When Can You First Take a Baby Swimming?
What do you need to know, and what do you need to bring for your little one?
Are you a new parent excited to introduce your little one to swimming?
You might wonder when it's safe to start and what to consider. The journey of parenthood is filled with countless firsts: the first smile, the first steps, and inevitably, the first dip. As a parent, you may be excited to introduce your little one to the joy of swimming from an early age. You may also have a lot of questions. When is it safe to take a baby swimming? What should you consider before taking your baby to the pool? These are common concerns parents have when creating memories and instilling a love for water in their children.
When you think it's time for your little one to go for a swim, there's no specific age you need to follow. Just keep a few things in mind before taking the plunge. We have even made a video on this as well.
Health and Development
You can take your baby for their first swim before their vaccinations. However, some parents do choose to wait till after, but this is entirely up to you. It is advisable not to swim for the first day or two after your baby has had their vaccination, as they will often be feverish and irritable afterwards. You should also avoid taking your baby swimming if they have any skin irritations, as the chlorine in the water could potentially make these worse.
This is all in line with the NHS recommendations.
Temperature
The temperature of the pool water is crucial for your little one; It should be between 30-31℃. This will feel rather warm to an adult, but it is necessary to ensure that your little one stays warm during their lesson. You will normally find that swimming schools offering baby lessons will only do so if the water is at least this temperature, but we would always recommend asking if you’re unsure. Here at Aaquatics, we will only ever run our baby lessons in swimming pools with a water temperature of at least 30℃.
Choose the right time
When it's time to introduce your baby to the water, make sure they're well-rested and fed. Avoid doing it when tired or hungry, as it can overwhelm and irritate them. Consider your daily routine when choosing a time to take your baby swimming. Pick when you have enough time to enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. This way, you can focus on giving your baby the attention and support they need during this new adventure. Take your time and savour the moments together.
Use appropriate swim gear
When you first introduce your little one to the pool, it is essential to have the right equipment to ensure the whole experience is safe and comfortable for you and your little one. One of the most important items that needs to be looked at here is the baby swim diapers. Contrary to regular diapers, swim diapers are designed in such a way as to be used in the water. They provide support for your baby and prevent swelling and sagging. They also allow great freedom of movement for your baby to participate in the pool. Swimming diapers also play a vital role in maintaining hygiene by containing any possible messy incidents without polluting the water for others.
Our recommended swim nappies can be found here:
Swim Nappies (Size 2-3)
Swim Nappies (Size 3-4)
Swim Nappies (Size 5-6)
Seeing your baby for the first time in the water can be a wonderful experience that leads to many more exciting aquatic adventures. These considerations are key to ensuring this first experience is positive and secure.
Article by Jonathan Barnicoat