When A Baby Can Start To Enjoy Swimming Pools?

During the summer, every person spent at the pool with their family. However, when babies enjoy swimming pools, parents should keep an eye on their baby. Also while you are aware of the pool safety, you should know when your baby can go to the pool. Is it safe to introduce a baby to the swimming pool? Let’s see more details about it. 

When can a baby go to a swimming pool?

Usually, parents should wait until the baby is at least six years old before them in a chlorine pool. Likewise, your baby needs to be able to hold their head up consistently to avoid swallowing water. Unlike adults, toddlers have problems regulating their body temperature. Therefore, if your baby is over six months and they are ready for it and the water temperature is not too cold then it is okay to go in the pool. 

However, early exposure of toddlers to chlorine pools may put them at risk of pneumonia or bronchiolitis. Besides, drowning is a common cause of death for toddlers. Hence, you can go to the swimming pool with babies when the time is right. Also, when taking toddlers to the pool, be careful about their body temperature as well as protection from direct harsh sunlight. Hence, if your toddler already has asthma, breathing issues, or a similar preexisting condition, consult your pediatrician. 

Can parents put a 3-month-old baby in a pool?

Doctors never recommend a pool for three-month-old’s. At this age, babies can have difficulty regulating their temperatures. Besides, they can have difficulty maintaining the head control they need to avoid swallowing chlorinated water. 

Water safety is more important. Therefore, you consider your toddler and his skills before exposing him to the swimming pool. 

How can you protect your baby from the chlorinated water?

You should protect your baby from chlorine in the pool. Follow these tips to reduce exposure and prevent skin irritation or respiratory issues. 

• Shower before and after swimming

To minimize the amount of chlorine absorbed by the skin, wash your baby with fresh water before entering the pool. Likewise, you can rinse your baby after swimming to remove any chlorine residue. 

• Apply a barrier cream or lotion.

Always use a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer or barrier cream on your baby’s skin. Barrier creams can create a protective layer to reduce chlorine absorption. 

• Choose pools with low chlorine levels.

You can look for swimming pools that use alternative methods like UV, saltwater, or ozone systems, often requiring less chlorine. 

• Limit pool time

Does your baby have sensitive skin or show signs of irritation? You can keep swimming sessions short.

• Use swim diapers 

Parents can wear a well-fitting swim diaper to prevent accidents and minimize contact with pool water. 

• Protect eyes and ears.

You can use goggles to protect your baby’s eyes from chlorine. Besides, you can use ear protection if your baby is prone to ear infections. 

• Hydrate

Do you want to maintain healthy skin and prevent dehydration of your baby? Keep your baby well hydrated. The well-hydrated skin can make it more susceptible to irritation. 

• Observe for reactions 

Always watch for any signs of chlorine sensitivity, such as redness, itching, or coughing. If you see any sign of these, rinse your baby with fresh water.

How can you avoid accidental water swallowing?

Do you want to avoid accidental water swallowing? Follow these tips. 

1. Stay close and supervise – Parents should keep a close watch on their baby and stay within arm’s reach. Then parents can quickly if the babies start to drown.
2. Start slowly – You can gradually introduce your baby to water. Let them get used to feeling the water on their face and body before submerging. 
3. Proper positioning – Hold your baby securely. Then you can keep their head above water. Ensure they are in a comfortable and secure position by stroking their neck and back.
4. Teach breath control – Encourage toddlers to keep their mouths closed when in the water. Blow gently in their face to close their mouth and hold their breath. 
5. Use floats and supports – Keep the toddler’s head above water by using appropriate floatation devices. Make sure these devices fit properly before using them.
6. Avoid overstimulation – always keep the environment calm. You should avoid activities that might cause your baby to gasp or laugh excessively. Why? These activities can enhance the risk of swallowing water.
7. Swimming lessons – Teach proper swimming techniques to avoid accidental swallowing. It will help your baby become more comfortable in the water. 
8. Stay calm – If your baby is drowning, stay calm and gently lift them out of the water. Then you can let them breathe. However, if they show discomfort, see a doctor immediately and get treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do babies need a bath after chlorine?

Yes, you should wash your babies with fresh water after swimming. Why? It helps to avoid skin irritation from the chlorine which can lead to dry patches or rashes. Likewise, chlorine can irritate the skin and eyes. Hence, you can use cleansers without artificial fragrances to wash your baby with fresh water. 

• Do babies need to wear sunscreen?

Sun protection is essential. However, babies under six months should not wear sunscreen. The reason is most sunscreens are not baby-safe and have chemicals that may irritate a baby’s skin. Therefore, you can protect babies with clothing, and hats. Likewise, you can keep them in the shade away from the direct sunlight. 

• What about UPF clothing?

UPF clothing (swimwear, hats, t-shirts) provides a physical barrier between the sun and your baby’s skin. UPF has a rating like SPF for sunscreen. An example, UPF 50 offers more sun protection than SPF 30. However, even if your baby wears UDG clothes, keep them out of direct sunlight. 

Conclusion 

If your baby is above 6 months of age, you can introduce them to swimming pools. However, you should confirm toddlers are safe before entering them in chlorinated water. Also, follow the necessary tips to prevent accidental swallowing in water. Read more research papers to get more information.