Five Easy Steps to Train a Toddler to Swim

Teaching your toddler how to swim is an important task of a parent. It can help to prevent your child from drowning, and it can provide a fun pastime for both of you. There is no need to stress out about how to train them to swim. It can be done in a matter of days with the right approach. This step-by-step guide will show you how to teach your toddler to swim in both a safe and effective manner.

Step 1: Introduce Your Toddler to Water

Introducing your toddler to water is a very exciting moment for both of you! It’s an important step in teaching your child to swim. However, it can also be a little scary for both of you. The best way to introduce your child to water is to start in the shallow end. Doing so allows you to get them used to being in the water and eases your concerns. Once your youngster is comfortable, slowly move your son or daughter out into deeper water until they are able to stand with their head above the water. The key to teaching your toddler to swim is patience. It can take them a while to get used to being in the water, so don’t push them too far until they are comfortable and ready.

Step 2: Teaching the Back Float

Once your toddler is comfortable being in the water, you can begin teaching them how to float. This is an important skill for survival, so make sure that they master it before moving on. The best way for you to teach your toddler this skill is to lay them down in the water on their back with their arms outstretched. Hold onto them, so they don’t sink, but let go once they are floating on their own. Make sure that they are comfortable and able to hold this position before moving on to the next step.

Step 3: Teaching the Front Float

The next step is teaching your child how to float on their front. This step is a little harder than the back float, so don’t be discouraged if it takes them longer to learn. First, have your child lay on his or her belly in the water, with arms outstretched and holding your hands. Once he or she is comfortable in this position, slowly let go while staying nearby. Don’t let go until your child can hold this position for several seconds. If he or she starts to panic, help your little one back into position by pushing her or him up with one hand. Once they are calm again, try letting go again.

Step 4: Teaching Kicking

Once they are able to hold the front float position, you can move on to teaching them to kick. The first thing that you want to do is get them comfortable kicking with their arms outstretched in front of them. Start by standing in front of them, and holding their hands while they kick. Slowly move your hands out of the way as they get more comfortable with this position, but still be nearby, so that you can help them if needed. Once they’re able to hold his position without panicking, try letting go completely while still staying close by. This will help them learn how to coordinate their movements and to not panic when they are no longer supported by your hands. Once they are comfortable kicking with both arms extended, have them hold onto something like a kickboard or buoy, while they practice their kicking.

Step 5: Putting It All Together

Now that your child is comfortable with each individual aspect of swimming, try putting the parts together. Having your little swimmer practice in shallow water helps him or her learn to coordinate all of their movements so they don’t panic when they can’t touch the bottom of the pool. Start by having your child do some arm strokes and leg kicks while floating on his or her back. Then, try a few arm strokes and kicks while floating on their tummy. Finally, try having them do a complete crawl stroke for about 5 to 10 yards. Once they’re comfortable with this, have them repeat the process.

Final Thoughts

If you’re patient and consistent, your child will learn to swim in weeks. The most important note to remember is that swimming is a skill, just like walking. It takes time and practice for your child to coordinate their movements in the water. You should also remember he or she is learning a completely new activity, so don’t get frustrated if he or she isn’t perfect right away!