
08/02/2024
Babies and swimming
Part 2 of 2
First aid
It’s a good idea to learn resuscitation for babies before you take them swimming. You can learn this by doing a first aid course.
It’s a good idea to update your first aid skills every 3 years and your resuscitation skills every year.
When should my baby start swimming lessons?
Many swim schools offer lessons to babies from 6 months of age. These lessons offer a chance for you to bond with your baby. They also get your baby used to being in the pool.
There’s not a lot of research to tell us when your baby should start swim lessons. But studies suggest that children only start to become confident in the water and master basic water skills at about 4 years of age.
What happens in a baby swim lesson?
Baby swimming lessons generally start at around 6 months.
Usually, lessons involve a small group of parents and babies who learn through fun activities and play. Parents and carers always need to be with babies in the water.
Baby swim classes are designed to teach your baby:
to get used to and have fun in the water
basic water safety skills, such as floating and holding on to the pool edge
What should I take to the swimming pool?
It’s a good idea to take a bag with everything you need for the swimming pool.
You will need:
🩱 towels
🩱 a swimsuit — for you and your baby
🩱 a swim nappy
🩱 your nappy bag
🩱 change mat
🩱 clothes to change into afterwards
🩱 snack or bottle for afterwards
Swim nappies
Public swimming pools often require babies to wear a swim nappy. A swim nappy is needed to make sure your baby’s faeces (poo) does not end up in the water. If faeces gets into the swimming pool, it will need to be closed immediately for cleaning.
Swim nappies have snug-fitting legs and waistbands to hold your baby’s faeces. Swim nappies are not designed to hold urine (wee).
There are 2 main types of swim nappies:
disposable swim nappies — like a normal disposable nappy but they won’t swell up in the water
reusable swim nappies — made from stretchy bathing suit material, which allows water to run out, but holds any faeces.
Article taken from:
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/babies-and-swimming
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes
Sister Des