How we introduce babies to water can prevent them from approaching bodies of water with fear. Often, a child?s fear stems from early bathing experiences. Parents? instincts are to be quiet, gentle and calm in the water, but in the early stages of learning to swim, it’s best to make a lot of noise and turn it into a lively event. Here?s how you can start:
1. Get your baby’s eyes wet.

In the bath, gently trickle water over your baby?s eyes. Do not wipe it away. Blink your own eyes, and show them to do the same, to clear out the water.

2. Be playful.

To ease any discomfort, it?s always a great idea to play with your child, as this reinforces the idea that time in the water can be fun. Singing is a great practice during bath time, as well as games like ?water the flower? which you can play by using a toy watering can to sprinkle water over different parts of their body, including their head. Then take turns and pretend that you?re the flower, and let them water you. 3. Get your baby used to wetting their ears.

As you cradle your baby on their back, very gently, lower them so that their ears become submerged. This will help them overcome any fears of the sounds and feel of water in the ear?an exercise that?s especially useful when beginning swim lessons.
4.  Shake things up.

It?s helpful to splash around and make noise, so your child becomes more comfortable in their surroundings.
5. Smile!

Remember this is supposed to be a fun exper...