Seeing your little one swimming using a baby neck float certainly looks adorable, right, Bun. However, this swimming equipment has side effects to watch out for. Come onFind out the facts about using a baby neck float in the following article.
Swimming is a type of exercise that is good for anyone, including babies. Babies can start to be invited to play water in a shallow swimming pool when they reach 6 months of age. To increase safety when swimming, baby neck buoys are often used as a mainstay.
The Risks of Using a Neck Buoy
Baby neck floats are commonly used during water therapy as one of the treatments at baby spas. This swimming equipment is shaped like a ring that is wrapped around the baby's neck. The existence of a neck float keeps the baby's head above the water, so he can breathe even when placed in a deep enough pool.
But unfortunately, behind the adorable and cute behavior of the baby who is busy swimming using this neck float, there are bad effects that lurk his health.
Using a baby neck float can make the muscles in the neck stiff and tense. If this buoy is used frequently, it is feared that neck muscle injury can occur which adversely affects the growth of the baby's spine.
Although it is claimed to increase safety so that the baby does not drown, the use of a neck float can also narrow the baby's movement. Babies will have difficulty turning, expressing, or touching the head with his hands. This can make the baby feel uncomfortable because it is difficult to do something.
Not only that, the use of a neck float that is too tight can make it difficult for the baby to breathe. The risk of a baby drowning can also increase if it is used incorrectly or if the float is accidentally deflated.
Tips for Safe Swimming with Babies
The use of a baby neck float is not recommended, but that doesn't mean you can't invite your little one to swim. The reason is, swimming is very useful for building muscles, practicing balance and body coordination, improving brain function, and increasing the little one's self-confidence.
Come into the pool with Little SI. The interaction and touch between Mother and Little One while in the pool will make the Little One safe and comfortable, so it can also increase the closeness between Mother and Little One.
So that your little one can be comfortable and safe when doing swimming activities, come on, follow these tips:
- Get used to your little one soaking in a baby bath or small inflatable pool at home before taking him to the pool.
- Make sure the pool temperature is warm enough, which is around 32 degrees Celsius.
- Always hold your little one tightly and keep him close to the mother's body.
- Give your little one praise and show him a happy expression so he can feel happy and safe to play with water.
- Start swimming with your little one for 10-20 minutes, then increase the length of play gradually in subsequent sessions.
Until now, there has been no research that specifically mentions that neck floats can be harmful to the health of babies. However, the use of this neck float is also not clearly known.
To be sure, the safety and comfort of the little one will be more guaranteed if the mother always holds her while in the water. So, it's better to apply the tips for swimming with babies as described above, yes, Bun.
Don't forget to also pay attention to the reaction and condition of your little one after swimming. If your little one looks itchy or has skin irritation, take him to the doctor so he can be given proper treatment.
