If you want to bond with your newborn baby, why don’t you head to the swimming pool for a “dip together moment”? But first thing you’ll want to know- is it safe for my little baby? Swimming has several benefits and is an excellent activity for mother and child. Most “swimmer” parents love to take their kids to the pool and can’t wait to let the water wrap around their bodies as they enjoy the therapeutic and emotional benefits of the exercise.

Every family should prioritize “swim day” and connect with their kids. Day-to-day life can be very distracting for a new mother, and if she wants to spend some special baby moments, she can introduce swimming to the child. Swimming is a vital skill that will help keep the baby in proper shape in the future and prevent drowning in an emergency. Both parents and children must spend a safe, fun time in a pool maintained by a dependable pool service in Palm Beach Gardens, FL!

What Is The Right Age For A Baby To Start Swimming?

According to American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Denny, the lead author of a 2021 Prevention of Drowning technical report. claims – “Research shows that formal swim lessons for children age 1 and older reduce the risk of drowning. Swim lessons are an important layer of protection to prevent drowning, in addition to pool fencing, close supervision and lifeguards while swimming, life jackets on boats and lakes, and CPR training.”

Though people often take babies into the pool by 6+ months of age, it is deemed unacceptable for others. The final decision rests on the parents and the child’s comfort level in the water.

Supervision And Extra Precautions At All Times

Constant focused supervision is another prerequisite to a child entering the pool. Extra precautions have to be taken by the parents at every stage to prevent a mishap.
Recent studies have indicated that imparting training for water survival skills and prevention of drowning between the ages of one and four may reduce the risk of water accidents in the pool. Parents must inculcate “water safety habits” from when the child first enters the water!

Reflex Swimming Action

Most people agree that it is OK to take a six-month-old to the pool under supervision. Babies at this age start to gain head control and love bathing moments. Physicians also agree that the baby should be at least six months old before you take him or her to a pool. But, at the same time, there is no solid evidence that introducing small 6mo+ babies in the water lowers their risk of drowning. Infants do exhibit reflexive swimming reactions but need to be monitored constantly so that they breathe and their heads remain above water.

It is better to enjoy a few moments with your infant in the pool as a play activity rather than enroll the infant in swimming lessons this early. Babies can drown in even 2 inches of water, so it is imperative to be careful.

There are also no guidelines stating that babies under six months should stay away from swimming pools, but being cautious is the key to a happy family. Staying safe in the pool is a priority at every age.

1) The medical fraternity recommends a water temperature of 89.6° F before a baby enters a pool.
2) New mothers must wait until they have stopped bleeding or about six weeks after delivery.
3) Tuck the baby into a swim diaper for hygienic purposes.
4) Swimming encourages a solid physical foundation by increasing core strength. Once you have waited for those “recommended” six months to one year, prepare the little one for a beautiful swimming experience. Start by making the child enjoy a tub bath-but only if you do it together! Committed adult supervision is a must. Don’t get distracted by a book, gossiping, completing home chores, or relaxing in the sun while a six-month-old baby sits in a water tub.
5) Install pool alarms, fencing, and covers and organize pool stain removal to keep pools shining clean. Remember, you have an inquisitive baby that will soon run around.
6) Neck rings and armbands restrict movements and dull the natural reflexes, so stay around your child at all times.
7) Take CPR training for an unwanted emergency.

Local Drowning Prevention Resources

For families in Palm Beach Gardens looking to further enhance their children’s safety around water, we recommend exploring local resources such as Live Like Jake. This renowned organization specializes in infant swim lessons and drowning prevention, offering crucial skills and education to ensure your little ones are safe.

Engaging with such programs can complement the safety measures discussed above, providing peace of mind and building a foundation of water safety from an early age. To learn more about their offerings and how they can help protect your family, visit Live Like Jake.

Stay Safe

Finn’s Pool Services offers reliable pool cleaning in Palm Beach Gardens. We ensure that pool water stays clean and hygienic with our regular maintenance and equipment checks.

This is imperative because water-borne agents and bacteria can cause gastrointestinal infections. We keep your pools sparkling clean and at your preferred temperature at all times for the best fun swimming experience for your baby and the family. Wait for a few more years before the formal swimming lessons start, and until then, have a super personal interactive swimming experience with your little baby.

However, here is some advice from Finn’s Pool Services: Never leave your baby alone in the swimming pool or bathtub. No matter how busy you are, always keep them under supervision. Contact us to keep your family’s pool clean and healthy with our pool water chemistry balancing.