Swimming

[bonbon]

When did u 1st take your lo swimming? I really can't wait to take Seb swimming but I'm not sure when it is ok to take him?!
Also any tips for changing, what to take etc?
Cheers

 

[LisaM]

I took Ruby for swimming lessons when she was 5 months old, that's the earliest they let them join up. Tips for changing - take another person to help!! I dont know how old your baby is but when she was 5 months i found it a struggle to get us both ready afterwards and she really didnt like the cubicles so my mum used to come along at the end of her lesson to help me.

x

 

[lalaland09]

We first took Philip at 3 months. We just used a swim diaper and swim trunks. I would recommend putting a shirt on LO too though as he can get pretty slippery. Also make sure the water is a comfortable temperature. Philip got kind of overwhelmed by the kids running around and the noise, but we faced him against the wall and he settled down. A woman there was trying to convince us to dunk him under, saying that it's instinctive for him to hold his breath, but we just couldn't do it!

 

[Mickeyc]

We took Sophie when she was 4 months, she is having her first swimming lesson next week when she will be 5 months.

I work at a health club and we have a kids pool which is nice and warm. Hubby brings her down to the club and we all go swimming in my lunch break!

She loves the water and is even happy to be dunked under!!

 

[MrsRH]

I took Joe at 7 weeks. My tip would be wrap yourself in a big towel to get dry whilst you dry and dress baby, put them into pram/car seat then look after yourself.
I've always found it no problem as long as they are not screaming to be fed!!!

We use a swin nappy, trunks and baby wet suit. I agree though, the water has to be warm!
xxx

 

[jen26267]

I took Olivia when she was 8 weeks old. We use huggies little swimmers and a swim-suit on top. She loves the water. We use a small inflatable ring with a seat in it and she's happy sitting in this, and it means not having to hold her in the water as they do get slippy! Also bringing someone else to help get changed, as said above, is a good idea.

 

[Klb8916]

I plan to take my LO one swimming when there 8 weeks to a swim and slash session at our local pool. They have helpers who will look after LO whilst you get yourself dressed and will also help you in the pool etc.

 

[pip holder]

My LO went from 6 weeks to lessons

It's fine, just make sure your centre has a specific heated baby pool ( should be over 32 degrees if below 12 weeks old) otherwise a wetsuit might be a good investment - you can buy them 2nd hand cheaply.

Re: changing them - just make sure you take a changing mat, lie them on the floor then once ready - into their car seat whilst you dry off. I've personally not had a problem with this, the one time I took my OH - he just watched me get LO dressed anyway

I usually feed my LO then to warm him back up when possible.

Oh and TALC TALC TALC dries all their nooks and crannies quicker so you can get them home for a proper bath to dechlorine them - just not puffed near their faces

 

[bonbon]

thank you for all the replies!
I am going to go for it now that you have all given me the confidence. My lo is 9 weeks old and the loacal pool has a baby bit so I expect it is warm enough. My Mum has bought Seb a swim wetsuit, some nappies and a ring so we are well equiped!!
Thanks for the tips re changing, think i will see if my sister fancies a trip out with us!! Like the idea of feeding him to get him warm again and Im sure he will as he loves to feed!!!! LOL
I'll let you know how we get on!! .......................Im very excited!!!!! If it goes well you never know I could have him on a body board in the sea soon with me and his Daddy!!

 

[pip holder]

yaay thats what we're planning to do too
We like to do lots of 'watery' things so want him to be safe asap.
Have fun - let us know how you get on

 

[MrsRH]

thank you for all the replies!
I am going to go for it now that you have all given me the confidence. My lo is 9 weeks old and the loacal pool has a baby bit so I expect it is warm enough. My Mum has bought Seb a swim wetsuit, some nappies and a ring so we are well equiped!!
Thanks for the tips re changing, think i will see if my sister fancies a trip out with us!! Like the idea of feeding him to get him warm again and Im sure he will as he loves to feed!!!! LOL
I'll let you know how we get on!! .......................Im very excited!!!!! If it goes well you never know I could have him on a body board in the sea soon with me and his Daddy!!

hope you have loadsa fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xxx

 

[Soph&Bump]

I took Joe at 7 weeks. My tip would be wrap yourself in a big towel to get dry whilst you dry and dress baby, put them into pram/car seat then look after yourself.
I've always found it no problem as long as they are not screaming to be fed!!!

We use a swin nappy, trunks and baby wet suit. I agree though, the water has to be warm!
xxx

Hey Rachel

Where in Manchester did you do baby swimming? I can't wait to start doing it once LO is 12 weeks.

 

[bonbon]

I took Joe at 7 weeks. My tip would be wrap yourself in a big towel to get dry whilst you dry and dress baby, put them into pram/car seat then look after yourself.
I've always found it no problem as long as they are not screaming to be fed!!!

We use a swin nappy, trunks and baby wet suit. I agree though, the water has to be warm!
xxx

just a little qu..... what do u do with the car seat/pram when in the pool? do most pools have somewhere 4 them?

 

[sweetcheeks85]

I took Joe at 7 weeks. My tip would be wrap yourself in a big towel to get dry whilst you dry and dress baby, put them into pram/car seat then look after yourself.
I've always found it no problem as long as they are not screaming to be fed!!!

We use a swin nappy, trunks and baby wet suit. I agree though, the water has to be warm!
xxx

just a little qu..... what do u do with the car seat/pram when in the pool? do most pools have somewhere 4 them?

^^^^ Id be intrested to know this too, im assuming u would carry the baby in if u have a car and leave the car seat in the car???

 

[bonbon]

Little update. ..... Took my lo swimming today for the 1st time & he loved it!!! We were in the water for an hour & 10 mins!!

Thanks fir the all the advice, I had a stress free experience & can't wait to go again!

Xx

 

[xkirstyx]

glad you had fun im taking jack 2moz! xxx

 

[helen0381]

I took Joe at 7 weeks. My tip would be wrap yourself in a big towel to get dry whilst you dry and dress baby, put them into pram/car seat then look after yourself.
I've always found it no problem as long as they are not screaming to be fed!!!

We use a swin nappy, trunks and baby wet suit. I agree though, the water has to be warm!
xxx

just a little qu..... what do u do with the car seat/pram when in the pool? do most pools have somewhere 4 them?

At my local pool I take the pushchair in with me and leave it in the communal changing area, its safe in there. U need somewhere u can put LO down while u get dressed. xx