Babies can go into water from birth. However, they can't regulate their temperature like adults, so it's very important to make sure they don't get too cold. Babies can also pick up an infection from water. Therefore, it's generally best to wait until your baby is around 2 months old before you take them swimming.
Most physicians recommend waiting until the baby is at least 6 months of age before going swimming with your baby. If your baby is less than six months old, avoid taking him or her to a large public pool, as the water is too cold.
However, your baby can go swimming at any time from birth, although most baby swimming classes start at around six weeks. There's no need to wait until your baby is immunised.
You can take your baby swimming at any age, both before and after they have been vaccinated. It does not matter if they have not yet completed their course of vaccinations. Babies sometimes experience side effects after a vaccination. These are generally quite mild and should not stop you taking your baby swimming.
Most human babies demonstrate an innate swimming or diving reflex from birth until the age of approximately six months, which are part of a wider range of primitive reflexes found in infants and babies, but not children, adolescents and adults.
Babies can go into water from birth. However, they can't regulate their temperature like adults, so it's very important to make sure they don't get too cold. Babies can also pick up an infection from water. Therefore, it's generally best to wait until your baby is around 2 months old before you take them swimming.
When can babies go in pools? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn't have an official age recommendation for when babies can go in pools, but most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is about 6 months old or can hold their head up well on their own (around 4 to 5 months).
That being said, the chemical content and risks involved in most swimming pools mean that your baby should be at least 6 months old before taking a dip.
Although there is no absolute guideline – the general consensus by Pediatricians and other health professionals is that babies under 6 months (some would say 12 months) should avoid swimming/pools. Water safety is clearly important for all ages.
Swim nappies are a must
No baby is going to enjoy the experience if they're waterlogged in their standard nappy. Most pools wouldn't allow them in wearing those anyway. Instead, buy specific swim nappies – available in most big supermarkets or chemists – and a suitable swimsuit, trunks or wetsuit.
Baby's skin, eyes and breathing passages are more sensitive to chlorine than are adults. If you walk into the poolroom and immediately smell chlorine, assume it's too strong for baby. Try to avoid heavily chlorinated indoor pools.
Start slowly, dipping your tot's toes into the water so they can get used to the feel of it on their skin. Get wet. If your baby seems happy, drip water all over their body, gradually increasing the amount. Once you're in the pool, stay where you can stand easily and hold onto them at all times.
It's important to know that newborns and infants younger than 12 months old aren't yet able to raise their heads above the water to breathe, so swimming lessons aren't yet appropriate for them.
Babies under 6 months float really well.
Not only do they have a high fat content in their body to help them float but they have been surrounded by amniotic fluid for 9 months in the womb. This makes the feeling of water in their ears quiet natural and they will be happy to relax on their backs for the float.
Splish-splashing in a bath or pool can be great fun with a little one! But did you know that babies as young as 4 months old can start learning how to swim? It's true! The earlier you expose your child to swim lessons – and how to be safer in and around the water – the better.
One of my favorite things to do is show mothers how their baby can smell them from as far away as 1 to 2 feet.
Due to their delicate immune systems, doctors typically recommend that parents keep their babies from chlorinated pools until they're about six-months-old. The effects of chlorine on babies and children's sensitive skin and hair can sometimes make swimming more of a chore than a fun experience.
Your baby can go swimming at any time from birth, although most baby swimming classes start at four to six months. There's no need to wait until your baby is immunized before taking him to a pool.
Hold your baby out in front of you in the water with your hands under their armpits and around their chest and have a floating toy or ball in front of them. Encourage them to kick the ball, either to another person or the side of the pool so they practise kicking in the pool while having fun.
If you want to go swimming, you'll need to wait until any discharge (lochia) has stopped and any stitches have healed. This is likely to be from about 6 weeks onwards.
The reason you'll want to wait to swim after giving birth is to reduce the risk of infection. Infection can occur when bacteria enter the body, causing a uterine infection before the cervix is closed. Another threat of infection is if you have a scar that is not yet healed from a C-section.
Baby swimming lessons start from 6 months of age. An early start in swimming prevents aqua phobia, and allows one to take advantage of the strong reflexes that babies have.
Bleeding often lasts for around for four to six weeks, but could last up to 12 weeks after your baby's born (RCOG, 2016). If you're worried, you can talk to a health professional. Bleeding will start off heavy and red to browny red. It will become lighter in colour and flow over time (NHS, 2021).
When do babies recognize their father or mother? Babies can recognize their parents pretty early actually – as young as 4 days old. By making eye contact with your baby during feeding times, cuddle sessions and throughout the day, you're helping your child memorize your face and learn to trust you.