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5 Gift Ideas for Your Wellness-Loving Friend

Wellness can come in many shapes and forms. From yoga and meditation to nutrition and aromatherapy, wellness can mean something different for many people. Do you have a friend who is always talking about nutritional supplements or is obsessed with health goals? If so, we’ve got good news: There’s no shortage of gifts for them to nourish their mind, body, and soul.

1. Vitamin Subscription

A vitamin subscription might not be the first thing that comes to mind for a gift. However, vitamins and dietary supplements are a crucial aspect to wellness and one of the best ways to maintain nutrition habits. Finding the right vitamins and supplements is not always easy as there are so many options available.

Daily Gem, a health startup, is revolutionizing the concept of vitamins. The forward-thinking health company has developed an all-in-one vitamin, packing all essential nutrients into one daily vitamin, which they offer in a vitamin subscription service. Vitamins such as Omega-3, Vitamin B12, and Vitamin D3 are included in the daily vitamin.

With a variety of flavors to choose from, you can cater the vitamin packs to your individual needs that comes in a monthly shipment of daily vitamin packs. So what better item to gift your wellness-crazed friend than a vitamin subscription with Daily Gem? High quality vitamins that come with long-term health benefits.

2. Photo Manager

For a friend who loves photography and capturing those special moments with close friends and family members, Ibi is the perfect gift. With Ibi, one can sync photos from their mobile device, Google Photos, Flickr, and social media accounts in one common space. Think of it as a Google Drive for photos and videos.

Simply plug Ibi in, download the mobile app, and sign up for a free account with your email address to get started. The best part? With Ibi, you are able to share photos with small groups and social networks such as members of your family. You can invite friends and family members to share photos as well. The share link is the best way to privately share photos online so those memories from your recent reunions such as your family photos and photos of your kids are now accessible for all.

3.Sustainable Yoga Gear

For wellness gurus, regular exercise is a major part of their lifestyle. Recognized for its focus on mindfulness and conscious movement, yoga has taken over the world. Is your friend a die-hard yogi? Then a set of yoga clothes and mat might be just the gift.

While there are a number of companies that have gained popularity among yogis, why not gift her something ethically produced as well? The Girlfriend Collective produces a colorful collection of yoga clothes for all shapes and sizes with material made from recycled bottles. How cool is that? And for the perfect yoga mat to pair with it, Fair Trade certified Manduka might be the best option, offering eco-friendly mats.

4. Meditation Pillow

A significant part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is keeping a regular meditation practice, thought to have enormous health benefits, such as reducing anxiety and strengthening mental, emotional and overall health. Gifting your friend a meditation pillow is the perfect way to help her maintain a regular practice. Add in some naturally made incense and your friend will be in meditation heaven.

5. A Mindfulness Basket

Mindfulness is imperative to wellness so gift your friend a basket full of small gifts that will help her relax and connect to herself. Fill it with goodies like Himalayan bath salts (known for their calming effect), soy candles, male meditation beads, and a mindfulness journal, which can help spur creativity and introspection. The ultimate wellness basket will have your friend feeling both pampered and healthy.

Happy shopping!

In a world increasingly focused on wellness, nutrition, and mental well-being, there is no shortage of gifts for your health-centric friend. From custom vitamin packs and supplements to yoga gear and incense, spoil the devout yogi and health-lovers in your life.

Sunday Fiesta: Tips to Follow To Cook Lamb Chops & Steak

Food is among the things that bring people together. There is something amazing about a well-cooked meal that can keep people talking for ages. Among the meals that you can cook for your friends and family are lamb chops and steak.

Cooking this meal can come so easy for professional chefs, but it can prove as an uphill task for the rest. There are various ways to cook your lamb chops and steak, and here we look at tips to consider in order to make delicious lamb chops & steak.

Gather ingredients

This tip is a bit obvious, but you have to ensure that you gather your ingredients and ensure that you get them right. For example, for lamb chops and steak on the menu, you will need approximately ten strips of lamb chops and a kilo of steak. The amount here depends on the number of people you will be serving. Always ensure that you have salt, two tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, and thyme.

Marinate the steak and lamb chops

Steak, unlike lamb chops, is a bit tough. Therefore it is beneficial that before commencing the cooking process you get to marinate. The marinating of both should begin much earlier so that the steak becomes tender before you commence the cooking. Olive oil and thyme which are part of the ingredients can be used for marinating but to get a juicy steak and lamb chops you would prefer something like lemon juice.

Therefore mix the soy sauce, and lemon juice then pour the mixture over the lamb chops and steak. Cover and then put in a refrigerator for up to four hours, depending on your liking. Remember this is to make the lamb chops and steak tender. For more details on the preparation of the marinating mixture visit website.

Preparation

If you have an oven, ensure that you heat it to a maximum of 375 degrees. Remove your steak and lamb chops from the refrigerator. Take your olive oil and use it to moisten the lamb chops and steak, season with salt and pepper, and then sprinkle thyme. Always remember that oy sauce is a little bit salty. Therefore when seasoning uses very little salt; otherwise, you might end up with a very salty meal.

Cook

Place the steak and lamb chops on the baking sheet and then proceed to bake in the oven for ten to twelve minutes. The next step is to taste whether the lamb chops and steak have cooked to your liking.

Cutting

This is not a preparation tip, but it will help you with the serving part. If you are serving a bigger number of people, you will need to cut the lamb chops and steak into neat pieces that will fit your team. Place on a clean plate ready for serving.

Serve

Lamb chops and steak can be served with several things. For mashed potato lovers, this is the perfect fit for your table. Also, fries or rice can be a good combination. Ensure that you serve with a chilled drink, which would be the wine for the adults and juice for the children. Sit back and have the time of your life.

With these great tips, the one thing you will realize is that when it comes to food, you can choose to experiment. Food is an art, and every day people come up with new and exciting ways to make it even better. While you can imagine your recipe and it works for you at times outsourcing of ideas is the best thing that’ll ever happen to you. Here is to more days ahead of mouthwatering lamb chops and steak. Cheers!

 

Helpful Tips For Proper Maintenance Of Your Home’s HVAC Unit

Maintaining your home’s heating and air conditioning unit is important because replacing the unit is never cheap. In theory, your home’s HVAC unit should have a lifetime of 15-20 years. If you care for it properly, you will likely get closer to the 20-year mark.

However, not everyone is skilled in the art of caring for an HVAC unit. If you’re unsure as to how to properly take care of your heating and air conditioning unit, take a moment now to read through a brief look at some helpful tips for proper maintenance.

Call in the professionals for maintenance

There are some things your HVAC unit needs to remain in good working condition that you may not be able (or equipped) to handle on your own. For these tasks, you should call in the professionals to maintain your home’s heating and air conditioning unit.

Keep air filters clean

The air intake vents inside of your home are complemented with a filter that cleans your air of dander and debris before it is pumped back into the home. It’s important to keep your filters clean.

Dirty filters not only muck up your home’s air, but they can really put an extra strain on your HVAC unit. If you have a busy home with animals, change the filters once per month. A slower home environment without pets may only require a filter refresher every three months.

Clean debris from vents

It’s important that you pay attention to the vents inside of your home. The intake and blowing vents should always be kept free of debris and dust buildup.

It’s also key that you don’t block your home’s air vents with furniture or stuff. Keep the vents clean and free-flowing, so your HVAC unit will have no trouble properly heating and cooling your home.

Clean up your outdoor unit

Your HVAC system has an indoor and an outdoor unit. It’s important not to neglect the outdoor element of your system. Built-up dirt, leaves, and other debris on your outdoor unit can stifle the function of your system. The fan in the unit should regularly be cleaned of buildup and debris as well. Watch a short YouTube video to figure out how to easily access your unit’s fan for cleaning.

Keep the condensation line clear

Your air conditioning unit releases excess moisture through the condensation line. If you don’t clean it every once in a while, mold, mildew, and algae could build up in the line.

Blocking the condensation line could mean real trouble for your HVAC system and your home. Take the safe route, and make sure the line is clear every few months.

 

How Caviar Is Kept Fresh

Every caviar lover knows that “fresh” is an essential component when it comes to enjoying this delicacy. Improper handling can make even the world’s most imperial caviar a less than a special culinary experience. And, as the demand for this gourmet food increases, more people are purchasing caviar online and seeking information on how caviar is kept fresh.

Although there are countless online caviar vendors, not all surveyors are providing a high-quality product. To ensure that you are getting fresh caviar to be sure that you are purchasing from a reputable caviar distributor. Achieving a high-grade product and keeping caviar fresh depends on the expertise and handling of the following steps.

Harvesting – The process of acquiring caviar plays a key role in the steps necessary to achieve and maintain optimum freshness. Historically, caviar was sourced only from the Caspian and the Black Sea. However, overfishing, pollution, and slow rates of growth necessitated an evolutionary process that now makes the farm-raised acquisition of high-quality caviar possible. Even with the advances in farming, harvesting caviar is delicate and still mostly a manual procedure.

Processing – Once the eggs are separated from the ovaries of the fish, they are rinsed with cold water, drained, and salted. The quality of the caviar is typically graded based on the size of the eggs, the texture, and taste. Eggs that contain less than 4% salt is called “malossol” and is considered to be fresh caviar. However, the salt content of the most expensive high-quality caviar today contains 3% or less. In original vacuum tins, it’s recommended for consumption within a maximum of 12 months. When caviar is repacked in smaller jars or tins, shelf life will be a maximum of 6 months.

Packaging – Once the brining process is completed, the caviar is drained and containerized. Fresh caviar is carefully packed in airtight lacquered tins of 2.2 LB or 4 LB called “Original Tin/OT”.

Storing – Even after careful packaging, the perishable nature of this delicacy demands very precisely storing conditions to sustain optimum freshness. As such, the ideal temperature for storing fresh caviar is 28 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. For at-home care, store unopened Caviar in the bottom drawer which is typically the coldest section outside of the freezer. The average temperature of a typical household Frigidaire is usually set between 33 to 40 Fahrenheit. In an opened jar or tin, caviar should not be kept for more than 48 hours.

Shipping – For both online caviar sales and in-store shopping, maintaining the quality of the caviar during the shipping process means ensuring that…

  1. Caviar is kept in sealed tin or glass jar containers
  2. Lids are tight-fitting and secure
  3. The product is packed in an insulated container and at appropriate temperature requirements to prevent thawing or freezing of the caviar

There are a number of variables that determine how long caviar stays fresh. For instance, an unopened can of fresh caviar can stay fresh for up to 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator. Once opened, however, it will maintain a semblance of freshness for no more than 5 days if kept at 30°F to 38°F. Caviar from Caviar Lover meets all of the freshness criteria above, only selecting the freshest caviar and follows the highest standards in transportation. Experience online caviar at its freshest!

 

Helpful Tips In Managing Cables At Your Home and Prevent Stumbling

Our lives are entangled around gadgets, and these gadgets find themselves entangled with loads of cables. As irritating as it may be to have these loops of wires, it is the truth of the hour that your electronics get their much-needed fuel via these cords.

Getting rid of them is not an option. However, they can be improved. No, no, we do not mean venturing into the array of electric improvement by yourself, what we mean is decorating them and rather justifying their presence beautifully.

Following are a few helpful tips that would ensure that your cables don’t spoil your look or mood:

  1. Organize: The first step towards getting rid of these ugly nests is to organize each strand of those wires you have no idea about. Pick them up and spread them over a table. Try to decode their purpose, origin, and utility. In this process, you would understand if you even need those, to begin with.
  2. Label: After you have removed all the ugly wires you do not need, you would have only the wires that are necessary. Now, you must label those wires as per their need. For instance, all the wires that go on the same floor should be separated. You could use DIY labels to name their categories. According to these categories, you can then start binding them or securing them in the right spot. The right spot can be behind the desk, under the carpet, or anywhere your wires can be disguised into a hidden loop.
  3. Cable covers: The best way to secure cables is by using cable covers. In the process of binding them, you may break their delicate wires. In the process of pasting them to the wall using adhesives, you may end up making a bigger mess with the paint of the wall. Thus, smart and affordable cable covers are always a better way to go about organizing, labeling, and securing these cords.

You should, however, make sure that your cable covers are flexible and sturdy so that they can retain the natural shape of the wire. At the same time, also keep them stuck, to avail of such good cable covers, you should only consider specialists such as TripSafe cable protectors.

  1. Cordless: The best way to get rid of these cables is to go for cordless devices. The more wires you have at your place, the more would be your need and patience to organize them. However, with the advent of wireless TV, phones, etc., if you are up for it, you could get rid of them all, plus give you house this much-needed reinvented look.
  2. Hangers: In case you do not want to go through all the above, you could consider changing your cables down the nails strategically dug into your walls for this very purpose. This doesn’t do much to your house’s charm but can hold the wire in place for the time being you are busy. You could also place the nails in a way that they outline the walls, and thus, the wires wouldn’t look so bad. If executed properly, this may look like a silhouette of your house while also restoring the order back into your place with confined cables.

Please note that whatever method you choose to secure your cords in place needs to be on par with your lifestyle. If you have chosen to hide the cords under the floor carpet and you have toddlers at home, this may not be a good idea. With elderlies at home too, you may risk trips and falls with uneven surfaces. We hope you make a wise decision. Stay safe!

Awesome Facts about bird migration

The facts of bird migration are interesting and awesome. Most children inquire during science classes about bird migration, they are curious about knowing a lot about these unique seasonal trends, and what are the reasons for bird migration. If you also want to know how to keep birds away from your property, you may want to reconsider again after you read this article.

What is bird migration?

The definition of bird migration is very simple, birds move from one area to another with changing seasons and for several reasons, the most important of which are:

  • Birds may migrate due to low quantities of food available in an area due to climate change because of changing seasons, and this is actually forcing birds to migrate to another place where they find adequate supplies of food.
  • As for the second reason for migration, it is mating, as birds may move from one place to another as they search for a warm temperature to carry out the breeding season.

Therefore, if you have a problem with these little rascals, and you want to know how to keep birds away from your property, keeping food away is a good hint.

Migratory birds’ mobility strategy.

Birds are equipped with amazing senses that help them to navigate accurately in their own paths during migration. They possess an exceptional sense of vision that allows them to define visual features when migrating in long distances. These features include mountains, coasts and rivers, as they distinguish their path through the direction of the sun and the stars.

Why do birds migrate?

Birds always seek to warmer places and where food is available and are safe for mating, so we find that seasonal migration occurs primarily in the northern hemisphere, because in the southern hemisphere, especially in the tropics, it is always warm enough to obtain an adequate supply of food throughout the year.

Where do birds go?

Many types of birds migrate for very long distances. It is very common that birds migrate to the northern hemisphere in the summer, where they can breed in a colder climate, and in the winter, many birds go to the southern hemisphere, where the climate is milder.

When do birds migrate?

All kinds of birds migrate at a certain time of the year, and at a certain time of the day, some of them are irregular in their patterns of migration, we find some species begin migrating south in early July and others do not migrate until the weather becomes very harsh or food is not available.

Several studies have shown that the length of daylight hours in the day greatly stimulates the migration process. In addition, most birds fly at night in small herds. This allows them to eat during the day, avoiding some predators. If you ask yourself, how to keep birds away? These periods may be your best chances.

What are the flight paths of birds?

There are 4 main aviation pathways for birds. They follow some migration routes that you have created, and sometimes it passes through the paths that were predicted, so birds always take paths that avoid any forms that might hinder their path, such as mountains or water.

How do birds continue their journey?

Some birds eat along their journey by finding some food when they are hungry, but some other birds eat before the migration, and they store food for a later time, because the high fats in the food give them a lot of energy that may suffice them for several weeks during their journey.

How do birds find their way?

The migration process is very complicated, and therefore it requires three things: the first of them is that the birds must know the current location, their destination and the direction they must travel to get there.

Some birds use the sun and the stars to travel to find the way, while others use the smell of the surrounding area to find out where they are, while others only follow and track other birds in the swarm.

What are the risks of bird immigration?

Sometimes birds have to fly through harsh habitats such as deserts, where there is little water, or fly over the oceans, where there is no place on the ground and there is little food, sometimes inclement weather can make the journey difficult, as there can be many predators along the migration route.

In recent years, migratory birds may face an increasing threat due to communication towers and high-rise towers, attracting large numbers of birds caught in the lights in these huge buildings, and millions die annually in collisions with these buildings. After all, you maybe do not want to find a solution as to how to keep birds away from you property, otherwise you would only be a part of many factors that lead them to their deaths.

Bird Observations

The study of wild birds has received intense attention from scientists. You may be wondering how scientists could know so much about the behavior of birds during immigration. Here is your answer. Scientists have taken to linking and attaching a small metal or plastic ring in the wings or legs of certain birds, they use fake nests as a way to take pictures of birds, and link dots to come out with conclusions. Another important thing is the use of a satellite tracking system to follow the migration process.

Migratory birds during the day.

Most birds fly at a high altitude such as hawks and birds of prey, and migrate during the day to take advantage of the calm air to raise them high in the sky, this really helps them fly without flapping their wings, and thus provides energy for a long journey of migration.

In addition, birds that feed on insects migrate during the day so that they can feed on insects on their way during their migration.

This article aim to give you a broader understanding on how birds immigrate, it also provide some hints as to how to keep birds away from taking shelter in your property during a shelter. In order to sum that up, make sure you get rid of all food sources and destroy any nearby nests, but beware, by doing so you may be contributing in the extension of some valuable species.

 

7 Vital Reasons It’s Time to Update Your Home Interior

One universally common question that crosses the mind of almost every homeowner is ‘how often should I renovate my house?’. If you just bought a house, it calls for a celebration and renovation to make sure that the new property becomes your home. Also, if the quality of your old house is deteriorating, you need to redo the basic fixtures.

Hence, if you have been toying with the idea of revamping your house, but can’t figure out if it is the right time, keep reading. Here we have gathered seven important reasons that you should consider renovating a house.

To Enjoy

They say you should always be happy with the place that you live in and that’s quite necessary to live healthily. However, if your house is not appealing to you, the chances are that you might end up feeling sad. So, even if you have started feeling like the house is now outdated, that should be a strong enough reason to justify various rejuvenation.

Floor needs replacement

Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and even the floor that you are standing on comes with an expiry date. If the tile placement on your floor is old and has started showing detachments, a house update should be made. With time, the floor begins developing cracks; if this is effortlessly visible on your floor, we believe it is necessary to replace your flooring.

Efficient Home

New windows, mirror placement, or better security tools are good for increasing the efficiency of a house. Efficient homes are alluring to purchasers too, for when you need to sell the house. In order to get a modern, efficient home, renovation is a big yes! To get the needed help from one of the experts, click here.

Roof Leakage

Whether you have a manor or a small cottage, a leaking roof always destroys the looks and the strengths as well. Improper roofs can directly affect your health, as they are a warm ground for infestations and moulds. There are many reasons why the roof starts leaking; it can be because of broken shingles or roof vents that look like small pipes placed above the exterior layer. Another reason can be because of a rotten roofing system. However, you could easily get that fixed with the help of experts.

Inappropriate Lightings

Though the lighting is usually done once the house is ready, a lot many times they don’t go with aesthetics and the interior of your house. However, redoing the lights and electronic systems of the property can help you. Poorly placed lights or inadequate lighting in the house can also be the reason why it looks inappropriate. So, to make your house attractive and functional, revising your lights is a less time-consuming option.

Dull Or Chipping Paint

One of the most important reasons to refurbish your house is the look of the walls. Dull and chipped walls usually create a depressive and stale look. Factors affecting your walls can be dirt, chemicals or dampness. Just like the roof, the walls too are prone to infestations. Newly painted walls or new wallpapers can contain the freshness of the house for years.

Lack of Storage

A cluttered house is really like a nightmare, isn’t it? Piles of unchecked things lying around is a red flag. However, you could start by creating enough space in the house by getting new cabinets, wardrobes, and cupboards.

A home remodeling task will change how you feel about returning to home.

 

The Benefits Of Buying A Lake House

We have all experienced a relaxing weekend away with friends and family by the lake and it was surely something we all remember. Maybe you enjoyed it so much that you are looking at Lake Houses For Sale? The feeling of calmness and being relaxed are widely associated with being by the water and there is no other place that can quite match that feeling. By buying a Lake Home you will have these feelings permanently and no doubt your family and friends will want to come and visit to have a taste of that life too.

Types of Lake Houses For Sale

The Lake Homes you will find for sale come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are more rustic in appearance while the range extends to a more refined style home. If you are going for a more refined style rather than rustic, you are likely looking for luxury Lake Homes for sale. While lake homes tend to have a reputation for bare minimum living, there are absolute exceptions. There are many Lake Homes that boast some incredible views, dream amenities, and exceptional craftsmanship. These will really show the true meaning of luxury. By living close to the water there are many opportunities that come with it, for example, you can spend your weekends exploring your water-skiing skills, boating around to your favorite lake destinations, or simply just relaxing with someone you care about, watching the sunset. Whatever life style you are looking to enjoy buying a Lake Home is the first step to living out your dream in comfort and style. Unfortunately living by water can bring up some causes for concern, you need to be sure you look into the property fully before making your final decision.

Using A Real Estate Agent to Help

By using a Real Estate agent that has experience of buying and selling Lake Home Properties will certainly guide you in the right direction. You may think you are being sold a dream but sometimes this can just result in being sold down the water, the complete opposite of what you have dreamt of. An agent will help you to find the perfect property with you, they will discuss any issues that they think may appear and they will also guarantee the value for money with the property. Location is also a vital aspect of where to buy your dream Lake Home, again an agent with knowledge and experience of dealing with properties in the area that you are looking at will certainly give you peace of mind that you are making the right decision.

Buying your dream home will take a bit of patience as it will take lots of time, many different viewings and also a lot of money to find but when you walk into that home that gives you that sense of forever then it will all be worth it. You will look forward to those sunset evening in your perfect home.

 

Loft Ladder Ideas For Your New Loft Space

Utilizing the space in your ceiling to install a loft is a great idea and if you have a loft that requires some love and attention then an upgrade is also a smart plan to add value and space to the home. One key detail which you have to consider when completing a loft is the ladders which will be used to gain access to the loft itself. Contrary to what you may think there are in fact a huge array of loft ladder ideas which you can consider and today we are going to discuss a handful which may inspire you.

Folding Down

One of the most common choices when it comes to loft ladders is getting wooden or metal ladders which collapse and are stored in the loft itself. When the hatch is opened the ladders will open up and cascade down to the floor, allowing you entry to the loft space. This is convenient in terms of space saving and the only thing which you will have to bear in mind is that you have a baton which you can use to open the loft hatch, also that your ladders have resistance so that they don’t tumble out once the hatch is open.

Storage Stairs

If you are looking to maximize the space which you have in the home then storage stairs could be a great idea which will give you access to the loft space and increase the amount of storage which you have in the home. Storage stairs are essentially drawers of varying sizes which are reinforced on the top so that they can take the weight of a human. From ground level they appear to be drawers and cupboards, yet they also have a second use as stairs which take you up to your loft.

Permanent

If your loft is more of a prominent feature of the home rather than a separate space then you may wish to really make it inclusive with permanent stairs which are there for all to see. A set of wooden ladders which are fixed will ensure that the loft becomes bonus space rather than a separate area of the home, which adds to that feeling of spaciousness within the property.

Hidden Staircase

Not everyone likes to make it obvious that they have a loft space and this is why another great option for loft ladder is to have permanent ladders but hidden away. This is easy done by installing a small partition wall which will hide the ladders, there will of course still be access behind the wall which can be used to get up to the loft. In doing this you can keep the loft and the ladders leading up to it something of a secret, which of course gives additional mystery to the space above.

There are many ideas and materials which you ought to consider before you decide which ladders are going to be right for you and for your home.

 

Are there any Mommy and me swim classes near me?

Have you recently had a baby and are looking for a fun way to take them swimming but you are not too sure where to go? Try looking for Mommy and me swim classes near me and I’m sure you will find a great option.

Swimming with your baby has so many benefits for both you and them, they will not only benefit your baby now but also their development in the following stages. Taking your baby to a swim class is not only potentially life-saving but it also improves coordination and it strengthens muscles needed to stand and walk. When your baby is in the water the act of paddling through the water activates billions of neurons throughout your body, facilitating cognitive and motor development. In addition to building physical strength.

By starting your Mommy and me swimming lessons as early as possible it will help to significantly reduce the drowning risk. Children between the ages of 1 and 4 are at the highest risk of drowning so by having professional swimming instruction it could reduce the drowning probability by nearly 88%. Most importantly swimming together with your baby promotes parent and child bonding time. Mommy and me swimming lessons give parents the opportunity to spend time focusing on their children, where they cheer their progress and help them feel safe and protected.

Babies have a real affinity with water. They spend nine months in the womb, and many expectant mothers choose a water birth as the most natural introduction to this world. Water is recognised as a warm, supportive environment during labour and provides a natural transition for your baby from the womb to the “outside world”. Babies can be taken swimming from birth and very young babies love the freedom, massage and gentle exercise that the water offers.

There are further benefits too, it is the only time your baby can be completely independent when experiencing gentle submersion. Only in the water, can a baby move freely and develop actions they wouldn’t otherwise be able to in their first year of life. Even though gentle, baby swimming classes provide a complete physical work-out: strengthening your baby’s heart, lungs and respiratory system, which again aids development of the brain. Encouraging a baby to take regular exercise from such a young age is also an extremely healthy routine to instill which may prevent childhood lethargy. But most importantly of all, baby swimming should instil a love of water for the rest of your child’s life.

Baby swimming is an entirely safe and gentle activity, but coming to classes often provides a parent with the necessary support to enable them to relax and enjoy the experience. Mommy and me swimming classes follow a clear and progressive structure and will usually involve some underwater swimming for your baby. However, the emphasis should be on parents and their babies having fun, with no baby being forced to do anything against his or her wishes.