Introducing baby to swimming is a big milestone!
Some babies are water babies, they take to the water and love every minute of their swimming experience.
Others need some time adjusting to being in the water.
Check out our tips below to get your baby used to being in the swimming pool in no time.
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When can I introduce my baby to the pool?
You may introduce your infant or baby to the pool early on. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to not take their babies to swimming classes until 4 years of age and to always keep them at an arms length.
Always stay present and engaged with your baby while holding them in the pool to prevent drowning.
What should a baby wear in a pool?
Swim diapers are great to prevent unwanted accidents in the swimming pool. Most public pools require swim diapers.
You can introduce your baby to the water in their swim diaper with or without a swimsuit or swim shorts.
Can babies swim in a chlorinated pool?
Babies can be introduced to water in a chlorinated pool. However, the chemicals in a chlorinated pool may be harsh for baby’s sensitive skin.
Make sure to watch for skin irritations. Always contact your baby’s pediatrician if you notice anything unusual.
Huggies Little Swimmers Disposable Swim Diapers, Swimpants, Size 4 Medium (24-34 lb.), 18 Ct, with Huggies Wipes Clutch ‘N’ Clean Bonus Pack (Packaging May Vary)
Nageuret Reusable Swim Diaper, Adjustable & Stylish Fits Diapers Sizes N-5 (8-36lbs) Ultra Premium Quality For Eco-Friendly Baby Shower Gifts & Swimming Lessons (Fish- Red, Green, Blue)Pampers Splashers Diaper Sesame Street – Size 3-4 – 24 cti play. Baby Ultimate Reusable Snap Swim Diaper, Aqua, 12-18 Months
How can I help my baby love water?
1. Be Calm and Confident
Your baby can sense how you are feeling and may react accordingly. If you are calm and confident when taking them in the water chances are they will feel the same way.
Enter the water slowly and confidently giving your baby the support they need to feel comfortable.
2. Offer Lots of Support
Make sure you are always holding your baby securely so they feel safe.
Support their head and body and make sure other people in the pool aren’t splashing or being too rowdy.
Here are some fun baby support floats that might make the experience better:
SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float with Adjustable Sun Canopy – BluePeradix Baby Pool Float with Canopy Sunshade, Whale Infants Water Toys Inflatable Swimming Ring for Toddlers in Summer, with Sunhat & Sand Play Molds Toys(Blue)LAYCOL Baby Swimming Pool Float with Removable UPF 50+ UV Sun Protection Canopy,Toddler Inflatable Pool Float for Age of 3-36 Months,Swimming Trainer (Blue, L)Intex My Baby FloatBody Glove Ladybug Swim Life JacketSpeedo Baby Swim Flotation Baby Cruiser With Canopy Begin to SwimiGeeKid Baby Pool Float with Canopy, Car Shaped Inflatable Swim Float Boat with Sunshade for Toddler Infant Boys Girls Pool Floaties Cute Boat Summer Beach Outdoor Play (Pink)
3. Get Siblings In on The Fun
Does your baby have siblings? Get them involved in babies first swimming experience.
Watching their siblings playing and having fun in the pool will make it more exciting and fun.
Having people around that the baby knows and trusts makes them more secure.
Turn this into an opportunity to teach your older kids to be gentle and safe in the pool around baby.
3. Talk To Your Baby
Explain to your baby what you are doing with a cheerful voice. Singing or playing little games in the pool with them will make them happy and at ease.
Remember you want this experience to be fun and easy going.
Look for mommy & me swim time in your community that doesn’t involve lessons, but just time in the pool singing and playing with your baby.
4. Take Baby Steps
Going in the water can be a scary experience for babies. A large swimming pool may seem like an unknown world.
Don’t rush your baby into a scary situation.
Make this transition smooth by taking small steps in introducing them to the water.
Put their toes in the water, then wade them in a little further.
5. Use a Flotation Device
Is your baby old enough to support their head?
Do you have a crawler or toddler?
Using a floating device might make your baby feel more secure in the pool.
Here are some of our favorite baby floats for older baby’s. Make sure to check the age guidelines for each one!
SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center with Canopy – Blue/Green OctopusSwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy – Green FishSwimSchool Blue Fun Fish Fabric Baby Boat, Splash and Play, Safety Seat, Extra-Wide Inflatable Pool Float, Retractable Canopy, UPF 50, 6 to 24 Months, Bluepunada Baby Pool Float with Canopy Inflatable Swimming Floats for KidsStillCool Baby Swimming Float, Inflatable Swimming Ring with Float Seat for 6 Months-6 Years Children (Blue)Stearns Puddle Jumper Child Life Jacket, Blue Crab
Are you introducing your baby to the water this summer?
Do you have any tips to share on making your baby’s first swimming experience fun?
I would love to hear from you in the comments below!
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Deborah Smith
So important to introduce water early..could save their life
Shannon
That is the cutest baby I’ve EVER seen!! Love these tips!
Laura
The photo is absolutely adorable! Great tips. :)
Saira @ Mom Resource
Super cute photo!! We live in Florida, so the kids have no choice but to acclimate early… My 18 month old will start swimming lessons soon! ;)
Samantha
Oh I hear you there! It gets into the 110’s in the summer where we live. We have to swim to stay cool. :)
Charlene Asay
These are all great tips. My Ian boy is such a fish and Chloe has taken longer to get use to the water. She is getting better with it though.
Samantha
Thanks Charlene! Each summer it takes my son a few weeks to get back into swimming. I’m excited to get our baby in the pool this year!
Janine a
Awesome post! Great ideas for the summer coming up, I can’t wait to take my little guy in my parents pool :)
Sarah L
I swim 3 times a week. I don’t remember ever not swimming. I think my mother had me in the pool where she taught swimming before I could walk.
Swimming should be fun for everyone and everyone should know how to swim.