Although there is no absolute guideline – the general consensus by Pediatricians and other health professionals is that babies under 6 months (some would say 12 months) should avoid swimming/pools. Water safety is clearly important for all ages.
Is a chlorine pool safe for babies?
Some research suggests that infant swimming in chlorinated pools might increase the risk of airway inflammation, but there isn’t enough information conclusively linking infant swimming and asthma to warrant keeping healthy babies out of indoor pools.
How soon can you take a baby swimming?
Babies can go into water from birth. However, they can’t regulate their temperature like adults, so it’s very important to make sure they don’t get too cold. Babies can also pick up an infection from water. Therefore, it’s generally best to wait until your baby is around 2 months old before you take them swimming.
How can I protect my baby’s skin from chlorine?
Rinse off when baby is done to remove the chlorinated water left on his/her skin. Coconut Oil Protection: Apply a thin layer of oil to their skin (and hair) before swimming. This layer will provide a barrier between the chlorine and their skin, decreasing their exposure and the amount of chlorine that will be absorbed.
How long can a 4 month old stay in a swimming pool?
Don’t keep your baby in the pool water for longer than 10 minutes at first. When you get out, be sure to wrap your baby in a warm blanket or towel immediately. Babies younger than 12 months shouldn’t stay in a pool for longer than 30 minutes at a time.
When can babies ears go underwater?
Up until the age of three years old your baby has a reflex that we use for submerging. The reflex we use to condition the babies is a falling reflex, when your baby shuts their eyes their epiglottis (throat) will close over as well.
Can I take my 2 month old to the beach?
To avoid water illness wait until your infant is at least 2 months old before taking them swimming. Be aware of the water temperature since a newborn cannot regulate their body temperature.
Can I take my 6 week old baby swimming?
It’s best that you wait until six weeks after your baby’s birth before you get in a pool. If you go sooner there’s a chance you could pick up an infection.
What do babies wear in the pool?
From one year old, babies can start to wear float suits, jackets or vests in the pool. Although armbands are the first choice for many parents, swimwear with built-in buoyancy aids can help babies feel more confident in the pool and encourage them to maintain the natural horizontal position for swimming.
When can newborn go outside?
According to most pediatric health experts, infants can be taken out in public or outside right away as long as parents follow some basic safety precautions. There’s no need to wait until 6 weeks or 2 months of age. Getting out, and in particular, getting outside in nature, is good for parents and babies.