Ducklings aim to create a friendly, fun, unintimidating and non-competitive atmosphere for you and your child. The classes will help to develop you child's physical and mental skills as well as their self confidence.
Research has shown that babies who swim are far better developed physically, socially and mentally with improved eating and sleeping patterns.
We use the Birthlight method for baby and toddler swimming, which is recognised as the most proficient and holistic approach and demands the highest teaching standards.
Inspired by Amazonian Forest people and developed by Francoise Freedman's fieldwork with them, Birthlight's methods are designed to create an excellent foundation for the child's future in the water. They promote safe practices and confidence.
During classes you will be taught a multitude of skills, some of which are:
- Holding your baby in positions that stimulate movement of legs, and then later on, the arms.
- Playing skill related games for fun.
- Going underwater, by submersion, jumping or diving.
- Swimming with your baby
You will be taught how to hold your baby in positions that will allow your baby to feel his own buoyancy and not that of a buoyancy aid. Your baby will feel more freedom in the water than he does on land, allowing him to develop physically and mentally.
Ducklings swimming classes are a wonderful way to bond with your baby. You can relax together without distractions and at the same time learn some valuable new skills.
With the help and guidance of a highly qualified and experienced teacher you will be taught how to stimulate your baby's natural early swimming reflexes into conscious movements (see Amphibian reflex for example).
The Amphibian Reflex
This reflex causes the torso, legs and arms to move in spurts. In class we try to encourage and develop this reflex through games, fun activities and exercises. With practice and patience your baby can make the transition from involuntary movement to voluntary leg kicking.
This reflex usually develops between four and six months of age.
The Laryngeal Reflex (gag reflex)
If water enters an Infant's mouth during submersion an involuntary spasm will cause the Epiglottis to close over the Larynx. This creates a watertight seal and prevents water entering the lungs via the Trachea.
During classes Babies are taught how to exhale in the water, so that when the 'Gag reflex' becomes inhibited the baby can still go underwater safely.
The Mammalian Dive Reflex (Diving Response)
This reflex is stimulated when babies' faces are immersed in the water. It is present from birth and strongest up to two years of age. Declining oxygenated blood is directed away from the periphery and is sent to vital organs such as the Brain and the Heart while breathing is interrupted.
