Taking baby swimming - 1st time

[AmIThough]

I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but what do I need when taking baby swimming for the first time?

DD is 16 weeks. I know I need to get some waterproof nappies and obviously have swimming costume and towel.

Does she need armbands at this age as I'll be holding on to her the whole time? Is that a ridiculous question?

I'm breastfeeding and still have leaky boobs - will I be ok in the pool?

I know these seem like ridiculous questions but I'm incredibly socially anxious and am trying hard to get out and do new things with LO.

Thank you!

I'd recommend a warming baby vest or wetsuit - even warm pools are quite cold for little babies. And I wouldn't plan on being in for more than about 20 minutes (but that's easy enough to judge on the day).

I've never used arm bands (been going swimming since he was very little and he's now about 18 months). I have no need for them - I'm always within touching distance if not actually holding him. I don't like them anyway - but can see how they would have their uses on holidays or if you have more than one non-swimmer.

Your boobs will be fine - once you're in the water your suit will be wet anyway. Just get changed, head in to the showers to wash before you go in and it'll all be great.

Good luck! It'll be great!

I’d suggest two towels for her; one to get the initial water off and another to dry her properly and keep her warm as they get cold very quickly. A full suit is better than a little swimming costume at that age.
My DD only managed 20 minutes the first time and actually fell asleep on me in the pool.

After swimming put baby on floor/in car seat lined with thick towel, then tuck them in with another towel and get yourself dressed (easy clothes/flip flops (no skinny jeans, tights etc)). Then sort out baby. Otherwise you drop all over baby and if they don’t like getting changed you are in a much better position to feed to calm down than if you’re still wet. Don’t worry about more than a quick rinse in the shower at the pool, sort your hair etc out at home. With any luck you’ll get a really long nap from them afterwards. Enjoy.

*drip all over baby

You're all amazing - thanks so much!

I always used to take a little dressing gown for DC- quick dry with a towel and fresh nappy then wrap in dressing gown while I got ready and then got them ready. No need for armbands- some places ask to wear a waterproof rubber nappy thing which you put over a swim nappy (look online- lots of pools sell them too!) our local one did. If you get a warmer suit that should be fine over a swim nappy. I also found taking a favourite bath toy helpful. Have fun!

Take a hooded towel onto the poolside to wrap them in straight away, and at least one other towel for drying off.

Disposable nappy with a Happy Nappy over the top is best to prevent leaky poo.

Neoprene body warmer/wetsuit will help keep them warm in the water.

I wouldn't bother with armbands but a floating seat might be useful.

Depending on the temperature of the pool don't expect to stay in any longer than 20-30 minutes.

Take your car seat or pram in with you to put baby somewhere whilst you're getting changed.

Get a swimming ring OP it’s so much easier & safer you don’t want baby slipping out of your hands. Plus you can enjoy it & play with her more

For your baby:

• Swimming nappy (they are not waterproof, they hold the poo in!) - get a reusable one, if you plan to go more often. The nappy should close up tight at the legs and around the middle.

• A towel. If you don't go to the shower right after the pool, then 2 towels are better. That way you have one towel to wrap your baby in when you leave the pool (for a break or a feed) and have a dry one, without chlorine on it, for after the shower

For yourself:

• Swimming costume
• Towel(s)
• Slippers/Flip Flops - floors at pools can be both disgusting and slippery

General:

• Something to put the baby in or on while you get changed - car seat, pram, changing mat
• If you come with a pram, check if you can take it with you to the pool and if you have to bring covers for the wheels or if they are provided there
• The water should have at least 32°C, everything below that is too cold for a baby that age. 34-35°C is even better.
• Don't be surprised if your baby gets very hungry and/or very tired - swimming is exhausting! Feed her before you go into the water
• You don't need armbands or anything for her the first time. If you want to introduce floating devices, wait until she's a bit more used to the water

Lots of people saying something to put baby in but worth checking the facilities at your local pool, ours have family changing rooms with drop down changing tables with high sides and straps. They also have drop down seats with harnesses over they're a bit bigger, it's brilliant.

We use a Konfidence baby warma and a totsbots reusable swim nappy. We've lost three swimming lessons over the summer because the baby pool had been closed to drain/clean. Swim teacher said all were disposable swim nappy leaks and is cross that the pool continues to sell them.

Put your swimsuit on before you go so you only have to change them there, don't out a swim nappy on at home they don't hold wee. Yes to flip flops, easy clothes (I usually wear a simple dress that doesn't screw up in the locker), and a hooded towel. DS has been going from 12 weeks, he's now nine months and loves the water so much. Have fun!