How This Icelandic 'Baby Whisperer' is Teaching Infants to Stand
In Iceland, a developmental therapist and baby swimming instructor has astounded researchers with his ability to assist babies less than four months old in standing on their own. Snorri Magnusson assists the babies during his baby swimming lessons at a local pool in Reykjavik. It has many parents in Iceland and abroad astonished as well. Some parents have said that it is more about the personality of the babies and their interest in standing on their own that makes it possible more than anything else.
Snorri Magnusson was the first baby swimming instructor in Iceland. While an active baby swimming instructor, he also instructs swimming lessons for disabled people. With Iceland’s swimming pool culture and abundant source of geothermal water, starting early in accustomizing babies in the pool is very common. As well, studies have shown the benefits of baby swimming for advanced motor skill development in children. In Iceland, every child is taught how to swim during school.
Snorri’s website for baby swimming explains that he developed his teaching methods while raising his own twin daughters and that his methods are considered unique in the world of baby swimming, with many researchers interested in his methods. Usually, babies begin to stand without support at around nine months old, however, Snorri’s training methods have allowed them to stand much sooner. This training include various strengthening exercises over a 12-week course offered twice per week.
Studies in the Human Movement Science Programme at Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway and the department of psychology at Lancaster University in Lancaster, UK produced a scientific research paper Baby swimming: exploring the effects of early intervention on subsequent motor abilities which provides more information on how humans develop core abilities such as balance and movement control. Their studies suggest that children who develop strengths in these skills can get very good at it at a young age, and not forget it.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.