Advice needed about taking 10 week old swimming

[sweetpea1112]

Hi,

I am due to take my 10week old baby swimming next week with SIL and her 12 week old. We aren't going to a class, just having a splash around at a special session at the pool for babies under 6 months.

I assume that because of this the water will be suitably warm, but what should I be dressing him in? does he need some kind of swimming costume? I know I will need a swim nappy but does he just wear this on its own?

Also, Any advice about the practicalities of taking a small baby swimming would be gratefully received

If its anything like our local sessions hey will have floats and there ae sow larger cubicles complete with changing tables and playpens.

I just took our DS in a reusable swim nappy. I'd see how you like it enforce you shell out too much on equipment.

The session I go to recommends a disposable swim nappy held in place with a Happy Nappy (can buy these from Amazon or Mothercare and other places - have a google). They might have body warmer type things there you can borrow in case he gets cold. Hopefully they will also have changing mats or tables you can lay him on while you are getting him ready, I would also think about taking your car seat in to the changing room so you can pop him in there while you're getting dressed afterwards. Don't take the pram, some places don't allow it but if everyone does it just becomes impossible to move. It's actually not as bad as you think it's going to be and at least there are two of you. Enjoy!

If you don't want to take a car seat take a changing mat or spare towel to lay the baby on. Most pools will have baby changing tables but not all, or they could be in use when you want one. You can lay your baby on the floor, at 10 weeks they should stay put!
Usually the learner pool is warmer than the main pool but it's still cold for babies, we only managed 10/15 mins when we started taking our DD to the pool. As an earlier poster said, neoprene suits are good (wetsuit material) and I'm sure I've seen them in Mothercare. If not, a regular swimming costume over a swim nappy is what most of the babies at our pool wear.
When you get out FORGET the shower. Just wrap your baby in a towel (poncho ones with hoods are brilliant, most baby shops sell them). If possible, have this waiting near you on the side, if not, have it at the top of your bag. Take off their costume/nappy and leave them on the changing mat all cosy in their towel whilst you get changed then they will be mostly dry when you sort them out.