Taking baby swimming.

Learning to swim is a survival and a life skill and can be a lot of fun. Many pools offer classes to young children. Here are some things you should know;-

•  Your baby does not need to have had any vaccinations, or to have completed a vaccination schedule before you take them for a swim. When live Polio virus was given, this was the recommendation but since the Polio vaccine is no longer live this is no longer a risk.
• Babies should wait one hour after feeds before a swim.
• If your baby has had a tummy bug wait two days after  the first solid poo before going swimming.
• Babies with ear infections should not swim until they have completely recovered.
• Avoid changing diapers by the pool side.
• Dress toddlers in close fitting swimsuits to contain any poo.
• Reduce the risk of "accidents" by taking frequent toilet breaks.
• Don't rinse your hands in the pool after a nappy change, use soap and water.

The temperature of the pool and the changing area are really important. A baby cannot control their body temperature. Pool water should be at least 30 degrees C. Taking a towel to the poolside so that you can wrap baby for the return to the changing room is comforting and keeps baby warm. A babies skin and eyes are more sensitive than an adults and the chemicals used to sterilize the pool can irritate the skin and eyes of some babies, so building up time in a pool can be helpful in letting baby adapt to these. Showering baby immediately after a swim will also reduce the effects of these chemicals.

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