Is Your Baby Swimming for the First Time?

Swimming is a life skill that should be learnt early on. Babies are born swimmers. They have hands-on experience in swimming as they have swam their way all through the three trimesters until their birth. However, swimming inside a womb and swimming in a pool is way different and if your baby is a first-timer, there are many things to consider before you take a first dip with your baby. If you are planning a vacation and want to have quality family time in the pool with your 6-month-old baby, here are some top picks to help you prep your babies for your ultimate pool time.

How do we identify pool readiness in babies?

Babies are curious about new surroundings. They love to grasp, grab, leap forward and jump when they are put in new surroundings. However, pool readiness involves assessing their physical strength and emotional development. Some of the signs to know pool readiness in babies are:

• Age: Babies around 6 months old show maturity and development and are safe to take inside the pool. However, every baby is different. Parents should gauge their development and growth before they decide to give them pool time.

• Can hold their heads up – If a baby’s neck is stable and can hold their head up, it means their upper body strength is developing. This could be a healthy sign to take them to the pool.

• Ability to follow parents’ gestures and language – They can understand parents' instructions like "hold your breath", "move your hands" etc

• Accustomed to water play – Babies love playing in water. If you have introduced playtime while bathing or other sensory play activities, then your baby is ready for the pool environment.

Must-have Pool Accessories When Babies Swimming for a First Time:

• Sunscreens – Sunscreens are a must to protect your babies from sun exposure. Invest in a baby skin-friendly sunscreen to apply before you take a dip with them. Check the finest baby sunscreens recommended by our community moms.

• Swimwear – A comfortable lightweight swimwear can help babies easily navigate in water. Swimwear should be breathable and should feel like a second skin. More importantly, try buying long-sleeved swim shirts and pants that will cover your baby’s entire skin.

• Sun hat – A Sun hat is another remedy to protect your babies from harmful UV rays. Get a cute, trendy hat that goes with your baby’s swimwear. For an extra shield from the sun, invest in a dark or bright-coloured swimsuit and sun hat.

• Start shallow – Start in shallow water first. Let the baby get a hand with shallow pools so that they feel secure and comfortable.

• Baby float – Float is a protective gear used initially during swimming lessons. Use a baby float to provide support and make their pool time enjoyable.

• Swim toys – Playtime becomes more fun when you engage them with different sets of swim toys. Also, babies when starting their pool time would be more at ease when they see their stuff around.

Dos and Don’ts of Pool Time:

• Check with your doctor before considering taking your babies to the pool.

• Be alert, focused and within arm’s reach of your baby.

• Rinse your baby’s hair before entering the pool to prevent the settling of chlorine. Oil your baby’s hair slightly with coconut oil to slide in the swim cap and prevent drying of hair.

• Moisturise your baby’s skin with a good baby-friendly moisturiser with natural oils or you can go for basic coconut oil if your baby’s skin is sensitive.

• Carry a set of spare clothes to be free of any worry in case of unexpected wetness.

• Always keep a water bottle or sippy cup handy to keep your baby hydrated.

• Create a calm atmosphere to ease your baby into the pool.

• Avoid too much mental stimulus before pool time.

Post-swimming baby care routine:

• Give a shower bath to your baby after pool time.

• Apply a baby moisturiser to hydrate your baby’s skin and prevent drying.

• Shampoo with a neutral pH can remove excess chlorine.

• Gargling helps keep the allergies at bay so a lukewarm with salt is best to keep your baby safe from any infection and allergies.

• Make sure your baby drinks a lot of water post-swim to avoid dehydration.

Swimming Diapers – What to wear?

Swimming diapers are extremely necessary and one of the key ingredients in your infant pool tool kit. Swimming diapers make your baby easily slide inside the pool, allowing your children to be at ease and enjoy the water play and reducing your worry of pee/poop accidents inside the pool. Swimming diapers come with an absorbing pad that is tied around the waist to keep it steady while swimming. Choose comfort over aesthetics. Go for comfortable swim diapers that ensure high absorbency, ease of use, and free of irritation to avoid developing rashes around the genitals.

Should you go for cloth diapers?

• Cloth diapers are gentler than disposable diapers.

• Made from natural fibres like cotton and bamboo, it doesn’t cause skin irritation and helps absorb moisture more effectively.

• Extremely eco-friendly

How do you maintain cloth diapers?

• Wash with a gentle fabric wash/soap and dry them thoroughly before the next use.

• Proper drying will help it stave off any bacterial growth.

• Go for good quality cloth diapers for pool time to allow easy movement for babies.

• Check care labels to know the wash recommendations for the fabric used in cloth diapers.

Swimming lessons: A Guide for Brisk Navigation in Pool

A swimming lesson is a great investment if your baby is swimming for the first time Especially if the parents are not pool literate. A swimming instructor will help your baby with the right swim strokes and ensure your baby's safety at all times. Enrol your baby on a swimming course exclusively designed for beginners to help them embrace this life skill early on.

At the outset

Gauge your baby’s response to the above pool time tips and hacks. Swimming time should be a joyful time. Allow your baby to settle and get comfortable with the pool mechanics. Like any milestone, this also requires your patience and complete support for them to embrace this easily.