Can My Baby Swim in The Sea or The Pool?

If you like swimming, you may consider taking your infant to the pool. Swimming has several advantages, but is it safe for babies? Or is it possible to teach a baby to swim?

In this article, we’ll explain when newborns can swim, how to introduce them to water, and what precautions you must take before taking them to the pool. So, let’s get started.

When to bring your baby to water?

Bringing a baby younger than 2 months into the water may be very dangerous, so if you have a newborn, it's best to wait a little longer.

"For newborns, we really worry about immunity – how vulnerable babies are to illness – so I recommend that parents not take their infants into swimming pools, lakes, oceans, and so on," says Howard Reinstein, a pediatrician in Encino, California, and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Podiatric.

Having said that, due to the chemical content and hazards associated with most swimming pools, your infant should be at least 6 months old before having a plunge.

Why should I take my infant to the pool? 

Water is a favorite of babies! Swimming with your child is beneficial to you and your child. Being in warm water is nothing new for your baby because the amniotic fluid you made while he or she was developing in your womb -- enveloped, shielded, and even nourished your baby, so going into a pool isn't a wholly foreign experience for your baby.

The sound, colors, feel, and temperature of the pool will also stimulate your baby's senses, and seeing their response to being in the water is something all parents should do. Swimming, splashing, and paddling with your kid should be a lot of fun and a fantastic way to bond.

Precautions for safety 

There are several dangers for newborns and young children near water.

• Babies can drown in as little as 5cm of water.
• Never, ever leave small children unsupervised near water to keep them safe.
• It is a good idea to study infant resuscitation before taking your baby swimming. This is something you can learn by taking a first aid course.
• It is also critical to exercise caution while utilizing flotation tools such as rubber rings, which might turn over and cause the baby's head to dip underwater.
• Babies can become unwell as a result of germs or viruses in contaminated water. Try not to allow them to drink any water.
• If they have diarrhea, use swim nappies and don't take them swimming.
• If you're swimming outside, make sure your infant is wearing sun-protective clothes that filter off ultraviolet radiation.

Sea or Ocean Protection 

 

Swimming in the sea or ocean may be risky, so take precautions to keep your kid safe. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against swimming in very cold water or water with a high current or flow, since you or your newborn may be swept away. Put a life vest on your child in case you fall in murky water or on a rough surface. It may be tough to hold a wiggling newborn and swim at the same time if you take your child swimming in deep water.

Takeaway

This may appear to be an excessive number of precautions, but following the principles and advice described above will help keep your infant safe as you enjoy the warmer weather and swimming fun with your little one.