During the summer, you spend most of your time at the pool or beach. You should be careful if you have little ones to play water games with. You should be aware of how to get children into the water and swim in and out safely. You should know how to keep your baby safe at the pool. If you are careless in the pool, your child could be at risk of drowning. Here, we will give some necessary instructions for the toddler’s swimming. Read them carefully.
When can babies go in the pool?
When can babies go in the water? If your baby is over 6 months old, you can introduce him to the pool. Babies under 6 months can control their heads and pose a safety risk. Therefore, don’t send your child to the pool until they exceed the age limit.
Why is water safety important?
Drowning is the leading cause of death for toddlers between the ages of 1 and 4 years. This is why it is so important for toddlers to be active in swimming. Children do not have the skills to swim innately. Therefore, water safety is important to prevent them from drowning.
Should I get my babies in swimming lessons?
Children’s swimming lessons create a good bond between children and their caregivers. The AAP recommends that children begin swimming lessons as early as 1 year of age. It is important for toddlers when they are in a pool.
What are the water safety tips for babies?
You must ensure your baby’s safety in the pool. As parents, you should take care of the following points when introducing your little one to the pool. They are,
Start practicing water safety at home
A toddler’s first encounter with water is in the pool. Attention to the child is more important in the pool as well as other watery places. And always try to make bath time fun and interactive. It helps your child develop a positive relationship with water. It also helps to naturally learn the importance of following safety rules while in water.
Wait until the children are physically ready
Bringing newborns to water is not a good decision. Instead, wait until babies have adequate head and neck control before taking your baby to the pool for swimming.
Confirms the proper care and keeping of pools
If you have a wading or kiddie pool, empty it after each use. It helps fight disease-causing bacteria. It also prevents any other physical accidents.
Maintain constant supervision
Never leave your toddler alone in the pool. Supervise your toddler when they are in the pool to avoid accidents. Never divert attention.
Consider the water temperature
Before sending your toddlers into the pool, ensure the water is heated and at a temperature that allows their bodies to regulate. Avoid sending them to lakes and rivers with cold water as they cannot regulate their body temperature.
Research trusted swimming programs in your area
After your child turns one year old, they can enroll in swimming lessons. However, you should be careful about choosing an agency. You should select qualified consultants who can work with babies.
Never swim alone with the baby
It is more important to have your child swim with an adult when swimming in the pool. You can allow your toddlers to swim in pools with trained and qualified lifeguards.
Focus on quality time
Interact with your child in the water. When swimming with children, attention should be paid to their safety and having fun with them in the pool. Then they can develop familiarity with water. And playing water games with them strengthens the relationship between children and parents.
Stay within arm’s reach
Stay close to your child when he is in the pool. Always, you should stay within reach of your child in case of an emergency.
Ensures pool security
If you have a pool, keep it completely fenced and locked when not in use. Never allow children to enter the pool alone.
Invests in a quality life jacket
If your child is old enough to go in the pool, put them in the pool with a life jacket. The life jacket you buy should be approved for proper fit and weight range.
Learn CPR
Parents or caregivers should know how to perform CPR in an emergency. Parents should get the necessary knowledge for that.
What are the suitable water games for babies?
Here are some of the approved water games that you and your baby can play together in the pool. They are,
- Water ball toss
You can bring some softballs into the pool. Then you can move the balls around and encourage your child to grab and reach for them.
2. Sing and swim
Encourage your toddler to take specific actions as you move around the pool. Here, sing to the tune of a swimming-inspired song.
3. Pool peek-a-boo
While holding your baby above the water, lower your face slightly into it. Quickly raise the face again and surprise the child. Then, you can encourage the child to do the same.
What do you bring to the pool?
It is important to plan and prepare from the beginning about what you need to go anywhere with your baby. Therefore, you should also know what to take with you to the pool. Here we provide some essentials for babies going to the pool.
- Swimsuit
- Swim diaper
- Hooded baby towel
- Change of clothes
- Sunblock ( They should be suitable for the skin of babies)
- Coast-guard approved life jacket
- Water toys
Conclusions
Children love to go to the pool. However, as a parent, you should never send your child to the pool without an adult. Why? Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Therefore, you should be very careful about your toddler going to the pool. You must ensure your baby’s safety at the pool. Here, we have provided more information about baby swimming. However, For more details, please refer to more research papers.
