Taking DS (7mths) swimming for first time tomorrow, what do I need to know?

[WorrisomeHeart]

Just as the title says really.. anything I should be aware of/think about? Obviously I will try to keep his head above water...

[nannynick]

All in one babygro for when he comes out... then you simply put a nappy on and the babygro.

Soft towel to dry him.

Ideally go to a swimming pool which has a babyseat in the changing room - so you can sit him in it whilst you get changed yourself.

[LostInTransmogrification]

You need to know that swim nappies don't stop the wee coming out so don't put your DS on your knee unless you are ok getting peed on!

Take the nappy off to rinse him under the shower, otherwise he might get sa reaction to the swimming pool chemicals in the nappy area.

Have fun!

[Bumperlicioso]

Can't think, but you have reminded me I haven't evtakedown dd2 (8mo) yet . Depends on your ds but I know dd1 found the noise quite disconcerting.

[Bumperlicioso]

Oh and if you rinse and dry the swim nappies you can get a few wears out of them

[mouseanon]

I found it easier with DS in one of those all in one sun/swim suits. A bit less like holding a wriggly bar of soap in the water.

Have fun

[mousesma]

Agree that the noise may be a bit worrying. I take DD swimming every Tuesday morning and normally shes fine but this week it was busy and noisy because of half term and she became a bit clingy and upset.

Apart from that there's not much you need to know. The only tip I would have is don't take him when his tired or hungry and keep swimming to about 30 mins so he doesn't get too cold.

[WorrisomeHeart]

Oh great idea re the shower afterwards. We're going to a pool that (I have been reliably informed!) has family change rooms and DH is coming too, so I figure one of us can dress DS as the other gets dressed and then swap. Am looking forward to it!

Oh, we've got one of those Pampers swim nappies and also a set from M&S with the towelling bit - is it overkill to use both?

[nannynick]

How did it go?

[WorrisomeHeart]

Not brilliantly, he got quite upset but I think it was the noise/lights combo as he loves the bath. On the plus side, the pool and changing facilities were great so we'll be going again.

Did anyone elses DCs hate it initially but then come around?

[nannynick]

Oh Yes, some have hated it initially then been fine after a few times. Others have loved it initially, then hated it later on. A 3.5year old I care for has only recently decided he will go back to one of the pools near us... he likes it now but didn't like it about a year ago, so we changed pool.