Waterbaby, Under 6 months Professor Liselott Diem of Koln University in Germany was one of the first pioneers in early aquatics for babies. Her research over 10 years was aimed at education and safety yet he mainly focused on the developmental aspects. He concluded that preschool children who commenced infant aquatics from 3 weeks of age were healthier, more physically co-ordinated,emotionally happier, outgoing and confident compared to non-swimming children the same age.He said, 'babies are not born afraid of the water. They learn to be afraid through incorrect handling and submersion techniques'. The newborn at birth is perfectly adapted to the aquatic environment.When placed gently and closely supported in warm water their little bodies soften and they will float calmly with little support. Could this be that they have memory of life in there comfort zone from once, within? With appropriate preparation and careful handling babies can enter the underwater world again comfortably soon after birth. look_at_me Newborns are born with over 70 neonatal reflexes; two of these are closely associated with early swim development. They are known as the dive{airway protective response) and the swim reflex. Infants at birth to about 12 weeks display a organised cross lateral action in the water when the face is submerged. The dive response is a involuntary spasm of the glottis-- when an infant is submersed it closes forming a watertight seal thus preventing inhalation from the lungs via the trachea. Some infants reflexes are stronger than others and this may depend on the development of the nervous system, birth experience etc. This fact coupled with the babies disposition, determines readiness for submersion. It is highly advisable not to submerge your baby without the guidance of an experienced infant aquatic teacher. The swim and dive reflex begin to weaken at around 4 months but main remain strong in some infants for up to 12 even 18 months. The weakening responses occur when the primal brain takes second place to the more dominant neocortex being responsible for voluntary movement. However with consistent lessons from birth memory of these reflexes remains. Babies can propel themselves a few feet with correct preparation but lack neck strength to surface on their own. At 10 months some may have the ability and lung capacity of 3 to 4 seconds on one breath, surfacing happily! By about 3 physical strength coupled with breath control sees a child that has a chance in an emergency togetherness It is imperative that all levels and ages are prepared correctly for submersion as well as other water activities, ensuring the process is baby or child-paced for each individual. Pushing beyond a boundary is detrimental and can greatly hinder natural progression towards their swim and land development. Gentle introduction to water on the face is nessasary with a gradual increase to build up tolerence. Children of all ages should tolerate comfortably a full cup of water before the introduction to the underwater world. It is reccomended that your child has several lessons to become accustomed to surface activities before first underwater experiences. Underwater Infant swim programs have many developmental aspects to offer from emotional and mental levels.Cognitive learning engages the language and speech segments of the brain helping children to organize thoughts and feelings. A good infant program offers repetitive, simple instruction, focusing on word association. The program should be fun including a balance of activities suited to your babies or child's age and conducted in a child paced manner without the use of forced submersion's. Tools employed are songs,rhythm,rhymes and games, plus an array of colorful toys, encouraging positive learning skills to enhance your child's growing sense of imagination. Infants who participate in swim programs have the opportunity to socialize along with their parents, learning to share, take turns and be patient in a class situation, creating valuable structure for future schooling. I recommend introducing your baby to the big bath from 6 weeks and the pool from 12 weeks and before 4 months. Some benefits include vestibular stimulation from free movement not possible on land, bonding,tummy time enhancing health of the spine, increasing muscle tone, balance and co-ordination. underwater_fun A gentle transition from womb to water, engaged at birth, will see you and baby developing sound foundations and water confidence for a life time of aquatic adventures.