Taking your baby swimming can be a delightful experience for both parent and child. With special pools designed for babies and toddlers, it's easier than ever to introduce your little one to the water in a safe and enjoyable way. Here's everything you need to know about starting your baby on their swimming journey.
When Can My Baby Start Swimming?
Your baby can begin swimming anytime from birth. Most baby swimming classes start at around six weeks. While some parents prefer to wait until their baby has received all their first-year immunisations, it's not a strict requirement. There is no harm in taking your baby swimming before they are fully immunised.
What Should They Wear?
A key item for baby swimming is a pair of swimming nappies. Some pools require young babies to wear them, while others are more flexible. Swimming nappies, either disposable or washable, are recommended to handle any little accidents. For babies under one year, arm bands are not suitable, but older toddlers will benefit from the added security they provide.
What Will I Need to Take?
When preparing for a swim session with your baby, here are some essentials:
Reusable swim nappies: Accidents can happen, so it's best to be prepared.
Warm bottle: If you are bottle-feeding, a warm bottle for after the swim is essential.
Towel or towelling dressing gown: A hooded towel or a bath poncho made from soft, absorbent terry cotton will keep your baby warm and cosy.
Snack: Swimming can make babies hungry, so have a snack ready if your baby has started solids.
Bath toys: Bringing a few of your baby's bath toys can make the experience more enjoyable.
Changing mat and nappy bag: These will make the changing process smoother.
How Do I Keep Baby Safe in the Water?
Ensuring the pool is warm enough is crucial. Babies under six months need a water temperature of about 32°C. If the water feels too cold, ask a pool assistant to check. The water should reach your baby's shoulders to keep them warm, and keep them moving to maintain their body temperature.
As soon as your baby starts to shiver, get them out of the pool and wrap them up warmly. Babies lose heat faster than adults, so limit their time in the pool. Start with sessions of 10 minutes, gradually increasing to 20 minutes. For babies under a year old, limit swimming sessions to a maximum of 30 minutes.
Avoid swimming if your baby has a cold, fever, or tummy bug. Wait until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
