Diving with Baby / Infants
This core exercise is simple to explain. Hold your child under the arms and submerge them completely underwater once. Pay close attention to their reaction. If the child reacts positively, reinforce those feelings with praise and encouragement. If the reaction is negative, remain cheerful and express how amazing the dive was. Avoid amplifying negative emotions. This exercise marks the first time the toddler goes underwater with their head fully submerged.
Preparatory exercises
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Under the shower
Hold your child by the armpits (just as in the core exercise). Maintain eye contact and make a few funny faces and sounds. Occasionally, try a nose boop. You know best what makes your child happy. Through playful interaction, the goal is for the child to feel comfortable in the water and even have fun in this new environment.
Splashing
Sit with your toddler in the bathtub or on a very shallow pool step — the top step, just below the surface, is ideal if there is room for others to pass. Splash around together: lightly drum on the water and sprinkle it upward so a few droplets land on your child's face. This playful exercise helps the child gradually get used to the water.
Watering Can Readiness Test
Do this test before the core exercise. Hold your child by the armpits and create a positive atmosphere; a second person pours water over the child's head with a cup (if alone, sit the child on the pool edge). Start with a small amount, watch the reaction, praise positive responses and avoid reinforcing negative ones. Increase the amount over several bath sessions — once a full cup is tolerated happily, move to the core exercise. Pouring water over your own head first, with visible enjoyment, also helps.
Dripping
In the water or on land, dip your hand in and gently drip water onto the toddler's head. Encourage positive feelings through praise; if the child reacts negatively, try again later and avoid reinforcing the reaction with pity. A toy can help as a distraction. If the child responds positively, proceed to the Watering Can Readiness Test.
Common mistakes
Diving with an unmotivated child.
Never dive with an unmotivated child. Start with the "watering can readiness test" and only proceed if your child reacts positively to water on their face. Forcing children to dive often creates strong negative feelings towards water and can significantly delay independent submerging, so take the time it needs — even if it feels frustrating.
