Baby Swimming Lessons and Motor Development: What Research Says
When we think about baby swimming lessons, we often think about water confidence, bonding with parents and introducing children to the water from an early age. But could these early experiences also play a role in a baby's physical development?
Research suggests that participating in structured aquatic activities may be associated with benefits for baby motor development, including movement coordination, grasping and overall motor abilities.
This article draws on several published scientific studies, beginning with a 2022 pilot study titled A Non-Randomized Pilot Study on the Benefits of Baby Swimming on Motor Development, conducted by researchers at the University of Padua in Italy.
We also explore findings from systematic reviews published in 2023 and 2026, which examined a wider body of research on aquatic activities and early childhood development.
We'll look at what researchers have discovered, what the findings mean for parents, and how the ideas explored in the research relate to Aquanat's developmental approach to baby swimming lessons.
Can baby swimming lessons help motor development?
Research suggests that regular aquatic activities may support aspects of early motor development. Studies have reported favourable findings in areas such as grasping, fine motor skills and overall motor performance. However, the evidence includes different types of aquatic interventions, and further research is needed to determine how much of these benefits can be attributed specifically to baby swimming lessons.
What Does Research Say About Baby Swimming and Motor Development?
In the 2022 pilot study, researchers compared the motor development of infants who regularly participated in swimming activities with infants who had not attended swimming lessons.
The aim was to investigate whether early aquatic experiences were associated with differences in motor development, including grasping, reflexes and overall movement abilities.
The researchers recruited 32 infants aged between 6 and 10 months, with 28 included in the final analysis.
The swimming group attended weekly 45-minute aquatic sessions. Researchers assessed the babies' motor abilities using the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales, Second Edition (PDMS-2), a standardised developmental assessment covering fine and gross motor abilities.
The findings were encouraging.
Compared with babies who had not participated in swimming activities, the swimming group achieved statistically significantly higher scores in four areas:
Grasping skills: Abilities involving reaching for and holding objects.
Fine motor development: A combined measure of skills involving smaller, controlled movements, including grasping and visual-motor integration.
Reflexes: Certain automatic movement responses assessed during infancy.
Overall motor performance: A combined measure of fine and gross motor abilities.
Not all the motor abilities assessed showed statistically significant differences between the groups.
What Are the Limitations of This Research?
Although the results were promising, the study was relatively small, involving only 14 infants in each group.
It was also non-randomised, meaning the researchers did not randomly assign babies to swimming and non-swimming groups.
The swimming group was slightly younger on average than the comparison group, and the researchers did not conduct direct motor assessments before the babies began swimming.
Importantly, the study compared the groups at one point in time rather than measuring how their motor skills changed throughout a swimming program.
This means the findings show an association between swimming participation and certain motor abilities, but do not establish that swimming caused the differences.
Further research involving larger groups, baseline assessments and follow-up measurements is needed.
What Do More Recent Research Reviews Tell Us?
While individual studies provide valuable insights, systematic reviews examine findings across multiple studies to develop a broader understanding of the available evidence.
Two recent reviews have investigated the relationship between formal aquatic activities and early childhood development.
A 2023 Systematic Review of Baby Swimming and Aquatic Activities
A 2023 systematic review, titled Effects of Exposure to Formal Aquatic Activities on Babies Younger Than 36 Months, examined 18 studies involving infants and toddlers under three years of age.
The researchers considered different types of aquatic activities, including baby swimming programs and aquatic therapy.
The review identified promising findings relating to aspects of motor development, while highlighting considerable differences between the studies in their methods, activities and outcomes.
The review also included studies investigating both motor development and aspects of early cognitive functioning, highlighting researchers' growing interest in the possible connections between aquatic experiences, movement and early learning. However, the evidence remains preliminary, and further research is needed to determine whether aquatic activities directly influence cognitive development.
The authors emphasised the need for further high-quality research to better understand the potential benefits of early aquatic experiences.
A 2026 Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
A more recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in September 2026 examined 25 studies involving a total of 3,526 infants and toddlers younger than 36 months.
Of these, 22 studies contributed data to the statistical analyses.
The researchers examined several areas of health and development, including motor function and broader neurodevelopmental outcomes.
The findings suggested that formal aquatic activities were associated with favourable developmental outcomes, including motor function.
The combined analysis of neurodevelopmental and motor outcomes drew on six studies and found results favouring aquatic activities over comparison conditions.
However, the review included a variety of aquatic interventions, ranging from infant swimming programs to hydrotherapy and warm-water bathing, including activities involving babies receiving clinical care.
This distinction is important because the findings cannot necessarily be applied equally to all types of baby swimming lessons.
The researchers also highlighted the need for more rigorous studies, consistent intervention methods and longer follow-up periods.
What Does This Mean for Parents?
Taken together, these studies suggest that aquatic experiences may offer valuable opportunities for early motor development.
The newer research provides a broader foundation for understanding possible developmental benefits, but it does not establish that swimming lessons are necessary for normal development or guarantee faster achievement of developmental milestones.
It also leaves an interesting question: what makes water such a unique environment for early movement experiences?
Why Is Water Different for a Developing Baby?
Babies learn about their bodies and surroundings through movement, touch and sensory experiences.
On land, their movements are influenced by gravity, developing muscle strength and their ability to support their own body weight.
In water, these conditions change.
Researchers have discussed several properties of the aquatic environment that may help explain why water provides different movement experiences. These are possible mechanisms rather than effects independently established by the studies discussed above.
Buoyancy Creates New Movement Opportunities
Buoyancy supports part of the body's weight, changing how babies experience gravity and movement.
With appropriate support from a parent or instructor, babies can explore different body positions and movements that may be more difficult to experience on land.
For example, supported baby floating in water can allow an infant to experience a horizontal body position while moving their arms and legs.
These experiences offer opportunities to explore movement, balance and body positioning in a different environment.
This is one reason why developmentally appropriate baby floating swimming lessons can provide interesting opportunities for movement exploration, rather than focusing solely on learning swimming techniques.
Water Provides Continuous Sensory Feedback
Water surrounds the body, providing sensory information through contact, pressure and resistance.
As babies move their arms, legs and bodies through water, they experience how their movements interact with the surrounding environment.
Water resistance also changes the speed and effort involved in movement, potentially providing additional opportunities to explore and practise motor control.
Researchers have discussed the possibility that these sensory experiences may contribute to motor development, although their individual effects have not been conclusively established.
Movement and Body Awareness Develop Together
Early motor development involves much more than learning to crawl, sit or walk.
Babies gradually develop awareness of their bodies, how different parts move and how to coordinate their movements in response to their surroundings.
In a supportive aquatic environment, babies can experience changes in balance, orientation and movement while remaining securely supported.
These experiences provide opportunities to explore body positioning and movement possibilities.
For parents interested in how to help a baby float in water, the emphasis should be on appropriate physical support, observing the baby's responses and allowing them to participate at their own pace, rather than expecting independent floating.
The Connection Between Movement and Early Learning
One particularly interesting aspect of the research is its discussion of embodied cognition.
This concept explores the relationship between physical experiences and cognitive development, suggesting that movement and sensory experiences play an important role in how children interact with and learn about their environment.
For babies, reaching for an object, changing position or exploring a new movement involves more than physical activity. These experiences also provide opportunities for attention, perception and learning.
Researchers have discussed possible connections between early motor development and later language and cognitive development.
However, it is important to distinguish between an established relationship and a possible benefit.
The 2022 pilot study did not directly measure whether baby swimming improved language or cognitive development. The broader reviews examined various developmental measures, but their findings do not establish that conventional baby swimming lessons improve language, intelligence or later academic abilities.
The relationship between aquatic experiences, motor skills and broader developmental outcomes remains an important area for future research.
This highlights the value of providing babies with varied, age-appropriate opportunities to explore movement, both in and out of the water.
How Aquanat Supports Babies' Early Development Through Swimming
At Aquanat Swim School in Perth, our approach to baby swimming has always extended beyond teaching swimming techniques.
We recognise that babies learn through their bodies, their senses and their interactions with the people around them.
Our baby and toddler swimming classes are designed to provide developmentally appropriate aquatic experiences that encourage exploration, confidence and progressively greater independence.
Supporting Natural Movement and Exploration
Rather than expecting babies to perform particular swimming skills before they are developmentally ready, we provide opportunities for them to discover how their bodies move in water.
Through supported floating, changes in body position and purposeful movement activities, babies can explore buoyancy, balance and coordination at their own pace.
Our instructors observe each child's responses and adapt activities to their individual developmental stage and comfort.
An important part of supporting your baby during floating activities is recognising when they are comfortable, curious and ready to explore, while maintaining appropriate physical support.
Encouraging Active Participation
Babies are active learners, even when their movements appear small.
A baby reaching towards a toy, adjusting their position or initiating a movement is exploring an important part of their physical development.
At Aquanat, we encourage this active participation rather than relying entirely on adult-directed movements.
Our aim is to create opportunities for babies to discover what their bodies can do, with appropriate support and encouragement.
As children grow, this same developmental philosophy continues to guide how children develop more independent movement in water, with activities progressively adapted to their changing abilities.
Creating a Calm, Supportive Environment
The environment in which babies learn is also important.
Our private, warm hydrotherapy pool in Alfred Cove is maintained at approximately 34–35°C, providing a comfortably warm setting for our swimming activities.
With small classes of up to six students and only one class in the pool at a time, we aim to minimise unnecessary distractions and allow instructors and parents to focus on each child's individual needs.
This supports our developmental teaching approach, giving babies time and space to respond, participate and explore.
While the research discussed in this article does not establish that warmer pools, smaller classes or fewer distractions improve motor development, these are important considerations in how we design our learning environment at Aquanat.
Strengthening Parent–Baby Interaction
Parents play an essential role in our infant swimming lessons.
Through touch, eye contact, communication and shared movement, parents provide reassurance and support as their babies become familiar with the aquatic environment.
These interactions are an important part of the learning experience.
Researchers have also discussed the potential role of caregivers in providing sensory experiences, emotional connection and opportunities for exploration during early aquatic activities.
Swimming together creates opportunities for parents to observe their baby's responses, recognise emerging abilities and become more confident in supporting their development in water.
Should Parents Start Baby Swimming Lessons Early?
There is no single starting age that guarantees better developmental outcomes.
Every baby develops at their own pace, and their readiness for swimming activities depends on individual factors, including their health, comfort and developmental needs.
At Aquanat, our Baby & Parent classes welcome babies from approximately 10 weeks of age, with activities adapted to their stage of development.
Early lessons focus on positive water experiences, supported movement, parent–baby interaction and gradually developing familiarity with the aquatic environment.
The aim is not to accelerate developmental milestones or rush babies towards independent swimming.
Instead, we provide opportunities for babies to experience water in ways that respect their individual abilities and readiness.
Importantly, baby swimming lessons do not make infants drown-proof. Close, hands-on adult supervision remains essential whenever babies and young children are in or around water.
What Can We Take Away From This Research?
Research into baby swimming and early motor development has grown in recent years.
The original 2022 pilot study identified promising differences in certain motor abilities between babies who attended swimming activities and those who did not.
Subsequent systematic reviews have examined a broader range of aquatic interventions, reporting favourable findings in several developmental areas, including motor function.
Together, these findings suggest that aquatic activities may provide opportunities that support aspects of early development, although stronger research is needed to determine the specific effects of baby swimming lessons.
The research does not suggest that swimming lessons are essential for normal development, nor does it demonstrate that babies who attend lessons will necessarily reach developmental milestones earlier.
At Aquanat, the ideas explored in this research align with our longstanding philosophy: babies learn through movement, exploration and active participation, supported by responsive adults and an environment suited to their developmental needs.
Our focus is not simply on what babies can achieve in the water today, but on providing positive experiences that encourage body awareness, confidence and an ongoing interest in movement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Swimming and Development
Can swimming lessons help my baby's motor development?
Research suggests that regular aquatic activities may be associated with favourable outcomes in certain areas of early motor development. A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis reported positive findings for neurodevelopmental and motor function. However, the review included several types of aquatic interventions, so further research is needed to establish the specific effects of baby swimming lessons.
What are the developmental benefits of baby swimming lessons?
Baby swimming lessons provide opportunities to explore movement, buoyancy, balance and different body positions. They also encourage sensory experiences and parent–baby interaction. Research has identified promising associations with certain motor skills, although the extent of any direct developmental benefits is still being investigated.
How does floating help a baby's physical development?
Supported baby floating in water allows infants to experience different body positions while buoyancy reduces the effects of gravity. This creates opportunities to move their arms, legs and bodies in ways that feel different from movement on land. Floating activities should always be appropriate to the baby's developmental stage and supported by a responsible adult.
Can baby swimming improve coordination and body awareness?
Aquatic activities provide varied sensory and movement experiences that may help babies explore how their bodies move. Water resistance, buoyancy and changes in body position create opportunities to practise movement and coordination. However, the long-term developmental effects of these experiences require further research.
At what age can babies start swimming lessons?
The appropriate starting age depends on the baby's health, readiness and the swimming program. At Aquanat in Alfred Cove, Perth, our Baby & Parent swimming classes welcome babies from approximately 10 weeks of age, with activities adapted to their individual development and comfort.
Are baby swimming lessons better in a warm pool?
Water temperature is an important consideration for infant comfort and thermal safety. A suitably warm pool can provide a comfortable environment for age-appropriate activities. Aquanat's private hydrotherapy pool is maintained at approximately 34–35°C. However, the research discussed in this article does not establish that warmer water improves motor development.
Do babies need swimming lessons to develop motor skills?
No. Babies develop motor skills through everyday experiences, including floor play, reaching, rolling, tummy time and exploring their surroundings. Swimming can provide an additional movement experience, but it is not essential for normal motor development.
Discover Baby Swimming Lessons at Aquanat
If you're looking for baby swimming lessons in Perth that focus on development, exploration and individual progress, we'd love to welcome you to Aquanat.
Our small-group Baby & Parent swimming classes take place in our warm, private hydrotherapy pool in Alfred Cove, where babies and parents can enjoy the water together in a calm, supportive environment.
Research Sources and Acknowledgement
This article draws on the following published scientific research:
1. Leo et al. (2022)
Leo, I., Leone, S., Dicataldo, R., Vivenzio, C., Cavallin, N., Taglioni, C., & Roch, M. (2022). A Non-Randomized Pilot Study on the Benefits of Baby Swimming on Motor Development. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(15), 9262.
2. Santos et al. (2023)
Effects of Exposure to Formal Aquatic Activities on Babies Younger Than 36 Months: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(8), 5610.
3. Lyu et al. (2026)
Effects of Formal Aquatic Activities on Health and Developmental Outcomes in Infants and Toddlers Younger Than 36 Months: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 14, 1910257.
About this article
The research findings have been summarised and discussed in accessible language for parents. The studies examined different aquatic activities and developmental outcomes, and their findings should not be interpreted as proof that any particular swimming program produces specific developmental benefits.
The sections describing Aquanat's teaching philosophy, facilities and swimming programs reflect our own educational approach and practices, rather than interventions specifically evaluated in these studies.
