Aquatic exercises at home for babies

What is it?

BENEFITS

steps

Conditions of operation

Aquatic therapy is a unique development method aimed especially at babies, which harmoniously and playfully combines elements of gymnastics, massage and aquatic activities with observation and specific psychological counseling, taking into account the baby's psycho-physiological needs.

The main objectives are the harmonious development of the baby and supporting the mother-baby relationship.

The therapy involves a personalized program, depending on the history of pregnancy, birth, and the child's socio-psycho-physiological needs, and is carried out exclusively by a physiotherapy specialist.

managing anxiety about your baby's first bath or daily bath

learning new bathing methods that provide a relaxing moment, full of trust and affection for both baby and mother

learning baby massage techniques designed to bring more confidence to the mother, comfort and affection in the relationship with the baby

creating a space where mom and even dad can enjoy special moments together filled with affection, tenderness and trust in their relationship with their baby

understanding the baby's needs through aquatic therapy both mother, father and baby can grow emotionally

developing a balanced relationship, centered on the baby's needs, on effective communication between them

early development of all senses: tactile, visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, balance in terrestrial and aquatic environments

accessing multiple types of intelligence: kinesthetic, affective, linguistic, musical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, nature

stimulation of innate reflexes in order to preserve and develop them: the diving reflex, the grasping reflex, the early development of the baby's motor skills

Identification of possible intrauterine or birth traumas, as well as their amelioration

Massage

It involves massaging all parts of the body (lower limbs, upper limbs, abdomen, back, head, neck) to which are added elements of reflexology for the sole massage. Skin contact stimulates nerve endings, improves circulation, increases energy levels, helping to develop muscles, joints and bones.

Gymnastics

It includes exercises that stimulate coordination and movement reflexes, helping to form and imprint the body scheme, laterality and then balance. The light movements applied to the lower and upper limbs but also to all joints aim to strengthen the muscles, increase joint mobility, and create a strong and aligned skeletal system.

Aquatic activities

They emphasize the child's adaptation to the aquatic environment, using specific grips and positioning, as well as immersions. Through special exercises, they aim to maintain the child's primary swimming and immersion reflexes, transforming them into automatisms and preparing them for the pool program.

The stimulation program for babies is carried out according to their schedule - sleeping, eating, walking times.
It is important that the baby is rested before the session begins.
The last meal before therapy must take place at least 30 minutes before the session.
The therapy takes place in an airy, bright room, with a comfortable temperature between 22-24° C.
During therapy, the presence of other people besides the mother/father is not allowed.
The aquatic activities stage will be carried out in your own bathtub at home, rigorously disinfected.
The water temperature will be 36-37° C during the first sessions (similar to that of the intrauterine environment).
Subsequently, gradually, it will reach a temperature of 32-33° C (close to that in the pool).
The duration of the session is 30-40 minutes.
Each of the 3 parts lasts 10-12 minutes, enough for stimulation, but also to avoid discomfort.
For the information and stimulation to have an effect, a minimum of 2-3 sessions/week are needed.