3m old in water resort

[Zahrah5]

Hello

We are planning to visit water park resort this summer while our daughter-to-be will be about 3-4 months.
What can I expect from such little child in terms of what she can do besides sleeping and hanging out with us?
Will she be able to go into any pool and if yes how is it done?

I assumed she wont be able to do much besides staying in her carrycot or lying on a blanket or bouncy seat but just saw in the store little swim suits 0-3m, so not sure if those babies can swim in water?

I have taken my DS for swimming lessons since he was 8 weeks old so technically you can take a baby swimming, but those pools in water parks are probably not the safest environment.
Ime they are usually crowded and boisterous so I wouldn't take my baby in one.
If you do get a quite spot and decide to take her in the pool then just make sure you are safe. Part of the lessons we have cover safety in the pool, such as getting in and out, and how to hold the baby safely so you might want to do some research. Also make sure it's a nice temperature. Where we go DS wears a baby wetsuit so he doesn't get too cold.

If baby will have had some jabs then as long as you are confident f the cleanliness and temperature of the pool a short dip should be fine. Bear in mind that they are more susceptible to sun and heat but may still get cold very quickly. You need to ensure the costume either incorporates a swim nappy lining to avoid leaks or use a disposable swim nappy underneath.

They don't need to have had their jabs (you can take babies swimming from birth, no vaccinations are 'live' now so it's not an issue). I'd use a disposable nappy even with a neoprene one I'm case they do a poo, and a neoprene suit would be a good idea if it's likely to be cold (where are you going??). Konfidence do a great one.

Babies at that age can love the water (they've just spent 9 months swimming in your tummy), they won't do much but if the water's still enough will enjoy lying on their backs in the water (support under head and neck and seat) looking up at you, and if it's warm and you get to have lots of cuddles with them in just a nappy it's lovely for skin to skin contact.

It's great for their sensory development (so much going on) and muscle tone (they can move in ways in the water that they can't on land).

I should say I teach baby & preschool swimming, but if you can find somewhere near you why not do some lessons before you go to get your head round it and make the most of your holiday?? They are very happy underwater at that age but having some lessons under your belt might make you feel more confident about what baby can do

My DD is that age now and she LOVES the pool. Short bursts, though, to begin with 15 mins at a time seemed to be enough. Expect her to be really hungry afterwards, so be prepared to feed her immediately you get out. Have a great time!

I take my 3 month old dd swimming every week and it's great fun. As previous posters have said, make sure you have a double nappy (disposable + neoprene) and something on top in case the water is cold (I have the splash about baby wrap which I like as it is so easy to get on and off and you don't have to get it over the baby's head) and try to find a quiet spot without too many kids charging around. If you have your DP with you it makes the process of getting in and out the pool much easier - getting you and baby changed and dried takes ages so allow plenty of time.

She will find it quite overwhelming so don't stay in too long, plan to feed her as soon as you get out, and expect her to be exhausted afterwards.

My dd loves floating on her back in the water with my hand under her head (you can practice this in the bath at home, and also get her used to getting her face and head wet there too). At our lessons they teach you to pull them along on their fronts (put your hands under her chest to keep her head up). She also likes me bouncing her up and down in the water. Our teacher said the most important thing is to be relaxed and happy yourself as if you are nervous or get stressed (eg if they get their face splashed) the baby will pick up on it and get frightened too.

I found going to some lessons gave me confidence about what to do with her and how to handle her safely in the water. I'd have been a bit scared to take her on my own otherwise.