If, however, such problems have arisen, contact the instructor, consult with the pediatrician. This problem is solved.

The proposed exercises for children in the pool are great for a bath (some of them). The first few minutes are necessary for the baby to undergo water adaptation, and is used to the temperature drop. Play with him, let him clap hands on the surface. This will allow the karapuza to warm up, calm down, get used to the water and the environment. You can jump a little "bunny". After this, you can safely go to the main exercises.

• "Motor boat launches"

The kid sits on the side and legs fall actively starts to bluff, representing the work of the engine. Another option: lays on the stomach with the active support of parents, and works with their feet. This is the basic movement for mastering further swimming skills.

• "Harvesting"

The depth of the water should be such that when squatting the baby the water reaches no higher than the chin. This exercise for children in the pool will help to cope with the fear of water. Children need to collect scattered toys on the bottom. This exercise is easily upgraded, as you grow up and depending on the preparation. You can complicate it by adding a face drop into the water.

• "Rain"

Gently squirt the baby in the face with water, let him do the same in return. This will provide an opportunity to overcome the fear of the water element.

• "Boat"

Supporting the torso, we shake the child, slightly immersed in water, like a pendulum. The legs should be flat and not reach the bottom. This gives the kid the opportunity to feel that water can hold, it can even be laid on. Exercise "boat" is probably done as lying on the back, and on the stomach, try to add the movement "motor".

• "On the oars"

Bent the palms of the boat, we go to the waist in the water, we begin movement with our hands, imitating the oars (spreading our hands, pushing the water back with the hands).

• "The Clock"

This is an excellent exercise for children in the pool, which will cheer and calm the youngster when he is upset and crying. We immerse it, holding it under the handles (to the waist, or on the shoulders) into the water and begin to slowly swing the pendulum or in a circle. Children usually have fun.

At the end of the classes, you must relax and regain your breath. This can be done by simply blowing to the surface of the water or again podstavat toys from the bottom. After such a relaxation, the child will have a real pleasure. Do not forget that at this age they completely imitate the adults, so do not be lazy to show all the movements, showing your personal example.

Children 2 ÷ 3 years old

Kids at this age are very often afraid of water, and older are often too cautious. Adults need to show patience and restraint - this fear will not go away immediately, because usually the "aversion to water" is associated with the child with some unpleasant memories or feelings (too cold or hot water, an unsuccessful dive ...) Hence your primary task - to teach the crumb again to love water.

Do not force them to do anything, just make fun of it. Let him forget his fear during the game. However, if Mom is not confident in their abilities, you can turn to a professional for help. Such treatment gives one more positive moment. Children of this age are eager for a society, they want to play with their own kind. A small group of kids on the course - than not a reason to get acquainted.

But you can not limit yourself in communicating with your baby and take everything in your hands. When the stage of adaptation and fear is successfully passed, you can begin to study.

The complex of exercises for children in the pool of this age is not complicated. If the exercise has no name, think of it with your child - so it will be more interesting.

• "The cat is washing itself"

The karapuz scoops up water with two handles and exhales, sprinkles himself on his face. To get exhalation in the right place of the exercise, ask, at the moment of splashing, say something like "boo". He will understand what an exhalation is and when it is necessary to do it.

• "Bubbles in the palms"

In handles to collect vodichku and try to keep them so that water "does not run away." Lower your mouth between your hands and let it out. As can be more intelligible, for example, explain that the more air the karapuz collects in the mouth, the more fun bubbles he will get.

"Hot tea". Ask the kid to remember how to blow so that the tea is cold and not so hot. Collect more air (the baby takes a breath) and blow hard enough to the water.

• "Breeze"

A slightly more complicated interpretation of the previous exercise. Do not have to blow on the surface of the water, and wind up a toy that swims in the pool (for example, a boat, a bird). The wind must be made strong, so that each time the object swims more and more distance.

• Crocodile and Duck

Ask the child to depict these animals. He will first have to dive, holding his breath, as a duck does, or hiding, since it is inherent in the crocodile. "Duck" - we lower the face under the water, "Crocodile" - completely immerse. 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, significant difficulties in performing the exercises should not arise. Consider the most familiar exercises for children in the pool.

• "Float"

Inhale and do not breathe. Sitting down. Firmly grasp the knees in the water and pull to the chest. Head tilted to the knees. Water float pushes the baby upside down. The main thing is to hold on for a few seconds in this position on the water surface.

• "Starfish"

Take a breath. Relax the body and lie with your back on the water, spreading your legs and hands in the shape of a star. Hold your breath impossible. Otherwise, it will start to dive. Try to teach him not to be afraid of water when she floods her eyes. Breathing is easy.

• "Jellyfish"

It is necessary to lie on the surface face down, as opposed to the previous exercise for children in the pool, after holding your breath and relaxing. Lie down a bit on the surface, moving, like a jellyfish, with legs and hands.

• «Dolphinchik»

Hands raise at an angle upwards from the front. Exhale. Push off from the bottom of the pool. Dive forward or sideways. Let him try to jump high as soon as he can.

Do not ask the child for everything at once. From the first time he, most likely, a lot will not work. Calm and support and in the near future an excellent result is guaranteed. Do not hurry. These simple exercises for children in the pool will, afterwards, master any technique of swimming. But in order for the effect to be maximum, lessons 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 of a swimming section, where a professional instructor will help you learn various styles of swimming. It is from this age that the kids, if they wish, start climbing their sports Olympus. If sport is not your goal. You can pick up other exercises for children in the pool (also children's aqua aerobics).

At the age of 6 years you can find a specialized group of all-round development for a disabled child.

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

Complex exercises for well-swimming children

• Standing on the neck in the water to do 15 circular movements with your hands. 
• Pobarahtaytes a bit, actively working with your feet and hands, as if drowning. A great exercise for burning extra calories and lifting muscle tone. 
• Run, preferably on a deeper, water resistance will give the expected effect. 
• Periodically, in the intervals of training, do breathing exercises. This gymnastics helps to restore breathing, strengthen the lungs and heart. Deep breath, dip your head. Try not to breathe for a while. Slowly exhale.

Communication with water is a unique opportunity to communicate with one of the most powerful elements of nature. Swimming, swimming, diving, we are somehow fueled by its energy. Such communication is useful for a person at any age, but if we talk about children, then the exercise for children in the pool is not just an opportunity to have a great time with their peers or with their parents. These exercises, in fact, lay the foundation of health and psycho-neurological, and physical for the rest of his life. It's never too late to learn. If you do not know how to swim, start practicing with your child. To date, there is no problem recording a child in the pool at any age, there are specialized groups where a trained instructor will show and tell Wang how to help your baby make the "first steps" in swimming. Do not get lost and do not be afraid - your child's health is in your hands !!!