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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To leave baby in pushchair, at the side of the pool, while I go swimming?

220 replies

Zootopia · 22/09/2016 16:05

Hi, not sure if this would be unreasonable or not.

I have a son who has swimming lessons. It's at a country club, so you need a membership card to even have any kind of access to the pool and it's pretty small in there. Just some nice seating around the sides. I have a newborn baby who I'd rather not take swimming when DS is there as I like to focus on just him in the water (he is 3) and he is encouraged not to use floats, as he can swim underwater, but we're just getting him to do it on top, so not an option for the time being. Also, I'd just rather wait until I do baby classes.

Would I be unreasonable to leave baby in pushchair (asleep) while I go into the pool with DS? It's not mother and toddler classes, it's just him and a couple of other children but I can still use the swim lanes and would be nice to swim. Also, he likes to have a free swim before lessons start.

Thanks Smile

OP posts:
Soubriquet · 22/09/2016 16:05

I don't think you can even take pushchairs pool side?

JustHereForThePooStories · 22/09/2016 16:07

Hugely unreasonable.

Original poster
Zootopia · 22/09/2016 16:07

Can't you? I didn't know that.

I'd remove the carry cot then and just leave that on a lounger? I'd be able to see it at all times.

OP posts:
Original poster
Zootopia · 22/09/2016 16:07

Oh okay

OP posts:
yomellamoHelly · 22/09/2016 16:08

I attempted this many moons ago and was ordered to get out of the pool by the lifeguard or bring sleeping baby into the pool with me as I wasn't actively supervising him. (Felt I couldn't have managed with 2 at that stage though.) Never tried it again and eldest didn't do much swimming for quite a few years as a consequence. So yes YABU, though I understand where you're coming from.

MrsCampbellBlack · 22/09/2016 16:08

You could ask I guess but I wouldn't do it personally.

2kids2dogsnosense · 22/09/2016 16:09

I would worry that other people's over-excited children would rush past screaming and frighten the baby (sound echoes horribly in swimming baths), or worse, knock the pushchair/carrycot in.

NerrSnerr · 22/09/2016 16:09

I think it would be unreasonable to do this. What would you do if your baby woke up screaming? Could you realistically safely then look after both if you're feeding/ changing the baby?

chitofftheshovel · 22/09/2016 16:10

Yes, of course you can.
You're in the same room and can get to newborn if needs be.

DollyBarton · 22/09/2016 16:10

Practically speaking I think it's totally fine, why not! As long as you can see it and make sure nobody kidnaps your gorgeous newborn.

I do think the swimming pool won't like it as it would be a bit like being unsupervised and they may have issues due to insurance etc.

Leopard12 · 22/09/2016 16:11

Of course you are, you aren't able to watch him whilst your busy in the pool, get someone to go with you to keep an eye on baby, leave at someone's house or ds can't go swimming I'm afraid

Florathefern · 22/09/2016 16:11

Bringing a buggy to the pool would be very unhygienic. I very much doubt any pool would allow it. I'm be surprised and shocked if a pool allowed you to leave another child at the poolside unattended.
Some pools have a creche attached to solve this problem.Otherwise you will just have to take the baby into the pool with you and forego your own swim until you can go on your own in the evenings.

catduckchuck · 22/09/2016 16:11

I'd ask the pool, but is there anyone that you could take with you, they wouldn't have to swim

SheldonsSpot · 22/09/2016 16:11

I would doubt very much that the country club would allow this. I'm not sure it's something I would have ever considered doing and tbh I'd find it most odd if I went swimming at my gym and saw someone do this.

Perhaps find a gym that has a pool and a crèche.

FlyingElbows · 22/09/2016 16:12

You would massively unreasonable. I ban what you're proposing (it's detailed in the contract) on my premises because it is not a paying clients' responsibility to look after other people's children. It's a sporting facility not a creche. Book the baby into proper childcare.

Original poster
Zootopia · 22/09/2016 16:13

Yes, the country club has a crèche. I'm just a bit funny about it, as she's so tiny, I like her to be under my watch Sad I know that's silly, but I'm BF.

OP posts:
PestoSwimissimos · 22/09/2016 16:14

DD1's swim teacher used to do this herself. Except her baby was sat in a car seat poolside whilst she taught the lessons.

Original poster
Zootopia · 22/09/2016 16:14

Actually, I just looked and the crèche is 4 weeks+ anyway

OP posts:
Florathefern · 22/09/2016 16:16

You are contradicting yourself OP. You want to watch her yourself but in your original post you said you wanted to lane swim. You CANNOT swim and watch a child simultaneously.

mintthins · 22/09/2016 16:16

We used to do it using the car seat. I'm fairly sure you shouldn't have a buggy poolside, but either way, just ask the club.

Noodledoodledoo · 22/09/2016 16:16

I take my 7 week old along to my 2 year olds lesson, the teacher suggested bringing baby and either using the playpen they have or use the car seat at the side of the pool.

I am aware it will only work for a limited time but working for now.

This is at a private schools pool which is hired by a separate company for baby swim lessons.

kali110 · 22/09/2016 16:19

I think you'd be massively unreasonable for all the things 2kids2dogsnosense said.

Original poster
Zootopia · 22/09/2016 16:22

There would only be the other children who is having lessons with. Also, there would be a lounger so no knocking in. I do understand so thank you everyone Smile

OP posts:
BombadierFritz · 22/09/2016 16:23

you need to check with the pool and swimming lesson people
personally I would be astounded by anyone who let you take a pushchair poolside or let you leave a baby unattended next to the pool but why not ask, you never know.

NotAPuffin · 22/09/2016 16:23

I'd be uncomfortable with it myself, but our pool is huge and would have 8 classes running simultaneously so it's really loud - there's no way I'd hear a crying baby in it.

In a smaller, much quieter pool, I'd probably give it a go. A swim is so good for your mental and physical health at that stage! Do check with the instuctor first though.