When Can Babies Go In The Pool?
The summer season is always the perfect time to soak up some sun and go to the local pool. During this hot and humid climate, a dip in the water can always help regulate your temperature. Not to mention, swimming is a lot of fun and is an effective exercise routine.
Most places have a swimming facility or resort within their municipalities. If your city does not have a pool, you can always build or buy one yourself. Portable pools are all the rage, and you can easily buy one from the mall or online.
What’s great is that anybody can go swimming, whether you’re 7 or 70 years old. So a lot of parents, especially water-lovers, want to introduce swimming to their kids.
But is it safe to introduce swimming to a baby? Are babies too small and fragile to handle the water, or are they tougher than they seem?
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When Can Babies Go In The Pool?
There are some debates on whether or not babies are ready for swimming. Some sources claim that it’s safe to bring infants, even when they are not yet vaccinated. Meanwhile, other sources claim that babies should wait until they are 4-6 months and above before dipping in.
Putting aside whether pool water can cause illnesses, you might wonder if babies can be safely submerged in water. The answer is a resounding yes.
Look no further than the existence of water birth. Water birth is the practice of delivering a baby while in a warm pool of water. The benefits of water birth include shorter labor time and a less painful experience.
Water birth means that a baby will get wet during the procedure. Babies are born with the capability to control their breathing and paddle while in water. Thus, it’s a sign that babies can actually be in bodies of water and survive under supervision.
To conclude this section, if you are planning to bathe your infant, it’s safe to do it at any age. However, a pool is different from a home bath. So you will want your baby to be protected and have immunization.
Why Should I Take My Baby Swimming?
There are plenty of reasons why you should take your baby swimming with you. It’s a great bonding experience for both parent and baby to be in the water.
Your baby will feel at home when they are floating in warm water. While in the womb, your baby was “swimming” in amniotic fluid. Your tot will not feel scared when introduced to a pool of water.
Introducing your baby to water can also help boost their confidence in swimming. A positive experience with water can also make them less scared when they have to visit any body of water.
Babies are naturally curious and are interested to learn. Bringing them to a pool can teach them basic motor skills. It can also help them open their senses to touch, sight, and sound.
What Are Some Drawbacks in Taking Your Baby To A Pool?
Swimming pools are fun places to hang out and chill. But they are also a breeding place for illnesses.
Your child’s immune system is underdeveloped during this stage of life. They are more prone to different illnesses. Temperature, chemicals, and contaminants can gravely affect your infant’s health.
First of all, infants are sensitive to the environment’s temperature. Babies can’t regulate their body temp as adults can. Water that is either too cold or too hot can throw off a baby’s internal temperature and cause sickness.
Your little tot might also be sensitive to chemicals such as chlorine. Chlorine and other chemicals are used to maintain pools’ cleanliness. However, that can cause allergies and irritants to infants.
Finally, some hidden bacterias are lingering in a lot of pools. These bacteria can cause upset stomach and diarrhea if swallowed. And obviously, who wants some poop in their pool?
Swimming pools can be dangerous, especially if it’s a public one. While resorts and pool owners can do their parts to keep the place clean, parents must also stay vigilant with their infants.
Safety Precautions When Going Swimming
Parents can do their part to keep their babies safe while swimming. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting the local pool.
- Always keep an eye on your infant while swimming. Even just 5cm of water can cause drowning in babies. You can hold your baby yourself or use a floating device for them.
- But be careful when using plastic toys around your baby. They can be a choking hazard. Plus, these toys can tip over and drown your child.
- Don’t let your kid swallow pool water. As stated above, pools are full of chemicals and bacteria that can cause an upset stomach. Always keep their head up while swimming.
- Use swimming nappies for your baby. These diapers are specially made for swimming purposes. They can hold feces long enough until you can get out of the water.
- And finally, be educated in first aid. Learn how to resuscitate children and adults and how to save a person while drowning. First aid can be helpful when paramedics are not yet around.
Conclusion
Swimming is an enjoyable recreational activity that all people can do. In today’s world, one can go swimming by either visiting (or owning) a pool.
Swimming pools are fun places for kids and adults. For parents, the pool is a great place to introduce swimming to their kids.
Babies can start swimming at any age, but it’s better when they are already vaccinated. Swimming is very beneficial for young infants. So starting them young can open them up to enjoying water and swimming.
But pools can be a place of illnesses. That’s why parents must take care of their kids while in the water. Proper care and preparation are needed for a fun time under the sun.
Swimming with your child is a rewarding and memorable moment. Soon they will no longer need flippers and can swim on their own. Who knows, you might be raising the next Michael Phelps!
