swimming with 6 month old

[bobblehead]

I plan on taking dd swimming for the first time this weekend. Dh will be there so not too worried about being in the pool but just wonder how it all works in the changing rooms. What do I do with her while I undress, shower etc. Do I need to wash her hair afterwards, how do I wash mine? My mind just boggles at the logistics of it all, but there must be some tricks to keep it simple?

what i do is get her dressed put her in a playpen or something get dressed go home then do the bathing at home where its easier i find the showers get too hot for a baby

If its a good leisure centre they should provide a baby changing area and usually a play pen too. I've managed to take all 3 of mine to the pool, all under 5 at the time, but dont even contemplate showering and hairwashing. a quick dunk under the shower for babes if you like, but then its all hands to getting them dressed with you a v cold, shivery last.

Take the pushchair into the changing room, you can always put her in that while you get dressed if there's no play pen or its full with other kiddies.

Most pools i've used have seats similar to car seats to strap them in while you change. I always take a toweling dressing gown to wrap them in afterwards

if it's your first time and there are 2 of you I'd suggest one of you get dressed while the other dresses your dd. Then the dressed person and baby go and get a coffee while the other person gets dressed.

That's not so easy if it's not communal changing, the other plan is for one of you to get out of the pool first and get dressed and then go back for baby. SOmetimes there's a viewing bit where you can change babies so she could be passed out of the pool to the dry adult.

Have towel ready to wrap baby up in as she may well be cold.

Enjoy!

I alway take my buggy on poolside and lay a towel out in it o when we get out of pool I wrap baby up straightaway. I also take my towelling bathrobe and wear that while I sort baby out.

Have fun!

also make sure you and dd are wearing something quick and easy to put on that is nice and warm (fleecy tracksuit bottoms?)
take along a favourite toy/dummy etc to keep her occupied while you are dressing and don't expect her to last more than 20 minutes or so in the water.
Enjoy the HUGE nap dd will have afterwards, she will be knackered!

ooh do like the sound of that nap! Don't think the pool has very good change facilities for baby, but haven't been since before I got pregnant so paid no attention! My buggie i8s a tank but maybe I'll just take the car seat in. Like the sound of the bumbo tho (i.e good excuse to buy one!) Thanks for all the advice.

take along a towelling dressing gown/robe whip off your costume and put it on, atleast you are not standing dripping and cold, and by the time your baby is dressed, you are virtually dry!