Baby swimming

When can I take my baby swimming?

It’s completely up to you when you want to take your baby swimming. Doctors used to advise parents to wait until their babies had their immunisations at 2,3 and 4 months old to take them swimming but it is now believed that the chlorine in the pool will kill off harmful bacteria so it is safe for babies to swim before these injections.

It is not advisable to take very small babies swimming because they may get too cold in the water; however, once they get to around 2-3 months old they will be perfectly fine in the water. Most swimming pools run mother and baby swimming sessions from the age of 3 months but you should check with your local pool for details.

It is beneficial to introduce your baby to the water from an early age so that they get used to spending time in the water; this will make it easier for them to learn to swim when they are a bit older and they will feel more confident in the pool.

Tips for swimming with a young baby

Try to make sure you go to the swimming pool at a quiet time, as public pools can be very noisy and this may be very daunting and quite scary for a newborn baby; you can ask your leisure centre for a print out of the pool timetable or ring before you leave.

Introduce your baby to water from a very early age; encourage them to have fun in the bath and play with them while you bath them.

Take your baby’s toys to the pool with you so that they can play with them in the water.

Check the temperature of the pool before you get in; try to choose a pool with a separate baby and child’s pool as these are usually warmer than the adult pool.

What do I need to take with me?

It is a good idea to get your baby some swim nappies if you are planning to visit the pool on a regular basis; these are special nappies which prevent accidents in the swimming pool.

Get your baby a little pair of trunks or a swimming costume and remember to pack a bottle for when they get out of the pool; it is also a good idea to bring some of your baby’s bath toys so that they can play with them in the swimming pool. Bring a towel and your baby’s changing bag; if your baby is a bit older and they have started eating solid foods, bring a snack with you for after the session.

Introducing your baby to the water

Lots of babies like water but some are scared of it so make sure you keep your baby close to you, maintain plenty of eye contact and help them to feel safe and supported when you first get into the water. As they get used to the water, encourage them to splash and move them around as if they were swimming by holding their bodies and encouraging them to kick their legs and arms. As they become more confident in the water, play with them and really encourage them to have fun in the swimming pool.

Safe swimming

Swimming can be dangerous so it is important to take a few things into consideration when taking your baby swimming; these include:

  • Keep swimming sessions short (around 15-20 minutes), especially when your baby is still small, as they will start to get cold
  • Keep an eye on your baby at all times
  • Check the temperature of the pool before you get in
  • If your baby starts to shiver, take them out and wrap them up in a towel; remember to dry their hair with a towel and then get them dressed
  • Consult your doctor if your baby has a rash or a patch of irritable skin
  • Do not take your baby swimming if they have symptoms of a cough or cold, as this will make them worse.

Making swimming fun

Swimming can be great fun for babies and a relaxing and enjoyable activity for parents too. Make your trips to the pool fun by encouraging your baby to play with their toys, teaching them and encouraging them to move about and kick their arms and legs while you support their bodies and making the trip to the swimming pool a family event or one that you share with friends or relatives who also have babies.

Play with your baby in the water, encourage them to blow bubbles and splash you and hold them while you make them ‘jump’ into the water) it will take a long time for them to learn how to do this independently but most babies like the feeling of jumping into the pool and this is perfectly safe if you hold them tightly throughout).

Praise your baby and reward them when they learn new tricks and become more confident and capable in the water; this will make them feel at ease in the water and will increase their confidence when they learn to swim when they are older.

When can children start swimming lessons?

Many swimming pools have mother and baby sessions for younger children and proper swimming lessons for older children usually start at the age of 3 or 4.

Caring for your newborn:

Mother, Baby and Beyond

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