Baby in a hot tub

[Lamu]

We're away on holiday at the moment in a family resort with various pools. The hot tubs are the only pools that happen to be heated. We've been away for a number of days and you start to notice certain faces, families with children, funny personalities etc.

Mum with baby in pushchair sit on the lounger not far from us. Seems to be part of a larger group. Baby is less than 6 months old, certainly not sitting up, as her head is still being supported. Mum takes baby into hot tub whilst, DH and Dds are playing in there.

It's the third time we've seen the mum and baby in there in the last few days. DF who was here up until three days ago also mentioned she saw mum in there with her baby. I'm a bit concerned, it's hot enough as it is without sitting in what is effectively a bath in 24 degree heat. I'm tempted to say something to the mum. Or directly to hotel staff if I see her in there tomorrow. or perhaps I should just mind my own business

[AgathaMystery]

How long is baby in there for?

[ExplodingCarrots]

Yanbu but I wouldn't approach the mother. I'd have a word with a manager to see if they have a policy.

I've worked in spas and it's either been 12+ or 16+.

[DropYourSword]

Have you gone into the hot tubs yourself. How hot are they. Some I've been in have been pretty pathetic in terms of temperature and would be cooler than a bath.

[JuxtapositionRecords]

Not just the temp but those things are a germ fest so no I don't think it's appropriate - but I also don't think it's your business to get involved

[WellErrr]

I'd tell the manager.

[herecomethepotatoes]

Water is a better conductor than air so if the bath is lower than body temp, t'll be cooling the child down. Unless it's one of those rare hot tubs that are genuinely really hot, it's none of your business and think I'd have taken either of our children in at that age.

[Sadmother]

How long for? And is it actually hot?

[KoalaDownUnder]

herecomethepotatoes, I'm not sure that's how it works.

Hot tubs do, in fact, heat you up (hence the name). They're not safe for young children, let alone babies, whose temperature regulation is not the same as adults.

It's a pointless and dangerous thing to do.

[herecomethepotatoes]

That's exactly how it works koala. Cooler than body temp will cool them down

[KoalaDownUnder]

No, that's simplistic.

www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2010/02/02/2807666.htm

For one thing, if the air temperature is 37 degrees, your body cools itself by sweating. It can't do that when immersed in water.

37 degrees is your normal core temperature, not your surface/skin temperature.

Anyway, I'm not going to argue with you about the science.

Disagree if you want, but anyone who ignores all expert advice that says don't put a tiny baby in a spa is an irresponsible idiot.

[Sparklycat]

What's the temperature? Our lg has gone swimming in a hydrotherapy pool from birth for half an hour which is 36degrees. It's with a professional swim school, hot tubs are around that temp I think? I'd say it was ok.

[Sparklycat]

What's the temperature? Our lg has gone swimming in a hydrotherapy pool from birth for half an hour which is 36degrees. It's with a professional swim school, hot tubs are around that temp I think? I'd say it was ok.

[KERALA1]

Plus grim for other users baby has no bowel control ewww

[clockbuscanada]

Every public hot tub I've ever been in has clear signage on the outside saying who can/can't use it. Does this then mean it's at the user/parent's own risk because they've been informed? If you're at CP have a quick word with a lifeguard or staff member, even if it's just to put your own mind at rest.

I agree with PPs, I'd be worried about germs and chemicals as well as temperature.

[Lamu]

I don't know the actual temp of the hot tub but it's a standard hot bath sort of temperature if that makes sense. Baby had been in for about 30 minute stints. Both mine have only handled about 15 minutes before deciding to get out but then again they tend to be hot bods.

This particular resort seems pretty lax safety wise, just one lifeguard covering 7 pools on rotation! They're generic warnings on entering the hot tub area. Not specifically about the age of any child allowed in iykwim.

Anyway I shouldn't judge as my 4 and 2 yo have both loved them. Mum was in there again this afternoon. Anyway it's not something I'd do mainly because little ones can't regulate their temperature as well as adults and it being open air it's in direct sunshine. I agree it's none of my business, so I haven't said anything.

[TiggerPiggerPoohBumWee]

It's not advised, but its not dangerous, an those types of hot tubs aren't actually very hot at all. 24 degrees isn't too hot.

[SnuffleGruntSnorter]

1. Hot tub is about 36-37 degrees which is about the temperature of the warm baby pool or a bath
   

1. They're usually disinfected with bromine so will be just as clean as chlorinated swimming pool water
   

1. I presume baby is wearing a swim nappy so bowel control not important
   

1. It's not really any of your business

[Pixienott0005]

Not sure what the big deal is. She isn't trying to harm her baby and I'm sure it's fine.

[Twitterqueen]

It's not advisable at all. I would tell the manager and get the hotel staff to tell the woman she is not allowed to do it. Any reputable establishment should have a sign up by the hot tub saying in very large letters NO PREGNANT WOMEN or CHILDREN UNDER 12.

There are very good health and safety reasons why she should absolutely not be doing this.

[JSarah]

When I went away, the hot tub was for over 16s only! I suppose it was incredibly hot though

[TiggerPiggerPoohBumWee]

There are very good health and safety reasons why she should absolutely not be doing this

And they are? You don't actually know this, you've just seen a sign and assumed The Sign must be Fact.

[Pollyputhtekettleon]

I think the mum is best placed to judge if the water is too hot for the baby. Presumably she does this every time she baths the child at home. Too much hysteria about what a sign says without actually thinking about the reasons why an establishment might not want under 12s or pregnant women in their hot tub is never good.

[VestalVirgin]

Plus grim for other users baby has no bowel control ewww

That'd be my main concern.

She'd probably notice if the child got too hot in there? It's not the same as leaving a baby alone in a hot car or something.

24 degree Celsius? Isn't that the temperature of a regular swimming pool? Or are those closer to 21? I actually think regular pools are too cold, so I wouldn't be too concerned about someone taking a baby to a slightly warmer pool.

Actually, what are the dangers of hot baths? I am prone to fainting if I stay too long in a too hot bath and my body decided to have low blood pressure again, but I take it as a given that baby's head would be kept over water.

[summerdreams]

When I've looked in to water babies classes they're in hydrotherapy pools that are around the temperature of a hot tub but most of the hot tubs I've been in abroad are no where near the temp of a real hottie so i would think it is probably fine.

[summerdreams]

Hot tub not hottie bloody spell check