baby - Why You Need to Teach Your Baby How To Swim

Many parents are discovering the art of teaching their baby to swim. Not only is it fun for your baby to swim, bond with you, and play with other babies, it is a great way for you to interact with other parents as well. It was only discovered in the 1960's that babies were able to swim independently underwater. But since then, it has been learned that it promotes self-confidence and personal development - physical and emotional. It gives your baby a calming, zero-gravity environment to move freely where they otherwise could not on land. This is incredibly beneficial to babies with Downs syndrome and cerebral palsy. The benefits of baby swimming include; increased motor development, social skills and intelligence, increased concentration, alertness, and perceptual abilities, and improved nap time and night time sleep patterns. Babies who learn how to swim have been known to walk earlier as well, due to their increased muscle control. It's only natural for a baby to feel comfortable and happy in the warm water. You don't have to worry about your child breathing, because they automatically hold their breath while underwater. This is called the "mammalian dive reflex". After all, they did spend their first 9 months in fluid. If you have your own pool, it is up to you as a parent to decide when you want your baby to start swimming. There is no age limit. They can even start right after birth. Some classes however, ask that you wait until they are 3 months. Others recommend you start as early as possible. But keep in mind, the longer you wait, their confidence in the water decreases. Closer to their first year, they can actually develop a fear of water if they are not familiar with it. You should never force your child to learn if they don't want to. This will only result in a stressful situation for your child which could become a problem later on. Don't expect your baby to start swimming like a pro right away. It takes time and patience. But even though they can't swim on the water's surface until they are about three, they can swim for short distances under the water with the help and encouragement of their parent. Have an underwater camera available to capture that special moment. Check with your local community swimming pool to see if they have classes available. You and your new baby will love it. Cassandra Germsheid is the owner of Baby Tips Online (http://www.babytipsonline.com). She is a stay at home mother but sometimes works part time for her local newspaper. Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cassandra_Germsheid baby - Baby Shower Food: Intimacy at Baby Showers Makes Future Babies Let us stick with tradition that is here to stay and that is celebrating the birth of a new born infant and the baby shower party to recognize his/her forthcoming presence. On receiving the good news about the pregnancy friends and family gather to offer their congratulations and fuss over the parents-to-be. But the fussing does not end there more fuss to come when organizing a baby shower celebration. If the baby shower is properly planned then you will wonder what all the fuss about. A good time to throw a baby shower is at least a couple of months before the due date of the new arrival. Remember there are some cultures that do not practise celebrating in a baby shower because of their beliefs where they believe it is bad luck before the infants birth. Why all the excitement over the new born where baby showers are in order to celebrate babys being. Think about it, you dont get a second chance because you never have the same baby twice. So do it in style and join in the fun for every new edition to the family. Making plans for baby shower food is very important. You will want the decoration theme and invitations perfect. But perfection on the day stays with the spread you lay on the table. You have your little prince/princess on the way now it is time to lay a feast fit for king/queen. Popular table fillers are Sandwiches Chips/fries Pies (pizzas.) Pasta Dessert (cakes, cookies, ice cream, jelly.) Drinks (punch, juice, wine.) These are just a few ideas and choices are endless but it is up to you what you have on the day Consider a sit down meal for all the invited guests at the baby shower, remember this is about timing. Make sure to properly map out your list of duties and get the scheduling of the meal right, if not expect your plans to go all topsy turvy. An easier option is snacks, just as appetizing and filling and less dishes to wash if served on disposable plates. Finger sandwiches filled with different pates, sliced chicken or turkey with fresh salad. Dips of different flavours go down well. If your theme for the baby party is of a Disney character then work around this with a baby shower cake made up of the cartoon figure which you will find makes a fabulous centrepiece also. Remember a pretty table makes pretty eating. Decorate the table with baby items cuddly toys, confetti, candy. It is good to know a more intimate side to your guest then this will give you an idea what food to serve, e.g. if vegetarian, no steak if on a diet no cakes. Draw the line on how intimate you go because this baby shower is about THIS BABY not any future ones.