Swimming

[MammaTo1LittleBear]

We are (hopefully!) going to take LB (8mths) swimming on Friday. It's going to be his first time (no judging please!) and it isn't lessons.

He loves the bath although if a bit sleepy he is very grumpy so hoping to talk him on a morning before his nap.

Any tips?

Literally had a thread about this on Friday. Got lots of tips you might find helpful.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/3634979-Taking-6-month-old-swimming-what-do-we-need

The changing rooms of most swimming pools are very hot and it's a good idea to prep and save time so you don't both overheat.
Put your costume on and his swim nappy/trunks on under your clothes before you leave the house.
Wear a dress/shorts with sandals/flip flops and put baby in vest and shorts and socks, take more layers so you can put them on when you've left the changing room.
Take a toy to keep baby entertained while you try and get dressed. I always get dressed first and DS sits in his towel so not to get cold (after a shower).
Also take snacks and a drink for him when you get out.
Encourage him to splash and play with toys in the pool.
Sing songs to him whilst lifting him up and down into the water.
Have fun and enjoy it, my boy loves swimming xx

You need disposable swim nappy and a neoprene nappy(happy nappy) swimsuit/wrap whatever you are planning on using.

Take 2 towels, 1 to wrap when you get out of water and a 2nd to dry and keep them warm.

Take some milk/food to feed them once they are dressed as likely to be hungry.

You'll probably get 10/15mins in the pool first couple of times.

@notsurewhattotype don't put swim nappy on before you get to the pool!
they don't hold wee in so he will soak the car seat/clothes if he wees

Don’t expect him to last long before he gets cold.

Check with the swimming pool what they want in the way of bum coverage - swim nappy plus one other layer is normal. The other layer might just need to be trunks, but they might want it to be neoprene.

Think about getting a neoprene baby wrap to keep your baby warm.

Check out the changing rooms before hand. Is there somewhere to put your DS whilst you get changed? Play pen etc? If not, think about taking your buggy or car seat with you. Some pools like you take them to the poolside, with shoe covers on the wheels.

Put your own swimming stuff on under your clothes before you go, Mike’s changing quicker. Don’t forget your underwear.

@Lazypuppy I've always done this and it's never leaked, I use a swim nappy and splash swim shorts. And I only live 5 minutes from the pool. Maybe it's a combination of these that I've never experienced a leak. To each there own

Partner is coming with us so he will occupy baby while I get changed. I'll wear my costume underneath. Will definitely bring snacks and a drink.

Make sure the pool has a warm water children’s section.

Yes it will be In the baby and toddler section