Swimming with baby

Mcsweets

OK! We're going out of town in 2 weeks and there is a pool at the hotel.  They will be 10w "corrected" age then ... are they too young to go in the water? What do I need as far as diapers go?  Do I just throw them in a swimsuit with one of those pampers swimmer diapers?

stephcrosby09

As a swim lesson instructor I am going to start my LO in the pool around 3 months (if it was the summer already, I probably already would have . I think the only thing that can be harmful, besides drowning/sunburn, is chlorine on their skin. She has been in the bathtub with me. I think the APA says 6 months and I think most pedis would say at least 6 months. The other main concern is them taking in too much water if you decide to dunk them. I always tell parents that if the baby comes up coughing from drinking the water, limit dunking to 3 times per session to prevent this. 

The only place I have seen that sells small swimsuits was Meijer. I was shocked (and happy!). Also got a 3 month suit at Old Navy. All you really need is a swim diaper. From infant classes I have taught, parents say that having a blowout in a swim diaper is never fun (before, during or after a swim). 

Personally, the only thing I would be concerned about at a hotel is making sure the hotel stays up with their chemicals, since diseases can be passed in water where the chlorine levels are not adequate. Sorry, don't mean to scare you, just something to think about. 

When and if you take them underwater, babies open their eyes so if you have waterproof camera have someone go under and get a pic of them!

Mcsweets

hmmm maybe we'll skip it this trip ...

KariB509

I just saw a 0-3 swim suit at Meijer today. Gap and Old Navy sell them too. I don't think 10 weeks is too early.

SassyFlats

My in laws have a pool and I am thinking of taking LO in there a bit this summer, but I don't think I'd take her into a public/hotel pool until she's much older. That's just my gut feeling, though.

amdecker1016

We're going to the beach in two weeks. I am taking her, maybe not into the gulf but at least dipping her toes in.
Maybe even in the pool in my back yard after that.

Carters had a 0-3 month bathing suit too btw.

chocoroom

My pediatrician said no pools until 6 months. I didn't ask why but I plan to at the next appointment.

fish8412

Sunscreens say to ask your pediatrician before 6 months so I am wary of the pool chemicals and germs prior to 6 months as well.

myfriendscallmemeg

There's a pond in my backyard. As soon as it's hot outside we'll be hanging down by the pond.

Also, I've got a trip to the lake for a week planned in July. LO will be 4 months barely. I already have a swimsuit purchased and am about to start shopping online for another!

Water babies FTW!

liamandlettie

All the swim classes Ive seen are 6 weeks and up. The only thing Im worried about is the watery yellow poop possibility blowing out!

mrsdahamm

We're going to the beach in 3 weeks (ahhhh so excited!!!) and I'm hoping to take Jackson in the pool. We stayed at the same place last year and the pool was super clean. The ocean will still be cold, but well probably do some toe dipping as well.

sopranoali

Just watch out for ear infections.

Kewii

We plan on using a kiddie turtle pool this summer...does that count?

SurpriseAt39

Swim lessons around here start at about 2 months. I took DD and DS1 when they were 2-3 months old. We just used disposable swim diapers, but you can buy the reusable type at Walmart and Target (and likely other places, but that's all I've seen them at). I'd do a good rinse off afterward. And don't be surprised if LO doesn't enjoy it much. My kids liked the water super warm. Some hotel pools area bit cool.

sambrownmac10

He went for the first time at 2 1/2 wks first and second picture, third picture is from last week at 4 1/2 weeks.
We took my nephew weekly as soon has his cord fell off and was healed, there were never any negative effects he's healthy now at 20yrs old, and could swim by the time he was 2 yrs old.

I used a huggies disposable swim diaper the first time but then bought a reusable swim diaper for the second.
The first suit is a 3-6 month and the second is a 0-3 month.
In Canada Walmart has the smaller sizes.

As for the chlorine I just haven't stayed in longer than 45 min and make sure I bath or shower him straight after.

I also don't dunk him intentionally, it happened he turned his head and got a mouthful twice.

ProudMommy030614

I live in hot ass Florida all of my kids swim in the summer no matter of age! Ds3 will be 6 weeks on Saturday and going for his first swim. I also taught all of my kids to swim at early ages. Just give them a bath afterwards and make sure the pool is clean.

akflutterby

We bought LO a suit last week in 0-3 (I believe it's Carter's brand) and we were planning on taking her to a water park in mid May (it's DD1's bday party). I don't plan on having her too much in the water but she'll be 7wks.