Teaching your child to blow bubbles underwater can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not only does it help them familiarize themselves with water but it also teaches them an essential swimming skill – exhaling underwater. Here are some small, simple steps you can take to get your child started:
Below are 6 fun and easy tips to get your child to start blowing bubbles!
Start humming
Start by having your child hum a simple tune while keeping their mouth closed. If they seem hesitant, hum along with them to create a fun and engaging atmosphere. This simple exercise will help them become more aware of their breath and the air passing through their nose.
Hum in the water
Once your child is comfortable humming, gradually introduce them to underwater humming. Let them put their nose and mouth in shallow water while humming (their mouth should remain closed). They’ll be delighted to see bubbles forming around their face. Make sure to remind them to lift their head out of the water to breathe in, preventing water from entering their nose or mouth.
Blow bubbles through a straw
If they are still resistant to putting their mouth in or near the water, have them blow through a straw, pointing out how bubbles are created. Remind them to only blow outwards, as inhaling through the straw could result in a mouthful of water.
Blow bubbles straight from nose & mouth
Once your child feels more at ease with underwater humming and straw blowing, encourage them to transition to blowing bubbles directly from their nose and mouth. Reiterate the importance of lifting their head out of the water before taking a breath.
Get water (sinky) toys involved
To make the experience more fun and engaging, introduce colorful sinkable toys to the pool or bath. This will encourage them to keep blowing bubbles and to eventually put their face in the water.
Click here to explore some super fun sinky toys perfect for the bathtub and pool!
Start moving to deeper areas of the pool!
Gradually increase the depth of the water, starting shallow and moving to deeper areas where your child will have to submerge their face. Make sure there are areas where they can still stand, allowing them to crouch down and submerge without feeling overwhelmed.
Remember to be patient
Even the smallest progression your child makes is a big deal. Be patient and encouraging, and they will eventually be blowing bubbles like a pro.