Page 21 - Smalltalk Issue 52 - Winter 2017

SWIMtalk

use! Instead, we take advantage of one
main involuntary response: the laryngeal
reflex (more commonly known as the gag
reflex).When this reflex kicks in, a baby
will instinctively hold its breath and avoid
inhaling water in response to the sensation
of feeling water on its face, nose, throat
and voice box. But at Water Babies, we
take it one step further...
LEARNING TO CONTROL

THEIR BREATHING
Although we capitalise on babies’
ability to use their natural reflexes, through
gradual progression and repetition
we actually train our Water Babies to
control their breathing before they go
underwater. As you progress through the
course you’ll be amazed at how good
your little one is at responding to both
verbal and non-verbal cues. Ultimately
they’ll learn to breathe out whilst they’re
underwater, which we believe gives them
real empowerment and a sense of being
fully in control. It’s also a great foundation
in ‘aquatic breathing’, which is essential
as they progress to be independent little
swimmers.
waterbabies co.uk

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