Baby Swimming Info

[Beepazoid]

My wee man is 9 weeks old and i was wondering if i can take him swimming yet and if so does he just need to wear a swimming nappy whilst in the pool?

Can anyone also tell me how long it's suitable for him to be in the pool, as I've got something in the back of my brain that it's about half an hour, but i could've totally made that up!

TIA,

Beepazoid...x

Yes you can take him swimming anytime. Definitely a swimming nappy on its own or underneath swimming gear. The first time, I would limit it to about 15 mins only. Stop before he gets shivery. You can build it up after that to whatever's comfortable.

Going swimming is a lot of sensory information to process for a little one. I'd agree with the 15 minute to start and then if he's happy and enjoying it, extend it to up to 30 minutes or so slowly. I would say until he's nearly one, half an hour is likely to be enough. Be ready to feed him straight after, as it's quite a lot of exertion for them too. Like straight after, possibly before you've changed, or deal with the crying!

Only other tip would be if there's a choice of pools, take him to the warmer one. Not hot tub, but warm.

Definitely feed straight away, in the cubicle after you've got wet stuff off and wrapped in a towel or dressed quickly.

I go to baby swim at a private pool with DS. The pool is over 32c and our instructor has told us that if we go to council pools they are generally cooler and we should a suit that covers their chest. We also have to use a ' Happy Nappy' over a normal swimming nappy.

Heres the link where I got mine from-
www.splashabout.net/catalog.php?language=en&category=4.

The lessons are half an hour, you should see how your DS is but I wouldn't do more than half an hour. My DS is starving afterwards and sleeps for about 2 hours.

Many thanks for your help my fellow mums; it's much appreciated.

I sense a trip to the swimming baths at the weekend!

B x

Yay go for it! Have the easiest clothes for both/all of you, wear your costume there to save time and remember to pack knickers. If you can take the buggy in do so, its much easier than juggling everything. Remember locker money and have fun!

Top tip- get yourself a towling dressing gown- then you can keep warm and dry while you sort your dc out. I would also take a changing mat to lie him on while you get dressed yourself.

Good idea to choose a quieter time at the weekend. My pool has a parent and under 8's session so theres not too many older ones yelling etc. Many council pools have parent and toddler classes during the week with music and toys which are nice.

I took my 8 week old DD swimming for the first time last week in just a swimming nappy and we did about 15mins in the water. I found showering after the hardest part as there is no control over temp or force of water but DD didn't seem to bothered and seemed to enjoy the swimming (and dunking for which goggles were useful for me). She also spent the rest of the day asleep in between feeds and I cleaned the whole house - amazing!