Many parents are nervous about small babies in the pool, but swimming with baby can be a lot of fun for both baby and parent. Baby will enjoy the new sensations he experiences in the water and get an early start on learning important water skills.
When to Start Swimming with Baby
Baby’s first swim can happen as soon as the parents are comfortable taking her. Red Cross offers a seven-level preschool swimming program that babies can begin at four months old. By four months, baby is able to hold his head up and more aware of what is happening around him. This is a great time to get him into the water. At this age, the goal is simply to get the baby – and the parent – comfortable in the water.
Baby’s first trip to the pool can be overwhelming. Besides the strange feeling of the water on his body, baby will also have lots of things to watch and listen to. Try to go at a time when the pool is quieter, such as midmorning. Enter the pool slowly, giving baby time to get used to the water. Let baby splash, especially if she likes doing this during bath time. Hold her close, so that she feels secure. As baby grows more comfortable in the water, try a few water games or introduce some toys.
What Baby Should Wear at the Pool
Pools require that babies wear swim diapers while in the pool. Most pools have individual disposable swim diapers available for purchase at the front desk. Parents who plan to swim a lot will want to buy a package of swim diapers, which can be found in the diaper section of most grocery or drug stores. Cloth swim diapers are also available, anywhere that regular cloth diapers are sold.
Swim diapers are meant to contain poop, and are not waterproof. Besides the swim diaper, baby can wear a swim suit in the pool if the parent wishes, but this is not required.
How to Swim with Baby
Wet babies do become slippery, so make sure that baby is held securely while in the pool. There are several flotation devices available for babies, rather like floating exersaucers (without the toys). Many pools have these, though parents may need to request them. Baby sits in the “floater” and plays with toys or splashes while staying close to Mommy or Daddy. The floater can allow the parent more freedom to play with an older sibling, but the floater is not a safety flotation device and can flip over.
Baby Swim Lessons
Many pools offer programs for babies. Baby swim lessons are usually “parent and me” classes, where the parent accompanies the baby in the class. The instructor will help the parent introduce the baby to the water and show the parent games or other activities to do with baby. Basic swim skills, such as swimming positions, movement, and getting wet, should be explained. Some water safety tips, such as how to stay warm and choking prevention, may also be covered in the class.
Related Article: Swimming with a Toddler
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