When is it safe to take a newborn swimming? Tips and advice for introducing your baby to swimming

Question

We have a 6 week old baby and are considering taking them swimming. Is it safe to start this early? We believe that learning to swim is an important skill, but we want to make sure there are no risks involved at such a young age. Can anyone provide information or share their experiences with newborn swimming? Are there any classes or resources available for this purpose?

Answer 1

Most sources will state no sooner than 6 months, but it kind of depends on the baby's size.

Infants are notoriously poor at regulating body temperature when it comes to environment. They can't dissipate heat as well as older babies, and worse yet, they can't generate heat when cold. Most public pools will be too cold for an infant; there is a very real risk of hypothermia.

Interestingly, your baby can already swim right now; it's a reflex (not unlike the Moro response) that will be lost as the baby ages.

If you can find a pool heated for your purpose, I can't think of a good reason to wait, with two caveats: you will find the water too warm to be comfortable, and the baby risks ear infections. Probably the best option right now is a clean bathtub.

Answer 2

If your child's doctor agrees, then whenever you are ready. I was an infant, 3 months, I think. My parents took me to the YMCA in Montreal in the 1950s. Supposedly, I learned to swim then and there. Not strokes, but dog paddle, kick and taking my face out of the water. My mum was with me the entire time, inches away. The one in my city suggests six months and the pool is 'therapeutic', warmer than a regular pool.

You need the proper diapers and diaper covers. You need to know the pool accepts infants and children in diapers. The pool and area needs to be clean. Personally, I would not allow anyone else to take my infant into a pool excepting the father and me. Doing under the direction of a swim instructor is a good answer.

If this is your own pool, then make sure it's clean and that the diapers are not soiled, are tight and covered. I would be careful if you have no experience, but simply holding a baby in clean water that is warm enough, should be fine.