The Natural Reflexes of a Swimming Baby

Many parents and caregivers are amazed by our baby swimming videos of infants as young as six months old successfully practicing advanced water survival techniques, rolling over, floating and even swimming underwater. We’d like to take all the credit, but it turns out babies are programmed by instinct with two very helpful natural reflexes to help protect them against drowning.

“The diving reflex” is the first of these natural responses. Known properly as the “bradycardic response,” this is a natural reflex common to many mammals, including humans. When a baby is submerged in water, the natural survival reflex is to hold their breath and open their eyes. (It’s the same reaction you can provoke by blowing into your baby’s face.) Infants also react in other ways that are less obvious: heart rate decreases and blood is conserved in the vital organs. This allows for added survival ability underwater, typically until adult help arrives.

Secondly, until they are around six months old, babies placed tummy-down in water will wave and kick arms and legs in a motion close to that of swimming. This is not actual swimming, however it is a protective reflex that demonstrates babies are born hardwired with the ability to understand an aquatic environment and, with professional support, thrive within it.

Reflexes alone are not enough, baby swimming lessons are important for very young children to help them develop these natural tools into techniques that can save them in the event of a water emergency or drowning.

Not sure if your child is ready for baby swimming lessons? Texas Swim Academy specializes in safely and successfully teaching infants as young as six months old water survival techniques that vastly improve their ability to survive a water emergency. Visit us to see a class and watch our highly-trained and certified instructors in action – we’d love to show you what your child is capable of.

SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY 

Texas Swim Academy is the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer. 

Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.

Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy. 

Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.