Swimming with 5 week old

[Trace38]

Hi we are due to take our dd to a baby class in the swimming pool today but she sounds bubbly when she's breathing as I breastfeed. I'm worried she might be a bit chesty with a bit of a cold. Should I still take her? First time mum here!

[ODog]

Trust your instincts here. My DS is older now (19mo) but I have always taken him swimming with a cold if he is well in himself from when he started lessons at 6mo (eg playing/eating normally). Just watch out for blue lips and/or other signs they are ready to finish (teacher should be able to advise) and get out early if need be with a warm towel and a nice big feed. Luckily DS is at an age where he just tells me he is done now!

[Ellieboolou27]

I would take a five week old swimming the chlorine is very strong and all those germs in a public pool, I'd wait till she has her first set of jabs and just have a nice warm bath with her, at 5 weeks it's a bit much for a newborn me thinks

[Ellieboolou27]

Meant would not! Sleep deprived mum of two lol

[knaffedoff]

Many public pools won't admit before immunisation and ime babies often get cold quickly so at 5 wks 20 mins in the pool will be plenty, so it's going to be a huge faff getting changed etc !

[MintSource]

Another one feeling 5 weeks is too little. I waited until after jabs.

But generally, I have and do take DS when he has a cold.

He had one of those neoprene full suits on when he started as tiny ones do get cold very fast, even in a warm pool.

[CurlsLDN]

I agree with pp, 5 weeks is very very little. I took ds a few times within the first six months and each time it wasn't worth it! Hr got cold v quickly, was overwhelmed by the pool, and screamed all the time I was trying to dry and change him/myself.
Have a warm bath together in the comfort of your own home, you'll achieve a lot more in terms of bonding, her having a lovely time etc, but without all the hassle and the possibility of making a cold worse

[Penfold007]

Babies under six months should not swim in water less than 32 degrees C. You shouldn't go in a swimming pool until six weeks after giving birth, longer if you had stitches or c-section.
Follow your instinct and let baby's chest clear.

[Trace38]

Hi all, we didn't go and have rebooked onto the next term after Easter. Thanks for the advice!

[knaffedoff]

Thanks for the update, enjoy swimming after Easter