Baby Swimming

[demystified]

I am thinking about starting to take my son swimming, he is nearly 5 months old. Just wondering about the practicalities.

So do I put a normal nappy on, then a swimming nappy, then baby swimming shorts?

Can I put him under the water for a few seconds and should I?

I was thinking I wont use any aids or anything just hold him is that feasible?

Any other advice?

Just swim nappy and shorts. Holding him is fine.
First time just put a tiny bit of water on his face towards the end and in the bath. Get him used to it bit by bit before he goes underwater (on another day..it is best he enjoys the first time.) if he gets any water and starts coughing a bit, hold him upright and put his arm up like he is answering a question in class and that should clear it.

If you have a towelling robe for you to wear while you get him changed when you come out you won't get so cold. He needs to get changed first (cold). He will probably be really thirsty/hungry when you come out.

Just swim nappy and swim trunks/shorts.

when he is in the water try to keep him under the water (not head) as much as you can, being put in and out will lower his body temperature.

have a feed for when you get out and get him dressed first or he will be cold by the time you finish.

see if there is a baby swim session at your local pool ours has one and I'll be taking DC3 with me when here and old enough.

DD still wears a little wetsuit - about £10 on Amazon - it is probably overkill but means I don't have to move at the speed of light when we get out, she stays fairly toasty while I'm getting stuff out of the locker etc. She is 20mo now and I can't see me stopping any time soon.

The little neoprene wetsuits you get are good as they keep them that bit warmer in the water and also give them a little more buoyancy so you won't need to buy any aids. You can work up to water confidence by becoming more splashy in the bath first. Try luring water over your baby's head from a cup in the bath but always give the same cue before you do it to warn them, such as say their name, count 1,2,3 or say wheee. It's ok for them to look a little surprised or shocked but then they should seem happy. If they get distressed pull back a bit until they build up their confidence.

For the pool, also use the same cue before splashing or pouring water on the head or before dunking. Take two towels for baby - one for poolside to wrap them in when you first come out and one to properly dry them with as the first one will get really wet and you don't want them to get too cold. I get my little one dried and dressed asap and try her with a feed then pop her in the car seat then I get dressed. She does cry quite a lot at getting changed but we are persevering and hoping she will get used to it as she did with getting out of the bath. Lots of cuddles help. Good luck.

That should say pouring water

Hi OP. I teach baby swim classes so if you have any question PM me.

Wet suits are great for cold swimming pools - my DS has Two Bare Feet, but there are several on the market.

If you can, use an adult pool rather than a children's one. Although the children's one might be warmer, because it's so shallow it's harder to balance yourself as you won't have your arms to steady yourself if you start to wobble because you crouched down or on your knees.

Make sure you dry his ears properly with the corner if the towel.

Little swimmers swim nappies are great, a normal nappy will expand and expand and expand and expand and expand...

If you're on your own think about how you are going to get in and put the pool. The safest way is to lay DS on a towel with his toes towards the pool so he can't roll in while you get in and then retrieve him.

I use verbal cues so the babies can learn to prepare themselves before going under. 123 or ready steady go or something similar will work. Try saying this while trickling water on his head to start with.

No reason why he can't go under if he's happy and relaxed. Enjoy!!!

I don't use it otherwise, but talc is really handy for getting them really dry quickly after a swim.

Second two towels and a robe / thick towel for you - also stops baby getting wet from your wet costume when you're drying them.

I always make a pile of dry clothes in order they go back on, to ensure can get them dressed quickly - but that's mainly because I've got twins and its a logistical nightmare getting them dressed quickly.