In addition to the preparatory exercises, some core exercises are required.
For this exercise, you will need a swim mat. Place the mat on the water surface in the children’s pool and lay your child on their back on the mat. Encourage the toddler to lie on their back for a few seconds by directing their attention upward with toys or similar distractions. The mat allows the toddler greater freedom of movement. However, the absence of physical contact with the parents can make many infants feel uneasy. For children older than seven months, it may also become challenging to keep them on their back for a few seconds, as they tend to want to sit up.
The first part of this exercise is the same as in the core exercise. Rotate the child from the armpit grip so that their upper body rests on your forearm. Then lower yourself into a kneeling position so that your shoulders are just above the water’s surface. Next, gently place the child’s head onto your opposite shoulder using both hands for support. Once the toddler is stable, you can release the hand supporting the free shoulder and try to guide the child’s attention upward with a toy or similar distraction. This exercise is slightly more advanced because the toddler is no longer fully supported and has more freedom. Only release your child if you are confident they are calm and stable in the position.
First, hold your child in the armpit grip and tilt them slightly to the side of your weaker hand. Then, release your strong hand and reposition it behind the infant’s back (see image one). Gradually lean the toddler into a back-floating position, supporting them with your strong arm so you can free the other arm. Position the freed arm behind the child’s back as well. This exercise allows the toddler to be placed in a back-floating position without ever losing eye contact with the parent. The large support surface is especially suitable for children under six months, helping them get accustomed to the back-floating position.
As mentioned in the video, maintaining eye contact with your head is a new experience for the child. However, many toddlers quickly adapt to it and even enjoy the interaction. If you keep wobbling your head, though, it will be impossible to establish eye contact, leaving the toddler mostly confused.
Try to hold the child in a way that minimizes water splashing onto the infant's face. The back-floating position alone is already challenging enough. Chlorine in the water can irritate the eyes, which, while generally harmless, is not ideal for this exercise. Pay attention to your surroundings as well. A person running by can create strong waves, and if you hold your child too low, their face may be submerged. This can turn the back-floating position into a negative experience, making it likely that the child will refuse to attempt it again in the future.
