section_path: Infant swimming
section_name: Infant swimming
paragraph_text: Infant swimming
  
  Human babies demonstrate an innate swimming or diving reflex from newborn until approximately ten months. Other mammals also demonstrate this phenomenon (see mammalian diving reflex). The diving response involves apnea, reflex bradycardia, and peripheral vasoconstriction; in other words, babies immersed in water spontaneously hold their breath, slow their heart rate, and reduce blood circulation to the extremities (fingers and toes). Because infants are innately able to swim, classes for babies about six months old are offered in many locations. This helps build muscle memory and makes strong swimmers from a young age.