A reflex is an automated response to a stimulus, and can be split (basically) into 2 categories: primitive and postural: a primitive reflex is an involuntary reflex that has developed in uterus and is essential to the babies’ survival in first weeks of life. Reflexes are important when learning to swim, especially in baby swimming many practices rely on these first reflexes. The job of a baby swimming instructor is to aim to turn them from involuntary to learnt voluntary actions. As they are gradually controlled by different parts of the brain they turn into a postural reflex which is automatic responses that usually develop and last over a life time. These infant reflexes are the following:
