2007-10-25 04:56:26 · 26 answers · asked by tonya s 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
it's not exactly swimming. They have the ablility to hold their breath underwater and have the kick reflex so it may look as though they can. This changes a few weeks after birth.
2007-10-25 05:06:33 · answer #1 · answered by Dory 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure after reading the above posts, but i was fairly sure i had heard it from a nurse :-?
Looked it up for you.
hen a baby goes underwater their 'diving reflex' kicks in. The same sort of thing happens as when you swallow - the epiglottis closes over and blocks the throat so no water can get through. That's why you often see picture of babies swimming underwater with their mouths open! This reflex lasts up until 18 months of age so, from around 16 months onwards, we teach toddlers and older children how to swim in a different way to babies.
There are, however, some general points to bear in mind. If your baby is unwell or has a cold, don't go swimming as this might make symptoms worse. Also, once you're in the pool, if your baby starts shivering, take them out and wrap them up warm. Babies should not be in the water for longer than 30 minutes and it helps to gradually build up the time they spend in the pool.
2007-10-25 05:03:18 · answer #2 · answered by shelz_lou 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
babies wont "swim" right away after birth but can be immersed in water for a length of time. Its just like being in the woman as there is no air or anything. Thats why water births are possible.
2007-10-25 04:59:17 · answer #3 · answered by CorM 1 · 2⤊ 2⤋
they could't breath underwater. they'll make swimming motions and carry their breath, yet after slightly they'll drown and die. contained in the womb children acquire oxygen by the placenta. so long because it truly is connected they don't go with to breath. yet once the cord is cut back / the placenta isn't connected they go with to breath air. A arising fetus does have gills for a short time even as they resemble a salamander more suitable than a human, yet at no aspect have they were given operating gills. they in simple terms resemble our ancestors as area of progression.
2016-10-22 23:37:12 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not exactly. Babies can't swim - they can't move in water or make themselves rise to the top.
However, having lived in water for the last nine months, they do retain the instinct to shut off their nose and mouth, so they don't inhale water and drown.
Since they aren't getting air from the mother's blood though, they will run out of oxygen very quickly.
2007-10-25 04:58:26 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
there is some evidence that they can. because they are used to floating in a fluid in the womb. there are many photos and videos proving this right (such as the cover to the band Nirvana's Nevermind album) but should still be only attempted with a lifeguard present. Just to be safe.
2007-10-25 05:01:09 · answer #6 · answered by Vesper 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
not swim, but can survive under water for awhile
2007-10-27 08:57:42 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No!
I would wait until like between 6 and 10 months!
Then buyone of them floats with the kniker things in the bottom. And put ar bands on them!
xxx
2007-10-25 05:04:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes. They dont swim with purpose, but they naturally hold their breath and squirm around.
2007-10-25 05:00:35 · answer #9 · answered by amosunknown 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
No, not at all. They sink like a stone. It's a strange old wives tale that you can toss a baby into water and it will immediately learn to swim. I guess you've never taken a newborn into the pool before!
2007-10-25 04:58:59 · answer #10 · answered by Eraserhead 6 · 0⤊ 5⤋