Taking baby swimming

[puffinpants]

I'm planning to take my baby swimming for the first time next week and will need to pick up/ order what I need tomorrow. He's 8 months old now - what do you think I'll need? Also any safety things I need to be aware of?

I guess I'm wondering if I need a wetsuit for him and the neoprene nappy? Or can I just take swim nappies for him?

[Artandco]

Just a neoprene nappy is fine.

You will just be in shallow end for a short time so nothing else needed. Mine liked feeding after though so take a warm towel and can wrap and feed them before both getting redressed

Remember swim nappies aren't wee proof! So put on at last min

[minipie]

Most baby swimming lessons want you to have the neoprene nappy (happy nappy) I think, as it's the only one that catches poo leaks reliably.

Wetsuit probably not, usually baby pool is pretty warm but worth checking with the pool what temp it is.

They say not to feed in the half hour before swimming in case of vomming. Do take milk/snack for after though as they are usually starving.

Nothing else I don't think!

[dilfx2]

I agree with the above. Nice big towel to wrap up in and a snack for after. Getting dressed with a wiggly baby in a small cubicle can be a challenge so nab a larger room if poss

[MolesBreathless]

Wetsuit is a good idea IMO - it keeps them warm, and also I found it made him less slippery when wet - I felt more confident as there was something to grab in an emergency IYSWIM?

Dressing gown for you a good idea so you can be warm while you dress your DS without worrying about towel slippage etc...