Pool for 6 month old

When babies can go in swimming pools

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn't have an official age recommendation for when babies can go in pools, but most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is about 6 months old or can hold their head up well on their own (around 4 to 5 months).

When you do introduce your little one to water, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Practice "touch supervision," meaning that an adult stays within arm's reach of an infant or toddler whenever they're in or near a body of water.
• Always hold your baby in the pool, and don't wade into water too deep for you to maintain firm footing.
• Once your child can walk, teach them some basic pool safety tips: Don't run near the pool, and don't get in the water by yourself.
• Inflatable toys like water wings, inner tubes, and pool noodles are fun to play with, but aren't meant to serve as flotation devices. Have your baby wear a personal flotation device (PFD) that fits properly and is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• If you're going to a public pool, make sure a lifeguard is on duty.

If you're using a swimming pool at home:

• Drain inflatable or plastic pools after use and store them in an upright position.
• If you have a permanent pool, completely enclose it with a fence at least 4 feet high, though 5 feet is preferable. Lock the gate after each use with a latch that your child can't reach.

It's highly unlikely that your baby will get sick from swallowing some pool water, but make sure any device that dispenses chlorine is kept out of reach so your baby doesn't accidentally ingest or inhale chlorine.

Take care that the water isn't too hot or cold. Babies aren't able to regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so their temperature can change very quickly in water that's too cold or hot. And don't let your baby or toddler in a hot tub, spa, or pool heated to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit until they're 3 years old. The high temperatures in hot tubs can cause a child's heart to race or pose other dangers.

Sun exposure is another factor to consider when getting ready to take your baby in the water. Be sure to lather them up with sunscreen, and have them wear a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses to protect their eyes. And keep an eye out for signs of overheating: cool, moist skin; dizziness; and leg or stomach cramps.

The AAP recommends starting swimming lessons once your baby's about a year old, though you may see lessons designed for parents and babies as young as 6 months. There's no harm in enjoying some pool time with your baby at that age, and it can be a great bonding experience for the two of you.

Erin Heger

Erin Heger is a freelance journalist who writes about health, parenting, and social issues. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, HuffPost, Business Insider, and Rewire News Group. Born and raised in Kansas, she lives just outside Kansas City with her husband and two kids.

When Can a Baby Go in a Pool?

Mr. Golden Sun is shining down and you’re wanting to discover if your baby will take to the pool with a splish and a splash.

But first things first! There are several things you need to prepare for and be aware of before you decide to take your little one for a swim. Read on to learn about the potential water dangers and the best ways to keep your baby safe while having some fun.

If you had a water birth, technically speaking your baby has already been in a pool. Of course, that’s not what we are discussing; but the fact remains that your baby can go into water at any age if the surrounding conditions are given your cautioned attention.

That being said, the chemical content and risks involved in most swimming pools mean that your baby should be at least 6 months old before taking a dip.

Before you take your little one in the pool, consider the following:

Pool temperature

Because infants have a harder time regulating their body temperatures, you will need to check the pool water’s temperature before allowing your baby to go in.

Most babies are very sensitive to temperature changes. The ratio of skin surface area to body weight is higher than that of an adult, so babies are more sensitive to water and even room temperatures than you are. If the water feels cold to you, it is definitely too cold for your little one.

Hot tubs and heated pools hotter than 100°F (37.8°C) are not safe for children younger than three years old.

Pool chemicals

Many chemicals are used to keep a pool bacteria-free. If the levels are not properly managed, bacteria and algae can grow in the pool.

According to a 2011 study, exposure to the chlorine used in swimming pools during infancy can lead to an increase in risk of bronchiolitis.

Children who didn’t attend day care and spent more than 20 hours in a pool during infancy were at an even higher risk with the increased chance for having asthma and respiratory allergies later in childhood.

Though this raises concerns about infant swimming safety, more research is needed to confirm the connection.

Keep an eye on the amount of pool water your baby swallows! You’ll want your baby to swallow as little pool water as possible. We’ll discuss the risks of bacteria and infection due to ingesting pool water below.

Saltwater pools have lower chlorine levels than traditional pools, but they are not chemical-free. The water in saltwater pools is gentler for your baby’s sensitive skin, but other risk factors and guidelines for safety still apply.

Infections and nasty poop

The cleanest of all clean pools can hold all sorts of invisible contaminants. A lot of the bacteria that contaminates a pool can cause an infant to have diarrhea.

And subsequent diarrhea in the pool can cause eye infections, ear and skin infections, respiratory and gastrointestinal issues… poop in a pool is bad.

Babies younger than 2 months of age have extremely vulnerable immune systems. It’s one of the main reasons you’re told to keep baby away from crowds for the first 6 weeks. And again, babies tend to put their hands in their mouths. Think about that for a moment.

Though swim diapers appear to “contain” fecal matter, swim diapers aren’t effective enough to prevent this poopy situation. Recreational water illnesses can be quite serious, notes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Should an accident occur, everyone needs to get out of the pool immediately. The CDC outlines how to rebalance and chemically clean the pool, making it safe to get in again.

Never leave your baby alone — or in the care of another young child — in or near a pool. Drowning is the number one cause of injury-related death among children 1 to 4 years old, with children 12 to 36 months old being at highest risk.

It takes as little as one inch of water, as few as seconds, for a child to drown. And it’s silent.

You should always stay within one arm’s reach whenever your baby is near the pool. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests using touch supervision. This means your baby should always be within an arm’s reach near the water, so that you could reach out and touch them instantly. This may be tiring, but nothing is more important.

Keep your towels, phone, and any other items you may want within an arm’s reach too, minimizing the number of times you have to carry your slippery little swimmer in and out of the water.

In addition to close and constant supervision, the AAP recommends using 4-foot high pool fences on all four sides of the pool and with childproof, locking gates. If you own a pool, be sure to check the gate frequently to make sure it works and locks properly.

Water wings, floaties, or other inflatable toys are fun, but don’t rely on them to keep your baby safe in the water and stay out of the deep end. A life jacket approved by the United States Coast Guard will fit more snugly and is safer than the standard arm floaties we remember from childhood.

Regardless of what you may use to help your small child stay afloat, always remain within an arm’s reach as your baby explores this weightless, free-range playtime.

For additional safety, keep rescue equipment (a shepherd’s hook or life preserver) next to the pool and enroll your little one in swim lessons as soon as he or she is developmentally ready.

Evidence reveals that many children older than 1 year old will benefit from swim lessons, though there are many classes available for infant “self-rescue” survival swimming (also known as ISR lessons).

According to the AAP, babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. If you’re out and about with your babe, it is best to stay in the shade as much as possible and limit sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day (between 10 a. m. and 4 p.m.). Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays are strong enough to cause a sunburn.

Using umbrellas, stroller canopies, hats with neck flaps, and UPF 50+ sun protected clothing that covers your baby’s arms and legs will help prevent sunburn.

For sunscreen, don’t apply anything less than 15 SPF and be sure to cover the smaller areas, like your baby’s face, ears, neck, feet, and back of hands (don’t forget how often babies put their hands in their mouths).

You will want to test the sunscreen on a small area of your baby’s back first, to make sure it doesn’t cause an allergic reaction. Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, or every 2 hours.

If your baby gets a sunburn, apply a cool compress to the affected skin. If the sunburn blisters, seems painful, or if your baby has a temperature, contact your pediatrician or family doctor.

• Consider becoming CPR certified. You can find CPR classes with infant-specific training through your local fire department and recreational centers or via the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association.
• Do not swim during a storm. Conditions can change quickly.
• Never leave your baby alone — or in the care of another young child, or an adult under the influence of drugs or alcohol — in or near the 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.
• Install a four-feet high fence, with a child-proof gate lock, on all four sides of the pool (even inflatable pools).
• Don’t leave pool toys out, enticing your little one to venture near the water.
• Do not let your baby swim if your baby has diarrhea. Always use appropriate swim diapers for little ones who aren’t potty trained.
• Don’t take baby into a pool if the drain covers are broken or missing. Do a safety check on the pool each time before entering.
• Enroll your baby in swimming lessons as soon as you feel your child is developmentally ready.
• Rinse off your baby with clean water after swimming to help prevent potential skin irritations and infections.

Even though it is safe for your baby to got into the water at any age, even you should wait to go in the pool until you’ve been cleared by your doctor or midwife to avoid getting an infection post birth (usually about 6 weeks, or until 7 days after vaginal bleeding stops).

Waiting until your baby is 6 months is also safer for your little one’s growing immune system and body. In the meantime you can enjoy warm baths for water fun.

This may feel like an overwhelming amount of precautions but following the guidelines and tips mentioned above can help keep your baby safe as you enjoy the warmer weather and some poolside fun with your little one.

Swim before you walk: all about baby swimming

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October 03, 2017

Blog for parents Pool

Why is baby swimming so important? What are the benefits of classes and what are the pitfalls? We analyze all the nuances and aspects of this exciting process together with Olga Filina, the swimming coach of the Magis Children club.

The benefits of baby swimming leave no doubt. Swimming baby develops all major systems of the body: cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular, nervous. Swimming stimulates blood circulation and strengthens the child's immunity. Children who are accustomed to water from an early age are distinguished by stronger immunity and physical endurance.

Learning to swim at an early age is an excellent prevention of scoliosis, posture disorders, and muscular dystonia. In addition, swimming gives the child pleasure and joy, and also affects the development of personal qualities: discipline, self-control, courage, determination, independence. Children who swim from birth are more sociable. Psychologists have established that children, diving and swimming at a depth, overcoming the water column, develop in themselves such personality traits as purposefulness, determination and courage.

Children who go in for swimming at an early age harden their bodies. The water temperature in the baby pool is 36 degrees. Gradually, the children move into the pool with a temperature of 32 degrees. How exactly does this happen? Of course, smoothly and gradually. We advise parents to combine pool activities with swimming at home. When the baby has been swimming in the pool for up to three months, studying at home, the parents gradually make the temperature lower, gradually lowering it from 36 to 32 degrees. This process lasts about 2 weeks, then the children move to a small pool with a lower temperature, and a hardening effect occurs. It is important to follow all hygiene rules after being in the pool: wipe the whole body dry, especially the ears, warmly dress the child, do not walk in the wind and do not get caught in drafts. Then the child will in no case get sick after classes in the pool.

There are several stages of development and strengthening of children's immunity. The first stage is from 0 to 1 month, the second stage is from 2 to 3 years, and the third stage is at the age of 6-7 years. This is the time when children in principle start to get sick, regardless of whether they go to the pool or not. And swimming is exactly the tool that will allow the child to get sick much less often due to hardening and general strengthening of the body.

Baby swimming can be practiced at home approximately 7 days after birth. In the pool, a child can start exercising when his umbilical wound has completely healed: depending on the characteristics of the body, this happens after 3 weeks - 1.5 months.

The most comfortable age to start classes is 1.5 - 3 months, when the child has not yet lost the unconditioned swimming reflex. From 3 to 6 months, this reflex fades.

For swimming in the pool, you need to take a special swim diaper, a diaper for changing clothes on the changing table, a towel. When the baby's hair begins to grow, you need to take a bathing cap to class. In groups of advanced infant swimming, children who have been practicing in the pool from the first months wear swimming goggles from the age of 4 months.

The main task of infant swimming, in addition to health improvement, is the acquisition by the child of the skill of independent swimming. It can be easily mastered up to 1 year if you start practicing from birth. By 4-5 months, the child can begin to swim independently and without support.

Like any activity, it is built from a warm-up, the main part and a hitch. At the warm-up, we do special rocking exercises and prepare the child's body for the main part of the lesson. The structure of the main part of the classes includes a set of exercises for all muscle groups, swimming on the stomach, on the back and diving (diving). In the final part of the lesson, we do relaxing exercises, hydromassage, massage with special balls.

CHOOSE THE CORRECT POOL

• First, be guided by the territorial features: a big plus is the pool's walking distance.
• The second important point is the choice of a coach. Before choosing someone, study it - according to reviews on websites and social networks (many trainers maintain their own blogs and pages), according to the recommendations of parents with experience, according to information about the achievements of the trainer presented on the swimming pool sites. It is important to study the trainer before training with the baby so that you do not have to change the teacher if you do not like his teaching method. Beforehand, be sure to meet with the coach and talk with him about what his methodology is, how many years he has been practicing teaching infant swimming, what are the principles of his life. Align your training goals with the goals that the trainer sets in his classes.
• The third point is the technical conditions in the pool, hygiene and water purification system. The safest water purification systems do not use chlorine, which is not found in every pool.

When you enroll your child in the pool, find out which water treatment system is used in it. As we have already mentioned, the safest water purification system is without chlorine, which, for example, is used in Magis Children pools. Water is disinfected around the clock with an ultraviolet lamp, quartz lamps, and is processed with a sand filter. In addition, the Italian HTH water quality control system is installed in our pools: every two minutes a sample of water from the pool is taken and its quality is determined. The system automatically adjusts the quality level: thanks to a perfect filtration system, the water is completely renewed once every 30 minutes. Every day, 30% of the water in the pool is drained and the water is manually cleaned by technical staff: special reagents are added and water is added to the desired level. Water is taken daily for chlorine content: it is always 0.

Toddler session lasts 30 minutes. To achieve your goals, you need a system and regularity of visits: 2-3 times a week. If the training is prescribed by the doctor as the minimum course that you need to complete for recovery, we also recommend that you complete a full course with a frequency of visits 2-3 times a week.

The main focus of the baby's activities with his mother is to support tactile contact. Often mum's group sessions are seen as helping with the transition from swimming at home to swimming in the pool. With mom, you can get the initial swimming skill, a lot of useful emotions, and start getting used to the water. The first crisis, which happens when a child is teething, is much easier if the child is engaged with his mother. Since mom is not a professional swim teacher, naturally, the best results can only be achieved with a personal trainer.

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9 essential things for baby swimming to take to the pool - Parents.

1. Swim diapers

Swim diapers top our list. Yes, it can happen to absolutely any baby, and yours is no exception. If you do not want to burden yourself with the constant purchase of such diapers, we advise you to buy reusable ones: it will be cheaper and more economical. Swim diapers differ from ordinary diapers in that their top layer is waterproof. They do not swell in water, as they do not absorb it (and, accordingly, urine too), and they can be washed (this applies to the reusable option). Tightness is achieved due to elastic bands that fit snugly against the skin of the baby. But do not worry - they are made of soft material and will not rub the legs. The main thing is to buy diapers by size, as they should fit snugly against the body in order to avoid embarrassment. And on top you can wear regular swimming trunks.

2. Swim trunks

This option is suitable for older children who are already potty trained. Here, too, the main thing is to choose the right size: less - they will rub, more - perhaps they will slip. In general, for the first swims, choose everything that is as comfortable as possible, since the child finds himself in a completely unusual environment for himself - a large amount of water can scare anyway, and then there are some uncomfortable swimming trunks.

Photo

Getty Images/E+

3. Bathing cap

This cap is suitable for older babies: those who already hold their heads confidently and are not afraid of water. Basically, in pools it is not required. It is necessary if your daughter has long hair: then for reasons of hygiene and so that the pool filter does not become clogged with hair, the child will be asked to wear a cap. There are three types of swimming caps: textile, rubberized on the outside and textile on the inside, as well as silicone. The best option is the second one: such hats do not get wet and are comfortable (they do not press, do not pinch the hair when pulled). The first option (textile caps) is considered by many to be meaningless, since the hair gets wet anyway. They are only needed so that the pool filter does not clog. Silicone caps, of course, do not get wet, but they put a lot of pressure on the child's head. So rubberized outside and fabric inside caps are the most suitable option.

4. Baby swimming cap

It is recommended to start swimming for babies not earlier than from the 2nd week of life. Since babies at this age are not yet holding their heads up, you can use a special foam cap that keeps the baby's head above the water. Of course, you will have to support the baby, but having such a hat will greatly simplify your task. How she looks like? This is a cap, on the sides and on top of which foam blocks are inserted into special pockets, which help the head to stay above the water.

When buying a hat, pay attention to the fabric: do not buy very bright (it can fade) and made of pure synthetics. Choose the cotton version. During the swim, water can still get into the ears, as the cap is not airtight, so be careful about this. After bathing, the cap must be dried by removing the foam from the pockets.

This design also looks very fun: your baby becomes like a small sun or a camomile.

5. Bathing circle for newborns

This one differs from the usual bathing circle in that it is worn around the child's neck so that his head is above the surface of the water.

When buying, pay attention to the reliability of the clasps that fix the circle around the neck: the child should not be able to unfasten them. The ideal option is a combination of Velcro and carabiner. Why a combination? The carabiner can loosen from the active movements of the child, and he can accidentally touch and unfasten the Velcro, so for safety reasons, choose a "universal" circle. Modern options are complemented by various bells and whistles: rattles, wings, fins. And if the baby does not pay attention to the latter, then rattles can make him nervous or even frighten.

When choosing between a foam cap and a circle, which is better? Each parent answers this question for himself. There is no “better” or “worse” here. Someone likes to hold the baby in their arms, to feel tactile contact - then a cap is probably preferable. And if you want to watch the child more, without “climbing” into the water, without bending over the little one and without straining your back, choose a circle. But no matter how fancy he is, in no case do not leave the baby unattended! You can sit next to him, talk, read fairy tales to him, but never leave "for a minute. " Another plus of the circle is the health benefits. Since the baby's body is "in free swimming", muscle hypertonicity decreases, and neurological processes return to normal.

After a while, your little swimmer will begin to roll over in a circle and try to swim (although, of course, this can hardly be called swimming). Do not be alarmed, early muscle development is very useful: babies introduced to swimming begin to sit and walk earlier than their peers.

6. Sleeves

Sleeves are suitable for children from the age of one, when they already understand that the arms must be kept tight so as not to sink the body into the water. You should not rush: ideally, you need to attach the child to the armlets when he has already mastered the circle. But there is an opposite opinion: starting from the age of 6 months, you can slowly accustom the baby to a new device for him. This is done to develop the vestibular apparatus and the muscles of the back and shoulder girdle. However, it is impossible to let the child “free swim”. It is imperative to be near him, because, despite various opinions, armlets are still a thing for adult children.

Photo

reanas/Getty Images/iStockphoto

7. Toys

Going to the pool for the first time can be stressful for both you and your child. To smooth out the baby's reaction to an unfamiliar environment, to make him not worry, we advise you, firstly, be patient, and secondly ... with toys. But not new ones, but his favorite ones, the ones he plays with in the bathroom. If the child has not yet weaned from the pacifier, grab it too - believe me, this will save your nerves.

8. Bathrobe or towel

Make sure your child is as comfortable as possible, even at home, during his first trips to the pool. To do this, do not forget to grab a soft towel in which you will wrap your child after training, and even better - a children's dressing gown.

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