Joe's a little dipper!

So, we took Joe to his "little dippers" classes over the last 3 days. Half an hour per day: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is a link to the right, to the Little Dippers website, that explains everything - but basically it is underwater swimming for babies under 12 months.

It turns out that babies have natural insticts to protect and help them - they hold their breath under water, they naturally kick to move them forward - amazing really.

I wish we had some photos, but cameras are not permitted at the classes. Anyway Joe (and the 5 other babies in our class) did really well. He loves his bath, and I had taken him to the swimming pool last weekend, so he had some preparation. He loved the water and all the exercises.

I started off just holding Joe in the water so he was comfortable. Then I used the instruction "Ready? Go!" and poured water on his face. No problem.

Next was the first little swim, on his front, me supporting his shoulders, a little bit of kicking. Then some gentle floating on his back.

Next came the action. Joe sitting on the side of the pool. The instruction "Ready? Go!" then the instructor pulled Joe from the side, fully under the water, then into my arms. Again he was fine.

Over the 3 sessions Joe did a number of underwater swims, progressing all the way to a couple of "free swims", again underwater, when I pushed Joe towards Niamh, and she caught him and picked him up. He was never bothered, and never cried. We're a bit proud!

Highly recommended!