The Benefits of Baby Swimming

While baby swimming may be seen as a daunting experience by most parents, its benefits to the baby cannot be underrated. The truth is, there is nothing to worry about if baby swimming is learned right.


Your baby can start swimming right from birth. But you need to be cautious about the type of water you introduce your baby to especially when they are below 6 months.

Their body defence system is low and may be affected by swimming in chlorinated pools or lakes.

The early you introduce your infant to the pool the better. Young babies are less resistant, less fearful and grow with a positive attitude towards swimming.

Here are some key benefits your baby will get from swimming.

1. Better cognitive functioning

Babies who swim have a higher rate of physical and mental development than those who don’t. Swimming builds the neurons in the entire brain. This enhances communication and modulation on both sides of the brain.

As your baby swim, they are registering the tactile sensation of water and its resistance. This helps the brain grow. 

As a result, the baby develops better reading skills, spatial awareness, language, and academic learning.

2. Build Confidence

Swimming not only build builds water confidence but also helps your baby adapt quickly to new situations. 

Taking your baby to the pool may also build your confidence especially if you aren’t a confident swimmer. 

3. Build Muscle and Joints 

Swimming makes the baby strong. It helps develop the muscle your baby needs to support the head, move their legs, joints, and arms.

Also, swimming helps your baby stay strong on the inside. As they swim, their cardiovascular health is improved. This makes their blood vessels, the lungs and heart strong.

4. Improves Coordination and Balance

Your baby needs to maintain body balance while in water. This requires your baby to move their small arms and legs synchronously. This improves their coordination and balance both in and out of the pool.

5. Improves Sleeping Patterns

Swimming is an energy-demanding exercise. Your baby uses a lot of energy to move their hands and legs and their entire body while swimming. 

Some of the energy is consumed to keep them warm. This extra exercise is what makes your baby sleepier.

Swimming also improves your baby’s sleep at night.

6. Improves Appetite

Swimming is an exhausting activity both in children and adults. The extra energy spent during swim time to keep your baby warm and the physical exertion makes your baby hungry. 

When done regularly, swimming can help improve the appetite of your baby.

Remember to carry some snacks or milk for your baby when you take your baby swimming.

7. Swimming provides quality bonding time.

Swimming is a great opportunity to bond with your baby. It is a time when you are not busy and therefore put all your focus on the kid. It places you in the present moment with your baby as you teach your baby important life skills.

Check out our guides on the best baby swimwear, or this article on the double nappy system.