Why I Started Sariah’s Swimming Journey at Just 2 Months Old 💙
Alright, Bleu Bells, buckle up because I'm about to take you on a little adventure into the mind of a new, overly-obsessed, slightly paranoid mom (that's me, in case you didn't guess).
So, here’s the tea: Sariah is officially two months old, and let me tell y'all, she is my whole world right now. I wake up to her little coos, the sweetest baby sounds, and that priceless smile that instantly makes me melt. Every morning starts with Gracie’s Corner, singing our ABCs, and soaking in all the baby snuggles, the smell of her tiny head, and just showering her with kisses. She’s the highlight of my life, hands down.
But (you knew there was a “but” coming, right?), I’m nervous as hell. I can’t help it. I think about her future, her development, her safety, and sometimes my mind spirals into all sorts of “what ifs.” The love I feel for this little person is so overwhelming – it’s like I’ve unlocked this new level of worry I didn’t even know existed. I try to block out the negative thoughts, but they creep in. So, to combat the “mom worry,” I’ve gone full research mode. And I mean full research mode, y'all. If there’s a way to enrich her life, you better believe I’m googling it, reading about it, and planning for it.
Enter: Swimming. 🏊🏽♀️💦
Yes, you read that right – baby girl is about to be a little mermaid! I came across some info about baby swimming classes that start as early as 2 months, and I was SOLD. I mean, the idea of her splashing around, building her little muscles, and maybe (just maybe) getting some brain-boosting benefits? Sign me up. But, of course, I had to run this by her pediatrician first because this mom doesn’t play with Sariah’s health.
Her pediatrician got back to me and gave me the thumbs up – as long as it was a mommy-and-me class. Y’all, I was ready to jump in the pool that very moment. But, being the person I am, I went into a research frenzy because I needed to know every little thing about how this could benefit her. And boy, did I find some gems.
Why Start Swimming So Early? Here’s What I Discovered:
Brain Boosting Benefits 🧠 I stumbled upon an article from Healthline, and let me just say, they had me hooked. Apparently, swimming can help boost a baby's brain development. Who knew? The repetitive, cross-patterning movements babies make in the water can help build neurons across the brain, especially in the part that connects the two hemispheres – the corpus callosum. Long story short, this could help with things like reading skills, language development, and even math down the road. I mean, Sariah might be doing her ABCs and counting to ten before I even know it!
Reducing the Fear of Water 🌊 This one struck a nerve for me. I don't want Sariah to grow up with a fear of the water. Studies show that kids who start swimming young tend to be less fearful of the water. Plus, introducing her to water now could mean that she’s more open to floating and other essential swim skills. Not only is this practical, but it’s potentially life-saving.
Building Her Confidence Early 🌟 Look, I want my girl to know her own strength and be confident in whatever she does. And if splashing around in the water can give her a little boost in self-assurance, I’m all for it. The water is a unique environment where babies learn new skills, and each small accomplishment helps build their confidence. Imagine being two months old and already feeling like you’ve conquered something. Powerful, right?
Quality Time with Mama 🤱🏽 There’s just something special about one-on-one bonding time, especially when it’s an activity outside the usual routine. Swimming gives us that extra moment of connection where it’s just me and her, no phones, no distractions – just us, in the moment. It’s honestly priceless. And let’s be real, she’s growing so fast; I want to cherish every second.
Building Strength and Coordination 💪🏽 Being in the water works those little muscles! Kicking, splashing, and floating help babies build muscle, improve coordination, and work on balance. Sariah might be tiny, but she’s going to be strong, y'all. And I’m just excited to see how these early movements in the water translate as she continues to grow.
Helping Her Sleep Better 😴 Yes, you heard me! Babies who swim tend to sleep better. Between the physical activity and the mental stimulation, swimming is a workout for those tiny bodies. A tired baby equals a well-rested baby (and maybe even a few extra hours of sleep for mama – fingers crossed!).
A Positive Step for Her Future 🚀 There was a study done in Australia with over 7,000 kids that showed children who swim tend to have an edge in physical and mental development compared to kids who don’t. I know it’s just a study, but hey, anything that gives my girl an edge is worth looking into. Even if it’s just an association, I’ll take it.
So, there you have it! This is why I’m starting Sariah’s swimming journey at just 2 months old. It’s not just about the fun and cuteness (although that’s a huge bonus) – it’s about setting her up with skills, confidence, and a strong foundation. I want her to have every advantage I can give her, and if swimming can be part of that, then bring on the pool days!
And hey, Bleu Bells, if you’re thinking about starting your baby on an early swim journey, make sure to check with your pediatrician and choose a class that prioritizes safety. But from my research and the feedback from moms I trust, this seems like a beautiful start to Sariah’s adventures.
💙 How early did you start with activities for your baby? What are your thoughts on baby swimming? Let me know in the comments below, and if you’ve got any tips for this new mom, I’m all ears!