Swimming - Fun Summer Activity

Once the weather warmed up, we decided to expose Kaitlyn to the water. Yes, we've bathed her over the last year, but she's never experienced water in a pool or lake. Our first trip to the local pool brought out lots of tears as we discovered Kaitlyn did not want to get in the water. Since we expect to spend a lot of time at the pool this summer, we signed up for a four course class at the YMCA in June for $35 to help her adapt to the water and pool.

It worked! By the end of the class, she was comfortable getting in the water with mommy or daddy, holding on to the side of the pool, getting her hair wet and evening holding her breath when we quickly dipped her face under water (this was done in a nice way, we promise!). We opted not to sign her up for additional courses until she is older and can really learn to swim.


Things we recommend:

• Get in the water with your child; having both parents helps if feasible


• Find a pool or lake where the water temperature is warm; we're convinced the water was to cold the first time we took Kaitlyn


• A swim diaper is better than a regular diaper (her swim suit had it built in, which was very convenient)



• Know that your child probably won't learn to swim if he/she is under two (not fact, just opinion from watching Kaitlyn and other little ones in the pool)



• In deep water, put your baby in a Coast Guard Approved life jacket as it's hard to tred water and hold a baby



• Consider a life jacket that will keep your baby afloat and keep his/her face out the water



• Have fun and don't be afraid to slowly try new things like helping your baby float on his/her back, splash in the water, kick his/her feet, blow bubbles in the water, etc.

Note: A parenting publication (can't remember which one) recently published an article that indicated taking babies swimming in a pool or lake who are less than a year old may cause an increase in ear infections. Just something to research if you're thinking about swim lessons or if your baby has ear trouble already.