Dr. Lisa Dana said in an article on BabyCenter.com that she has parents asking her about swim lessons all the time. Often, these mothers have babies who are no more than four months old. The question is, then, is four months old too young? Is there a better time to teach your child how to swim? If you’ve been wrestling with this question, then read on. You’ll get some helpful guidelines about when you should sign your kids up for swimming lessons.

Baby and Me

Swimming lessons for babies don’t really count as swimming lessons as you might think of them. Swim lessons given to children in the first year of life are really about getting a child used to the water. These could be more “pre-swim” lessons. While these bouts in the water don’t teach your child the breast stroke, they aren’t a waste of time. Ideally, this type of water immersion feels fun to the child and includes singing songs and learning how to splash.

You can follow a few guidelines for safety if you’re starting a program like this, either in a formal setting or on your own in your own pool. First, parents are cautioned not to dunk children. They can swallow a great deal of water that can upset the balance of their little systems. Second, parents will want to have rescue supports like reaching poles and plastic ring buoys nearby. And lastly, parents should make sure that if they do have a home pool, it’s secured by a fence with a lock when they’re not around.

Up to Three

Kids can practice some more advanced moves during these years, especially the closer they get to being 3-years-old. They can practice, with your help, moves like the doggie paddle, kicks, and the backstroke. Children at this age also have more of an understanding of holding their breath, which means they can practice putting their heads under water.

Children at this age, again with supervision, can climb the steps out of the pool in the shallow end of the pool or reach for toys. In the latter case, the reaching and pulling motions also simulate the arm movements necessary for swimming. The key at this age is to continue working together in the pool, with your child being supervised by you.

Four and Above

Your child will likely be ready for swim lessons by the age of four or five. By this time, he/she will have spent some significant time in the water. Beginner swim classes at this age will have the kids in the pool for up to a half an hour. If you want to put your child in a swim class at this juncture, look for programs that have no more than six children per teacher in a session.

Additionally, it’s good to play games like red light, green light in the pool to teach your child how to actively listen. This ability will be critical in keeping your child safe in the water. By five years old, your child will likely want swimming lessons.

Child-Specific Lessons

Knowing what type of activity to do at what age can be tiring and a little intimidating. If you’re just now starting a program with an infant or small child, you might find it helpful to start with formal swim and “pre-swim” lessons. Many companies offer child-specific lessons. Taking formal swim lessons in NYC or your particular locale with your child can give you the confidence you need to spend time in the water with your child on your own.

Additionally, these types of lessons give you the chance to meet other moms and find swim friends for your child. A time will come when you will feel more confident with your child in the water. Until then, it’s okay to seek out support.

Many parents are eager to put their kids into swimming lessons. Most classes that feature a mommy-and-me component aren’t formal swimming lessons. However, they are valuable. They teach children to become comfortable with the water. They also give kids the opportunity to learn some basic strokes, while they have mom around to help them.

Finally, it’s okay for parents to help children get acquainted with the water as a kind of pre-swimming lessons exercise. That said, there are also plenty of programs for mom and baby to join that offers moms support as they themselves learn to support kids in the water.