Swimming with an umbilical hernia

[ShannonO2]

Hi all,

When my son went for his 6 week check I totally forgot to ask if he can go swimming with his umbilical hernia. Has anyone’s babies who has had a hernia go swimming?
I was worried about the chlorine aggravating it. I was going to buy him an all in one swim suit. He’s 8 weeks old (2 months).

It's fine. In fact it might help as toning their tummy muscles can help the hernia to fix itself as they grow.
One of my DC had an umbilical hernia which was surgically repaired when they were a toddler. The only time they couldn't swim was for a couple of weeks after the surgery until the wound had healed.
If swimming indoors, avoid the nylon bodysuits for swimming as they're actually quite cold against their skin unless they're submerged. They're most useful for beach trips for toddlers as they keep the sun off their skin. Not so great for baby pool swimming.
For a small baby, just a Happy Nappy and a neoprene baby 'wetsuit' (like this one pictured) is best. The wetsuit keeps them nice and warm and also gives you good grip as wet babies are slippery!

Are there any wounds or post surgical repair?
That would be the only reason I can think of.

He’s only two months so no surgery has been done it’s just still there. There is no open wounds either

Yeah fine; my lo had a huge one for about 5 months then it disappeared! Wouldn't even know now.