Infant reflexes related to swimming

A reflex is an automated response to a stimulus, and can be split (basically) into 2 categories: primitive and postural: a primitive reflex is an involuntary reflex that has developed in uterus and is essential to the babies’ survival in first weeks of life.  Reflexes are important when learning to swim, especially in baby swimming many practices rely on these first reflexes. The job of a baby swimming instructor is to aim to turn them from involuntary to learnt voluntary actions. As they are gradually controlled by different parts of the brain they turn into a postural reflex which is automatic responses that usually develop and last over a life time. These infant reflexes are the following:

The ‘Gag’ Reflex

This early reflex is a contraction or spasm of the glottis and the epiglottis evoked by something touching the soft palate thus allowing only something to be swallowed, helping prevent choking.  In baby swimming we rely on this reflex a great deal until the baby can learn to hold their breath or close their mouth when submerging their face.

Diving Reflex

This is a reflex that optimizes respiration in mammals; a week version exists in humans.  It is specifically triggered by cold water hitting the face causing one to hold their breath and slowing their heart rate to optimize oxygen in the blood. Note that this reflex is typically only triggered in water less than 21 degrees, in water warmer than this the reflex losses its strength so it’s hard to say if a swimmer in a pool of 28-32 degrees would have this reflex, however it is speculated that babies under 6 months are likely to have this response in most water temperatures.

Amphibian Reflex

This is the reflex that is responsible for belief that new babies can swim. The amphibian reflex causes the arms, legs and torso to move in spurts when placed on their tummies in the water with their face submerged.  At around 4-8 months, if this reflex is reinforced they baby will move from it being an involuntary movement to a conscious voluntary one.  The reflex then adapts around 5-7 months into a reflex that aids crawling on dry land by the raising of a hip on one side along with a flexion of the arm, hip and knee.

Righting Reflex

Designed to keep the head and body aligned this reflex is responsible for the baby trying to lift their head when on their backs and roll onto their tummies.  Floatation exercises where the head is supported are good to avoid this reflex ensuring that they continue to enjoy floating and swimming on their backs as toddlers.

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