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February 2012 Moms
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S/O swimming

MigenMigenMigenMigen
in February 2012 Moms
At what age is it safe to take LO swimming?  I've read online that 6 months is the time to start, but I'm wondering if we can do earlier.  I'm completely in the dark about what we need to help keep baby safe in the water, but I'm assuming we need to wait at least until she has good head control and will want to have her in some sort of flotation device.  Any suggestions for some resources that I can look up?
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Re: S/O swimming

  • alysaloutonalysalouton
    I don't have any advice but I am wondering the same because we had our babies at a time where they wont be 6 months until after the hot months so It seems like we're forced to keep our kids stuck inside.
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  • kristin172429kristin172429 member

    I don't know much, but I do know you have to be careful with the temperature.  Since they can't regulate their temperature before 6 months, water that feels a little cool to you could be very cold to them.  I definitely want to bring our LO in the pool this summer.  I will likely hold him and get him some sort of flotation in case.  Luckily my parents have a pool, a solar cover, and a thermometer so we can check the temp.  

    Oh, and we will give him a bathe right afterwards.  Chlorine can be harsh on their skin.  We won't keep him in too long because of that, too. 

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  • Gem17Gem17
    We waited til 6 months but that was because it was summer then. We put DD in one of those pool float that is mesh and has a cover to protect from the sun. I don't prefer the blow up plastic kind cuz their skin sticks to it and they can get hot to the touch. Also check with your pedi when you can use sunscreen on LO. 
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  • lindsayandjamielindsayandjamie member

    I taught swimming lessons for almost a decade, including hundreds of babies. I intend to start going in the pool as soon as he has excellent neck controle, probably around 3 months. I will also be taking him to a warmer pool in my area because babies do tend to get colder quicker. The signs are shivering and lips turning blueish.

    As for safety, a flotation device isn't necessary but if you use one, never allow them out of your reach. They can easily tip and depending on the model they would actually stay upside down unde water.  The best way to intro them to the water is to hold and play with them, sing songs, demonstrate blowing bubbles, let them splash their hands and don't rush to dry their face. We are already practicing getting DS used to getting his face wet during bath time. When I wet his hair I use a cup of water and let water splash down his face - he doesn't mind. Remember babies are used to having their face in water thanks to the amniotic fluid.  Fear is learned so teching them to enjoy the water as well as appropriate safety early on will ensure a healthy respect for water. 

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  • MigenMigenMigenMigen

    Thanks so much!  I don't know if there is a pool warm enough where I'm going to be this summer to get her in the water, but I do love the idea of preventing fears early with bath time.

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