Baby swimming – A mother’s perspective: Ivana Batakovic’s story
- Swimming Dad
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
For some parents, the first encounter with baby swimming starts with curiosity. For others, it comes from necessity. But for Ivana Batakovic, it was a mix of instinct and the desire to offer her child something more than just “splashing around.”
First steps into baby swimming – without fear
Many families start baby swimming based on recommendations. Ivana heard about it from friends:
“We decided to start when our child was about two years old. I wanted them to feel safe in the water, to enjoy it without fear, and to make our family vacations more relaxed.”
When parents decide to introduce their baby to water early – instead of protecting them from it – water becomes a friend, not a threat. Ivana knew exactly what she wanted: for her child to not develop a fear of water, but to learn to enjoy it from the very beginning. Not just for summer fun, but for the confidence that grows in the pool and flows into everyday life.
Growing together – in and out of the water
Many parents are surprised to realize: baby swimming is not just for the child. It’s also for the parent. It’s a journey of learning, adapting, and understanding your baby in a new way. Being in the water together opens up space for discovery – about your child, and about yourself.
Ivana describes it perfectly:
“I’ve been in the water with my child from the start. I follow the trainer, and at the same time, I’m learning about my child – and about myself as a parent. It’s mutual growth.”
A safe harbor: The baby swimming instructor
In baby swimming, the instructor becomes a bridge between the child and the water – someone who knows when to gently guide and when to step back. Ivana points out something many parents forget: how a child feels with the instructor is just as important as the skills they’re learning.
Baby swimming as an emotional compass
A child’s development isn’t measured only by steps and words – it’s also about confidence. When a child learns to move safely in water, they gain a sense of control and trust in themselves. Ivana sees it clearly: less fear, more security. Not just during swimming lessons, but in everyday challenges too.
“Does baby swimming help with emotional development? Absolutely. Our child is more confident and calm – in the water and beyond. There’s no more fear – not of water, or of new situations,” Ivana shares.
Calm parents, confident children
Ivana touches on one of the most powerful parenting truths – kids mirror us. If we’re relaxed, they’ll be relaxed too. In the world of baby swimming, children learn to trust the water, while parents learn to trust their children. Growth doesn’t come from control, but from support.
“Did I learn something new about parenting through this process? Definitely. I realized that our child is capable of much more than we think – if we give them support and freedom. And that everything goes more smoothly when we, as parents, are calm.”
Water remembers the smile
Ivana Bataković’s experience shows that baby swimming isn’t just a program – it’s a shared journey where both child and parent grow and enjoy time together. Water becomes the world’s largest playground, a space for learning, bonding, and joy. And with the right team – child, parent, and coach – everything flows better. Most importantly: the smile stays.
Children may not remember every toy or every class in the pool… But they will remember the feeling: that water was a place where they felt safe, loved, and free.
So if you're thinking of starting baby swimming – maybe you’re not just looking for a class. Maybe, like Ivana, you’re looking for a space to be present with your child. Without fear. And with a smile – in the water.
Life is better when you are swimming!
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