Swimming

[GillLevey]

Took 5 1/2 month dd swimming for the first time today. I took her in the teaching pool but it seemed to be catered more towards older children. It was fairly cold and had the same steps as the normal pool so I found it quite difficult to get in and out. Getting out was worse as I had to climb up completely vertical steps with one hand and a slippery squirmy baby.

Some friends had said that they were told (in baby swimming lessons) to dunk the baby's head under water quickly at the end of a nursery rhyme (Grand old duke of York). It didn't go well. She screamed so much that I had to leave early. I felt really bad.

Should I try again next time or wait a while?

if the pool is freezing (like the one i go to), can i complain to the manager and he'll turn the water heat up??

I have taken both of my dd s sswimming since their injetions then lessons from 1yo.My instructors all discourage theuse of seats as the majority of the baby is above water and therefore colder.
Also for lessons they do not use armbands.
HINT-if you blow on the childs lips as you dunk then they automatically seal their lips.

Thanks for your advice. I'm going to try a different pool in the hope that it is warmer and safer to get in and out. I think I'll work up to the dunking when she's a bit more used to being in the pool. Thinking about it, she's not one of those babies who loves bath time - so I guess I should really take it slowly.