How to Introduce a Baby to Water

Posted by Anonymous , 9/4/2007 Tags:BabyWater
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How to Introduce a Baby to Water

Introduction

You and your baby gain many benefits from exposing him to water. Early contact with water encourages a desire to swim at a younger age. It builds confidence and reduces the likelihood that your child will fear water once he is older. It improves eating and sleeping patterns and improves core muscle development and coordination.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps

1

Step One

Wait to take your baby to the pool until she is a few weeks old. You don't need to wait until she's had all her immunizations. The pool's chlorine kills off any bacteria or viruses.
2

Step Two

Bring a favorite bath toy from home to make your baby more comfortable. Also bring a baby flotation device. At first, you may just hold your baby in your arms, but he may feel confident enough to ride in a safe baby float with you next to him.
3

Step Three

Keep your time in the pool short at first. Young babies can get cold easily and overly stimulated by all the people and noise at a pool.
4

Step Four

Place your baby in the water carefully and let him get used to the water. Stay at face level with her and maintain eye contact to give her confidence. Smile and reassure her that water is fun and not harmful.
5

Step Five

Take your baby out of the pool if he begins to shiver. Wrap him in a thick towel.
6

Step Six

Enroll your baby in a swimming class once she turns 12 weeks, the typical minimum age to enroll in a class. Check with your pool, community center or park system for available classes.

Tips & Warnings

  • Remember to put a swim diaper on your baby before he enters the pool.
  • Pool water should be in the upper 80's for a young baby.
  • Do not put a sick baby into the pool or any other body of water.
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