I have been doing some reading about infant swimming lessons starting at 6 months old! I was on the swim team when I was a child and I was a lifeguard in my teenage years and so I feel strongly that everyone should learn to swim. Apparently starting at such a young age is a good idea because they are not afraid of the water and they know to hold there breath when they go under. I think this seems very interesting and I would like to learn more about it. Does anyone know if there are any facilities in the Pittsburgh area that provides infant swimming lessons?
I just wanted to thank everyone for their responses. I contacted the Sewickley YMCA today and they do have an infant swimming class for infants 6 months and older. The next 7 week class starts in mid-April and so I think I will enroll my daughter! I hope it is as fun as it sounds.
Hi J. -
I took my son to swim lessons about the same age. We went to the Sewickley YMCA. It was all about singing with the kids & getting them used to the water (they have a warm water pool specifically for swim lessons). My son is now 3-1/2 & is still in swimming lessons at a different YMCA & absolutely loves swimming. They are not too expensive either. I pay $40 for 7 weeks & non members pay $80 for 7 weeks.
Have fun!!
S.
Swim lessons are great, but you do need to make sure that you don't get too comfortable with her abilities in the water too early. As a lifeguard I'm sure you know that you can never be too careful around the water.
Hi J., check with you local YMCA/YWCA a friend of mine used to give swimming lessons for the Y and they usually have the kind of program you are looking for.
My 3 kids were all early swimmers & I started them in lessons at age 4-5. Before that, I was their water companion, as in play, play, play! At the infant stage, I would hold them close, bounce in the water, blow in their face & take them under. Blowing in their faces forces them to take a breath. A quick "under" & when they came up, shocked, I'd "YEA!!" to them & smile big! I showed them it was all ok....splashing, moving them through the water, putting them under & showing them how comfortable the water was.
So, you're talking to a mom that doesn't feel organized lessons are necessary at young ages. I don't disagree with infant swim lessons, but if you have access to a pool, I say Mom is the best swim coach just by getting in with your child. When we show our kids we're having fun, they get it for the most part.
I was going to sign up our infant daughter this past winter, but her pediatrician mentioned a recent note from the American Academy of Pediatrics re: infants with families that have a history of asthma. They are concerned about indoor chlorinated air (i.e. indoor pools) and children under the age of 2. As my dh has asthma, we decided to wait for this summer and just get her used to the water at our swim club, and think about classes at the Y when she's 2 or 3. The Y in Cranberry Twp. starts their classes at 2, I think.
Yes, the JCC (Jewish Community Center) in Scott Township Kane Blvd.) offers swim classes starting at 6 months. If you are not a member the class might be a little pricy, though. You should check their website.
Also the YMCA in Upper St. Clair offers swim classes for infants.
S.
Hi J.,
I started my son in swim lessons when he was 5 months old. We went to the Sewickley YMCA. I have also taken lessons at the Cranberry YMCA. I liked Sewickley better because they have a class that is specifically for babies 6-12 months - where at Cranberry they offered one class for all kids under age 3 - so the age spread was much wider. I think you can also find swim lessons through CCAC and I'm sure other YMCAs offer them as well if there is one that is closer to your home. You don't have to be a member to take lessons at the YMCA.
J.
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We've taken swim lessons through the YMCA Cloverleaf or South Hills--they offer a waterbabies swim class.
J.:
I am pretty sure that the YMCA offers infant swimming lessons for 6 months and older - check out their web site at ymcaofpittsburgh.org. I work with the YMCA in Plum and their director reccommended the program to me. I have a six month old son and was interested in the classes for him. Good luck!
T. Mitchell
