Is it OK to take my baby swimming???

Question

I have an 11 week old son, I would like to take him swimming but I'm not sure if I should. Is it too early??
I went to the leisure center the other day and asked the lady if there were any classes, she said there wasn't any at the moment but I could take him myself and keep him close to me and put him in gradually.
I'm a bit scared because I've never actually seen babies swimming before, I'm scared of putting him under the water and him drowning or getting water in his nose...
Is it ok to take him swimming?? and how do you do it?

All advice will be apreciated, thanks!!

Answer 1

I say go for it. Babies have an uncanny ability to hold their breath underwater. But I wouldn't recommend it unless you're in a class with a trained professional who says it's okay. Just take him in the pool with you. Hold him and keep his head above water. I'm sure he'll love it and it'll be a good mommy/baby bonding experience.

Answer 2

I had my first child in South Florida where you are surrounded by water and paranoid new Mommies. I had my son in the pool at 7 weeks old! Swimming is a natural ability in young children but I totally understand your apprehension and fear. If you are not sure if your little one will know how to hold their breath while under water, blow in his face just before you submerge him as he will take a deep breathe in while you are forcing air into his face. This may sound cruel to some but I did not ever want to take the chance of running around frantically only to find my son floating in a pool or canal r the ocean....NO WAY! I am going to give my children every fighting chance in the world! Good Luck and if my chance you live in South Florida, email me as I have the best name to a swim instructor!

Answer 3

I've heard that babies automatically hold their breath underwater (I think this is seen in the movie 3 men and a Baby - there's a scene where they let her go underwater for a few seconds and she doesn't even seem phased by it.) So if it's true it probably wouldn't be that big of a deal if you took him in if you were careful.

Maybe you can ask your doctor or look it up in some baby expert book or site or something and see how correct the statement is before deciding if you want to take him swimming or not. :)

Answer 4

Don't listen to Rather N. No one is suggesting that you would or should leave the baby in the water unattended ,or put his face under water for any extended period of time. It is safe to take your baby in the water with you, under careful supervision. My best friend and I took her 13 week old baby swimming in my pool, and she was a natural!! She was kicking her legs, and splashing with her arms. Babies will naturally hold their breath under water. You can take him swimming without putting his face in the water, too. Hold him close to your body, and don't force him to stay in the water if he really doesn't like it. Once he is used to the water, hold him away from your body and let him try to kick and paddle. Most babies naturally love the water, and early swimming helps in numerous areas of child development. Good luck, be careful, and have fun!!

Answer 5

Yeah she's on the suited age honestly. maximum well-being travellers propose waiting until eventually after your infant has had their first direction of immunisations (8 weeks) regardless of the reality that government policies recommend swimming in public swimming pools would not pose a danger to youthful babies using fact the chlorine kills off any skill danger, maximum glaringly from polio. as long using fact the pool is heat adequate this is okay to take a touch considered one of any age swimming. Do bear in concepts although, mums shouldn't swim until eventually after their 6 week verify. desire i helped sturdy success

Answer 6

Before having my kids I was a lifeguard/swim instructor. Both of my kids were in the pool by 6 weeks old. I am sure you are careful with your son at all times and taking him swimming will be a safe and fun experience for you both!

Answer 7

its recommended that you dont take a baby swimming until hes had his first jabs (meningitis and rubella)
After that, take him. Young babies have a natural reflex to hold their breath under water (for short periods only) so its unlikely that you will harm him that way. Dont keep him in the water for too long as it can get very cold for newborns, maybe increase it by 5 mins everytime you go.
I took my daughter swimming when she was 12 weeks, dunked her under the water, she wasnt keen at first but now she is 10 months, i cant keep her out of the water! she loves it. Dont be scared of taking him, just keep hold of him and dont let him get cold, youll both soon get used to it. Good luck

Answer 8

Your baby lived in water inside your stomach. They say it's never too early to take your child swimming. Just makes sure give him a good bath afterwards. The sooner you introduce your child to water the fast they will learn how to swim.

Answer 9

We put our sons in parent and tot swim classes at about 3 months. It is actually better earlier on, because they have not developed a fear of water. Find someplace with certified instructors who know the kinds of things to do with babies. You learn how to hold them safely and swish their little bodies through the water, blow bubbles with them and other things. It was really fun and now they are both little water bugs all summer.

Answer 10

yes you can take him swimming, i took my daughter to the beach at 4 weeks old and she had her first taste of ocean water she has been several times since then. she is 3 months now and still doing fine. i didn't intentionally put her under water seeing as it was salty. when they get a little bigger and you want to dip them under try blowing in their face first, it gets them to hold their breath then give them a quick dip. my son just turned 2 and he is just now getting brave enough to try swimming with arm floaties, so as far as teaching them how to actually swim i dont really have advise.