"taking baby swimming... at 3 months"

ggorka10

So my fiances dad has two young kids, ages 6 and 5 and he told me and my fiance that it's perfectly fine to take a 3 month old to a pool and dunk it underwater... he said they're used to the water and like it. I dont like being dunked, and I can swim, so I can't imagine a newborn enjoying that... I am totally not ok with doing that to my child. I can't believe a parent would feel comfortable doing that... and I've never heard that from anyone else. anyone have a partner who takes EVERYTHING their parents say seriously? I can't stand it!!!! And how do you tell someone that they need to back off without being rude? Cuz theyre helping us a lot and I appreciate them, I just hate their unwanted advice...

Mayoral04

I wouldn't necessarily "dunk" my three month old in water, but I would take her in the pool.  There's nothing wrong with taking a 3 month old in the pool, of course as long as the weather permits.

jessakris

I'm pretty sure it's OK to take a baby swimming at 3 months.  They have baby swim classes and everything.

It sounds like this is not the first instance of "unwanted advice", though. I have similar issues with my MIL and I have found that the best weapon is information. If you think they're wrong, ask your pedi and do some internet research, so when it comes up again, you have something to come back with. It's hard to argue with what your doctor says. GL!

mkeatts

My H was a lifeguard and they gave baby swimming lessons all the time.  You blow in their face then put them under water for a second.  It gets them used to it.  It sounds cruel but it really isn't a big deal.

Jenny33

It may be fine... it may be safe... it may be condoned by the dr... but if you are not comfortable with it, then simply express that and hopefully your IL's will be respectful of your wishes. Maybe you can use this opportunity to see if baby likes to splash his/her toesies in the water.

cpmich

Newborns are born instinctively knowing how to hold their breath and walk/swim in the water.  It is something that they forget as they get older (like how the grab reflex fades). You have to watch and hold them at all times because they can't swim on their own or come up for air.

Here swim lessons start at 4 months & I plan to enroll DS then. It is a nice way to meet other parents also.