Types of Newborn Bathing

Looking back on Molly’s days as a newborn, I feel like I went through stages of using one type of bath over another, depending on what was most convenient. It’s like I graduated from one to the next as she developed more abilities. The funny thing is that going into parenthood, I was only awareContinue reading “Types of Newborn Bathing”

Swimming in Seattle: Insider’s Guide to Kid-Friendly Indoor Swimming Pools

Molly and I agonizingly miss our outdoor swimming days now that summer is officially over and the pool has closed. While sunny fall weather coaxed us outside to play (earth, what a novelty for summer lovin’ mermaids!), I’m getting anxious about two things: Keeping Molly’s swim skills and love of the water FRESH (and preferablyContinue reading “Swimming in Seattle: Insider’s Guide to Kid-Friendly Indoor Swimming Pools”

When Should Babies Start Swimming Lessons?

Some college friends recently gave birth to their first baby (!), a beautiful girl. They follow Molly’s swimming shenanigans on our Facebook and Instagram feeds, and asked me for tips about instilling their baby with confidence in the water. Specifically, when should babies enroll in swimming lessons? (In case you haven’t read my post whereContinue reading “When Should Babies Start Swimming Lessons?”

Infant Bathing Techniques, Part 3: Put Water on Baby’s Face

A baby or toddler who is comfortable with water on her face has an additional tool to use to self-rescue when she inevitably loses her footing while playing in shallow water.

Baby Swim Experience

To get to where we are today, I approached Molly’s experiences with the water wearing a few hats, so to speak: my parent hat, my teacher hat, and my swimmer hat. Teachers use lots of methods for instruction. Modeling for her, helping her do things with us, letting her explore by herself… these teaching strategiesContinue reading “Baby Swim Experience”