Hi, I need some advice here. I have a 6 month old baby. This weekend we are going for a vacation. I bought my baby swimming suit including swim cap and also baby float. Any important reminder that I need to be aware of when bring my baby to the swimming pool? For example, how long can she be in the water, at what time should we go for a swim.. or anything, any kind of advice would be much appreciated. Thank you :)

I see no need for a swim cap, but she should wear a big cloth hat both in the pool and out. It is better to shield her from the sun than it is to slather her with sunscreen, which she might get in her mouth. Sunglasses too. I'd keep a tee shirt on her, even in the water. Keep her out of the water between about noon and 2. Don't let go of her in the water, unless it's for one second with you right in front of her, and with you on solid footing. Some people go underwater with babies, who do seem to instinctively hold their breath under water, but that doesn't mean they won't gulp some when splashing around on the surface. Keep very close to her out of the water too. Babies almost universally love swimming!

You can get sunburn through clouds, BTW.

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Originally Posted by joypulv

I see no need for a swim cap, but she should wear a big cloth hat both in the pool and out. It is better to shield her from the sun than it is to slather her with sunscreen, which she might get in her mouth. Sunglasses too. I'd keep a tee shirt on her, even in the water. Keep her out of the water between about noon and 2. Don't let go of her in the water, unless it's for one second with you right in front of her, and with you on solid footing. Some people go underwater with babies, who do seem to instinctively hold their breath under water, but that doesn't mean they won't gulp some when splashing around on the surface. Keep very close to her out of the water too. Babies almost universally love swimming!

You can get sunburn through clouds, BTW.

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Thank you so much for the help. I am also worried if the water gets into her ears & nose and what if she gulp some.. does it bring any harm to her?

You also need to check with the pool. Some pools do not allow babies in diapers. You should also investigate special diapers designed for swimming that have greater absorbency and leak proofing.


As for swallowing any pool water, that should not be harmful. As for how long, you don't want her fingers to get pruney. As soon as that starts take her out.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

You also need to check with the pool. Some pools do not allow babies in diapers. You should also investigate special diapers designed for swimming that have greater absorbency and leak proofing.


As for swallowing any pool water, that should not be harmful. As for how long, you don't want her fingers to get pruney. As soon as that starts take her out.

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Glad to hear that it'll bring no harm to my baby. Anyway, I bought her a swim diaper, I hope they will allow that.

Maybe you can call the pool, or the place with the pool, or they post rules online.

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Originally Posted by Lady H

Anyway, I bought her a swim diaper, I hope they will allow that.

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Bring the box cover or some proof that they are swim diapers to the pool the first time you go.

There are swim diapers and swimming diaper covers. When we took our daughter to the pools we had both. The main point is to keep any solids out of the pool. They've got the capacity to deal with urine in the pool because people will pee in the pool, but fecal matter is biohazardious. Every pool we've gone to has insisted that they've got a swim diaper at the very least, some kids we saw ONLY had the swim diaper. We liked the additional support of the cover and they're reusable.

Beyond that, swim shirt (UV protected), hat of some variety, wide brimmed of course, sandals for us just in case.

Just make sure to keep your hands on your child at all times. They should be on solids so the water shouldn't hurt them. Be smart and careful and you'll be fine.

Just to add... be sure the pool is owned and maintained by a reputable company. It can't hurt to check how often they do a water check to know that chemical levels are adequate and appropriate. Keep baby well hydrated in the warm weather... they do not transfer excess heat as well as adults or older children.
Many of the children's sunscreen can be used at 6 months but read labels. Guard against prolonged sun exposure....which will be less than what you might have for yourself. Her skin is more susceptible to sun damage.