Water acclimation teaches even small infants about basic water skills, which means parents can take advantage of swim lessons once their infant hits the 6-month mark. "Children can begin swim lessons, according to the American Red Cross curriculum, at 6 months old," confirms Dr. Beale. "These types of water acclimation, learn-to-swim classes are a great place for parents to learn the basics of water safety and learn how to actively engage on, in, and around water with their child."