Do you know when you can start swimming lessons for your baby?
Are you scared about taking your baby into the water?
Is it OK for babies to swim?
We all ask the same question:
SHOULD MY BABY SWIM?
The American Academy of Pediatrics states that:
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Generally, children are not developmentally ready for swimming lessons until after their fourth birthday.
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Aquatic programs for infants and toddlers have not been shown to decrease the risk of drowning, and parents should not feel secure that their child is safe in water or safe from drowning after participating in such programs.
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Young children should receive constant, close supervision by an adult while in and around water.
Ask yourself the following questions:
When is a good time to start swimming with my baby?
What are the precautions I need to take?
How can I make water fun?
What shall my baby wear?
Should I give my baby swimming lessons?
What is the chlorine lung risk?
Is the pool in compliance with regulations?
Is the environment safe?
Do I have to know CPR?
When is a good time to start swimming with your baby?
Most pediatricians recommend that you wait at least until your baby had her first immunizations. You should use your common sense. If your baby is not feeling well, she should not be in a swimming pool. If your baby is scared and is crying a lot in the pool, this is a sign she might not be ready.
What are the precautions you need to take?
Listen to your baby, she gives you cues about whether she is comfortable or not. Make sure she is not left alone at any time. Make sure the pool's temperature is adequate for young children. Make sure you apply sunscreen if you are swimming outside. Make sure you keep eye contact with her at all times. If your baby is scared, hold her tightly.
How can you make water fun?
Start slowly and gradually. Sit with your baby on the edge of the pool where the water is shallow and try to play together. Make some splashes; let your baby get used to the water. Bring some fun toys for her to enjoy.
What shall your baby wear?
Make sure your baby is wearing swim nappies and not just swimwear. You need to think about the water safety and pollution for yourself and other swimmers. From a hygiene point of view, special swim nappies are the way to go. Swimwear alone does not prevent soiling accidents from happening. Also, remember to have proper safety devices for your baby such as a safety vest, swimming tubes or armbands.
Should you give your baby swimming lessons?
If you are not comfortable being with your baby in the pool and you want her to learn how to swim, by all means, give her some lessons with a professional swim instructor. Swim instructos in a reputable swimming facilitiy are certified. You can trust them; stay with your child. Sometimes, young children are not comfortable with strangers and your child might cry and resist being taught.
What is the chlorine lung risk?
Chlorine can damage the lungs and cause asthma. Read this article by M. Hitti for WebMD Health News.
Is the pool in compliance with regulations?
You may ask to see the Pool's certificate of compliance if it is not posted. Make sure the water is clean (even though it could be clean to the naked eye, it does not necessarily mean it is actually clean). Check the cleanliness of the area in and around the pool. Ask about how the water is disinfected? How aften do they add chlorine? Research this issue on the web if you have concerns.
Is the environment safe?
Choose a pool that you feel safe in. How deep is the water? Is there a shallow area for kids? Are there any obstacles that are obstructing you, and your kids, from getting in or out of the pool? Is there a lifeguard? Are there any emergency rescue plans? Use your common sense to assess the situation.
Do you have to know CPR?
Generally speaking, it is always better to know CPR. Now, if you don't, make sure someone else who is present knows how to administer CPR. Usually, lifeguards and swim instructors know CPR.
