When to Start Swimming

Updated on May 11, 2011
A.K. asks from Lawrenceville, GA
12 answers

My son is 10 weeks and we are taking a trip and will be go to swimming pools and beaches. Is it ok to take him in the water at all at such an early age?

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I had my first in the pool when he was around 7 weeks. There's a great gadget you can get -it's basically a neoprene (what diving suits are made of) Baby Bjorn and several companies make them. One is by Body Glove and I got it through One Step Ahead, and the other one I just received and it's called Water Tot. They let you have hands free movement in water while keeping the little one very close. The neoprene also helps insulate the baby so he won't get cold and they help provide coverage from the sun!

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M.J.

answers from Charleston on

Check the temp and make sure its warm. If its cold, he isnt going to care for it. If the pool smells like bleach, I would be leary of putting him all the way in. If not, then there is absolutly no reason he cant be in the water. A little sun is great too, it gives vit D! However a sunburn is not, just use commensense and have a good time:)

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C.E.

answers from Atlanta on

My son was about 12 weeks when we first took him swimming. Make sure the water is sufficiently warm. You don't want the baby to get too chilled and at 10 weeks, their bodies are probably still getting used to regulating their heat. And, make sure you have another able-bodied adult with you to supervise the two year old. Having a wet infant in your hands requires your complete attention.

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A.S.

answers from Columbia on

You might want to check with your pediatrician. Mine said no on the pool until mine were 6 months old due to chlorine. Have a great trip!

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L.L.

answers from Santa Barbara on

Babyswim.info is the site for baby swimming information

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B.R.

answers from Atlanta on

Check out www.infantswim.com

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G.M.

answers from Columbia on

Please get advice from your doctor on this one...that way you have it from the expert.

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C.E.

answers from Atlanta on

All of God's children were born in water like substance. I guess what I am saying is it is ok. Just don't put him under the water. He will be fine and LOVE it. Remember most of the heat comes out of their heads so a little hat after swimming would be great too.

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S.W.

answers from Atlanta on

Sure... be more worried about the sun than the water. Keep him pretty covered up. I would just make sure you have at least one adult for each kid present. Have fun!

E.M.

answers from Atlanta on

In what area are you living on? My son was swiming at 3 months old but of course with the doctors aproval Do not leave him in the water long periods of time so wont get cold and rember to have a towel by the pool to keep him warm and dry One thing ear infection are comon form pools have something for that

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J.G.

answers from Charleston on

The water is fine- the sun is not. Make sure you keep your baby out of the sun so he doesn't burn. You shouldn't use sunscreen until babies are at least four months- it can be toxic to them- they have a much greater proportion of skin to other organs than older children or adults. And please don't be fooled on overcast days. The clouds keep the suns rays trapped in the atmosphere and can lead to worse burning than on a sunny day.

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N.W.

answers from Spartanburg on

I think he is a little young, that is my opinion, but are you just planning on holding him or laying him on a float or something? And be careful of sunburn. I felt sooo awful when we went boating with friends and my baby got a sunburn. When the paci came out, she had a white spot around her mouth. It looked funny, but I felt so bad. Make sure you use cream to prevent that. And don't put him under the water at all!

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