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Parenting

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Original poster

swimming and 6 mth old

12 replies

Mummywannabe · 04/02/2009 20:53

Really stupid question but want to take DS swimming (6mths). But...

Do i need to shower him off after, isn't the shower too hot?

How will i get him and me dry?

How long should we stay in (obv if he is upset we will get out but max time?)

Sorry but need some reassurance

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

geordieminx · 04/02/2009 20:57

Wouldnt bother with a shower

Dry and dress him, pop him in his car seat and get ready yourself. (Most pools allow you to take car seat - especially if mother and baby class)

If not carseat then a family cubicle with a changing unit, or failing that, take a changing mat, get him ready then pop him on the floor on that.. assuming he wont roll anywhere

Usually recommend no more than 20 minutes, depending on the warmth of the pool - anything over 32deg is ok I think?

Original poster

Mummywannabe · 04/02/2009 20:58

Thank you! Gonna be brave and do it next week

OP posts:

geordieminx · 04/02/2009 21:08

I always found taking a fleecy sleepsuit was a real time saver too - easy to get off and easy and snug to get back on, rather than messing about with vests/socks etc

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Original poster

Mummywannabe · 04/02/2009 21:12

good idea will do that. Glad i posted now. Can't believe i'm such a worrier!

OP posts:

ahedgehogisHibernating · 04/02/2009 21:18

if you have a towelling dressing gown take that to leave on the side of the pool.

When you get out you can put that on and snuggle him inside, then you don't get cold while dressing him.

Good Luck

DS is 7.5 months and before christmas I had taken him once a week since he was 12 weeks old, but am now back at work FT and can't and I really miss it

Cheekster · 04/02/2009 21:19

I would highly recommend buying your ds a wetsuit rather than just trunks and a swim nappy. Ive taken my ds since he was 12 weeks and he was never sure of it until I bought him a wetsuit that covers the tops of his arms and is to his knees.

He loves it now and is lovely and warm when we get out.

I never bother with the shower, just make sure you take some toys for him to play with while you get dressed. My ds is normally fine while I get dressed, (he's 6 months too) but is always starving after a swim - even when he isnt due a feed, so have a bottle to hand. The longest I have swam for is 40 mins, but he will tell you when he's had enough.

geordieminx · 04/02/2009 21:28

Yeah, his lips will go blue when he's had enough

Amey · 04/02/2009 21:28

My tip - after swimming get yourself dressed first. DS will be fine for a few minutes wrapped in towel (or ideally hooded towelling dressing gown). If you do him first you'll be dripping all over him, when he's dry and dressed.

As they get gets older it's still best to get dc's dressed last (otherwise they run off and you have to chase them, naked - learnt that one the hard way )

Have fun - it really pays off in the end too!

Amey (Smug mother of two excellent swimmers who actually gets to relax by the pool on holiday!!!)

Original poster

Mummywannabe · 05/02/2009 10:07

Thanks ladies. Getting quite excited about it now!

OP posts:

boolean · 05/02/2009 14:17

Sorry to hijack, I found this thread useful as have been wondering the same things! Hadn't thought about the car seat, though, as I don't have a car and will be taking DD in the buggy. Am now stressing about what I am supposed to do with it while we're in the water???

IwishIwasmoreorganised · 05/02/2009 14:26

I leave our buggy in the changing room - our local pool is happy with this and I've never had any problems. If I take the small one then I collapse it and put it on top of the lockers out of the way.

I have always put ds's in the all in one UV suits to go swimming when they're small - they're too slippery otherwise when they're wet!

Amey · 06/02/2009 13:28

Most swimming pools will have some sort of buggy park. Though, when they are little taking the buggy into the changing room is best (so you can pop her in it whilst you get dressed). I have seen mums hanging a 'bouncy chair' seat off the back of the buggy for use in the changing room. Some pools actually provide these. If I were you, I'd pop in first to check out what most people do (or ring up and ask).

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