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Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

Talk to others about child development and behaviour stages here. You can find more information on our development calendar.

Behaviour/development

Swimming - Newborn

17 replies

LuckySalem · 01/02/2008 18:58

Me and DP REALLY want to take our new daughter swimming but i'm not sure how early I can take her or what she'll need in terms of clothes and nappies etc.

She's 16 days old today and we were thinking of taking her tomorrow if she's allowed. I know they don't have to have their jabs but is it safe?

Also - Will she be able to swim under water? I've heard that newborns placed into water will swim, when does this reflex wear out?

Cheers all XXX

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Daffodilly · 01/02/2008 19:11

Blimey you are keen - I was scarcely up for walking upstairs let alone going swimming with a 16 day old baby! I don't think they need their jabs to go swimming (according to my HV at least). But 16 days seems pretty young - I'd be concerned about her getting cold rather quickly and maybe picking up a bug.

That said I started with DD when she was about 3 months and she loves the water.

LuckySalem · 01/02/2008 19:14

We've had Aaliyah in the (big) bath with me and she loves it, kicking her legs and alsorts - was lovely

Oh another thing I should check. I had a C-section would the chlorine infect it?

Was only thinking of going for 1/2 hr and the baby pool is always REALLY warm so I wasn't too worried about the cold as such, more infections and whether the actual chlorine etc would hurt her.

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LuckySalem · 01/02/2008 19:32

Anyone else know?

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PestoMonster · 01/02/2008 19:35

I wouldn't take such a young baby swimming tbh. I took my dd1 at 8 weeks old and that was plenty early enough (for both of us!). I would suggest you ask your Health Visitor for advice.

hotbot · 01/02/2008 19:36

it is fine without jabs, tho iwould make sure the pool is very warm, mostpublic baths are far too cold,i would say about 10 mins max.

Nemoandthefishes · 01/02/2008 19:37

to be honest in this weather I would hold off. She is soo tiny that unless you know the pool is roasting then I wouldnt go.
However if you do go then take a towel to the poolside with you so she can be wrapped up straight away.ly about 15mins.Also keep it short on I took ds when he was 2mths and didn really enjoy it until he got older. Now hes 4 and adores being in the water.

hotbot · 01/02/2008 19:37

have to say would also agree with petso monster

Flo23 · 01/02/2008 19:41

Were you thinking of going into the pool? You're barely 2 weeks post section and your wound is still very new (also blood loss to think about)

Give yourself time to recover and take things easy, theres plenty of time for swimming!

LuckySalem · 01/02/2008 19:43

After discussions on here we're going to wait for the HV (on Tues) and ask her then we'll see.

Thanks for the advice all.

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evenhope · 01/02/2008 19:46

Agree with the other posters. Would also add that if you want to swim her underwater you join a reputable swimming class like this one and not try to do it yourself. (They don't lose the reflux until they are over one year old).

WanderingTrolley · 01/02/2008 19:46

I've taken newish babies to swimming classes - the youngest was about 4 weeks, I think.

There are special classes for very young babies - typically, they're held in very warm pools, such as hydrotherapy pools or small private club pools.

I think a bog standard leisure centre pool would be too cold, tbh.

LuckySalem · 01/02/2008 19:47

Didn't want her to swim underwater (she's cuter kicking the water when she's floating) just wondered what the "thing" they do was.

It's the ability to hold their breath isn't it?

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HeadHeartorHormones · 01/02/2008 19:49

Sounds sensible - remember the bath IS like a swimming pool to a newborn. I'd enjoy plenty of dips and cuddles in there with her if you're both water babies. The dive reflex is good for about the first year - so plenty of time.

LuckySalem · 01/02/2008 19:52

I can't swim!! lol. The only way I can swim is under the water.

So when she starts to learn to swim I think i'll take some lessons too!

I just love to sit in the shallow end and kick about or do as the kids do and do handstands under the water.

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HeadHeartorHormones · 01/02/2008 20:00

Ah - you'll love taking a baby then. It's the perfect excuse to enjoy the water without being expected to do lengths yourself.

LuckySalem · 01/02/2008 20:05

That's good then! lol

Cheers all seriously!!

I'll check with the HV and then see. I've just looked at the little swimmers and they won't fit her yet anyway. lol

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seeker · 01/02/2008 21:15

I think the baby would probably be all right - but I would worry about you - I think you are too vulnerable to infection to go swimming yet.

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