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Parenting

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Original poster

Taking baby swimming

12 replies

moomin35 · 30/04/2015 09:00

I want to take my baby swimming (11 months), LO crawls but is not good at sitting still so what do I do whilst I'm getting changed etc? Do you take a pram into the changing rooms? I would be on my own so a bit scared about the logistics of it all!
Please advice a naieve first timer! :-)

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Whyisithappening · 30/04/2015 09:05

You most likely can't take a pram in. Dress the baby first and then just throw your clothes on as best you can! That's what I have to do and DS only rolls. I just go leggings and tunic top to get out quickly and I don't dry my hair or anything.

GuybrushThreepwoodMightyPirate · 30/04/2015 09:05

Call the pool you want to go to and ask what they have in the changing rooms. I've seen play pens, high chairs (to strap them in!) toddler restraint seats and changing stations at the different pools I've been to. If they hold a specific baby swim session they will prob have something to help.
Maybe go with someone else first time, DP? Mum? Friend? So you can think through logistics.

Whyisithappening · 30/04/2015 09:06

Put them on a changing Nat to avoid getting wet again from the floor/changing table though.

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Orangedaisy · 30/04/2015 09:17

My local pool allows the buggy in. So agree it's worth checking before you worry. If you can strap your baby in somewhere it is really quite straightforward, just get baby changed after you going in and before you coming out. If baby is into food give them a snack after to keep occupied, also you may find they are less interested in crawling round if they are in a completely new environment (too busy looking round) so it may be easier than you think. Good luck!

Heels99 · 30/04/2015 09:19

Some pools allow buggies or car seats. Some have play pens or baby seats. Or go with your partner.

lunar1 · 30/04/2015 09:20

I used to take a changing mat and try and keep them on it while trying to change and get dry. Blueberries were a good distraction for a minute while trying to get dressed.

Plateofcrumbs · 30/04/2015 14:53

If you can do a reccie with someone else before you take them on your own that would help. You can't take buggies into the changing room in our local pool but they have changing tables and strap-in high chairs in some of the changing rooms.

Getting in and out of the pool is something I've never attempted on my own, how do people do that?

I make sure I wear the easiest possible clothing to change into (baggy sweatshirt and harems usually) and throw them on quickly!

Hillijx · 01/05/2015 19:52

I have been solo many times and it's actually quite easy once you get into a routine so don't let it stop you going, even my husband can manage it and he is a logistical nightmare! Our pool has strap in chairs but have been to some without, we would wrap dd in one of the poncho towels, sit her on mat, change table, chair....whatever is available, with milk or snack as they are normally quite hungry after swimming. Quickly get myself ready, then by the time you are done they are dry and you can get them dressed, hopefully they still have some snack/milk left to distract them whilst you wrestle them into clothes!! Good luck x

SoupDragon · 01/05/2015 19:55

Get yourself a towelling dressing gown rather than using a towel. This was my method in many years of baby swimming with three children. I would put my robe on, sort out the child and by then I was dry and could get dressed quickly.

LostMySocks · 01/05/2015 22:23

I take an extra towel and pop it on the floor and DS crawls around

plipplops · 05/05/2015 10:33

Have you considered proper baby swimming lessons although I teach baby swimming so am biased. It's a really good way to build confidence in how and what to do in the water in a safe and controlled way, and depending which company you go for there should be a strong focus on water safety as your child grows up.

And as far as getting them into the pool, lie them down on the side (on a mat if you like, these are really good), then you get in, then pick up baby and bring them into the water. Don't walk down the steps with them it's a slip nightmare...

knittingbee · 06/05/2015 20:19

It's pretty easy, especially if your pool has a family changing room with plenty of space, strap-in chairs and play pen. I put my swimming costume on under my clothes so I just have to get baby ready when we go in, then when we get out I strip off and wrap myself in a towel ASAP so by the time I've dried and dressed baby, I'm dry too. Wearing dress/leggings is the easiest option so you can get dressed quickly. I usually drop my towel onto the floor for baby to sit/roll on while I dress, since it just goes straight in the wash when I get home anyway. I do have one of those Little Swimmers foldable mats which is good, but the towel trick is easier and quicker...

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