Swimming with your baby

Swimming with your baby is a great way to have fun, bond and feel close to your little one. Although research has indicated that early pool time doesn't actually help children’s swimming ability in the long run, spending time in the pool with your baby will help them feel more confident in the water when they're older.

Most experts agree that you don’t have to wait until your baby has been immunized before going for that first swim, as the chlorine in pool water helps to prevent infections, but it’s a good precaution to check with your pediatrician first. As a rule, your baby’s neck should be strong enough to support her head, as you don’t want her head bobbing under the water by accident.

Choose a pool that is small and heated, as babies are most comfortable in warmer water – around 85 degrees is ideal. If you can, take her in a designated baby/toddler pool as it’ll be warmer, more shallow and less likely to have noisy older kids splashing nearby. Aim to stay in the pool for 15-20 minutes at most, as long as it’s warm enough (if your baby starts to shiver take her out immediately and wrap her in a warm towel). Keep your face at your baby’s eye level and maintain lots of eye contact. If she gets upset or cranky, get out and try again another day.

Don’t swim with your baby if she has a cold or diarrhea, as water could make it worse and spread the infection. Never leave her alone in, or next to, any body of water, including a bucket of water, paddling pool, pond or fountain. Babies can drown in just one inch of water, so stay close by, even if she’s wearing floaties or a flotation pack or a bubble. See our water safety feature.

Can my baby go underwater?

You’ve probably seen pictures of babies floating underwater – they’re born with what’s called the ‘dive reflex’, which means they instinctively hold their breath under water. However, this doesn’t mean you can lower your baby under the water safely. Baby swimming lessons often involve some underwater activities but only with the help of a qualified instructor. It’s not something you should try out on your own or in your own pool if you have one.

Baby swimming lessons ?

Mommy and Me swimming lessons are fun for your baby and a good way for you to meet other moms with babies the same age as yours. Make sure the instructor who teaches the class is properly qualified to teach swimming to babies. They must also be qualified in infant CPR.

What should my baby wear in the water?

There are swimsuits available for babies, some of which incorporate flotation packs, but as babies outgrow clothes very quickly in the first six months it may be better to buy swim diapers. Don’t worry about your baby peeing, but get out of the water straight away if you think she has had a bowel movement.

If you do plan to swim often with your baby, it’s a good idea to take an infant CPR course so you know what to do if you’re ever faced with an emergency.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 06/06/2008

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