Summer is here! For many families, that means days at the pool or beach. If you have a new baby joining in the fun this year, you might find yourself wondering about the ins and outs of bringing them in the water and swimming safely. Taking an infant swimming for the first time (or the first several times) can be anxiety-inducing if you’re not well-informed and prepared. There’s no need to worry, though! We’re laying out everything you need to know. Read on for essential tips for taking your little one swimming!
When Can Babies Go in the Pool?
First things first: when can babies get in the water? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn’t have a recommended age, but it’s generally best to wait until babies are 6 months of age before taking them into a pool. Prior to that, their lack of head control adds increased safety risks.6
Why Is Water Safety Important?
According to the AAP, drowning is a leading cause of death in children ages 1-4.1 This is a terrifying reality, and it highlights the importance of being proactive when it comes to infants and swimming. Babies don’t innately possess the skills needed to know how to swim, so water safety with babies is absolutely crucial for preventing drowning in the early years.
Should I Get My Baby in Swimming Lessons?
Baby swimming lessons can be an excellent bonding activity for babies and caregivers. That being said, the AAP recommends starting infants in swimming lessons at 1 year of age — no sooner, unless the lessons are for the sole purpose of enjoyment and fun. Currently, there isn’t any data proving baby swimming lessons to be beneficial (safety-wise) in the first 12 months. After that, they can serve as an excellent — but not foolproof — water safety measure.2
12 Water Safety Tips for Babies
If you’re thinking about taking your baby swimming in the near future, you’ll want to have your bases covered when it comes to safety. No matter how basic some of these tips might seem, they’re critical for preventing avoidable accidents in and near the water. Moms, dads, and caregivers — take note!
1. Start Practicing Water Safety at Home
The bathtub is a baby’s first encounter with water and requires the same level of supervision as any pool or other body of water.3 In addition, try to make bathtime fun and interactive! It’ll help your baby build a positive association with water and naturally learn the importance of adhering to safety rules while in it. Incorporate simple bath toys, games, songs, and even storytime (waterproof bath books are perfect for this!) while your little one bathes.
2. Wait Until Your Baby Is Physically and Developmentally Ready
While it might be tempting to get your newborn in the water as early as possible, doing so might not be the best idea. Instead, remember to wait until your little one has adequate head and neck control before taking them to a pool or other body of water for swimming.6,10 It only takes 1-2 inches of water for a child to drown, and newborns simply can’t lift their heads out of the water if needed.3
3. Ensure the Proper Care and Keeping of Pools
If you have a wading or kiddie pool, take the time to empty it after each use. This helps keep illness-causing bacteria at bay and prevents any physical accidents from happening.7 Again, it doesn’t take much for a baby to be in danger in water.
4. Maintain Constant Supervision of Your Baby Near Water
Never leave your baby unattended by a body of water. Not even for a split second! We all think the worst can’t happen to us, but accidents do happen. Babies (and children of all ages) should always be fully supervised near water, sans distractions.5
5. Consider the Water Temperature
If you’re bringing your baby along for a dip in the pool, ensure it’s heated and at a temperature that allows their body to stay regulated. A safe pool temperature for a baby under 3 years old is between 87 and 94 degrees Fahrenheit.2 Infants can’t regulate their own body temperatures, so it’s best to hold off on cold-water lakes, rivers, and the like until they’re a bit older.8
6. Research Trusted Swimming Programs in Your Area
You can enroll your baby in swimming lessons once they reach their first birthday.2 But don’t just sign up for the first course you find; ensure the instructors are qualified and certified to work with infants. Lifeguards with infant CPR and first aid certification should also be present.
7. Never Swim Alone With Baby
It’s best to swim with another adult present. Even more, opt for swimming with your infant at pools with trained and qualified lifeguards. You’re always better off safe than sorry!
8. Focus on Quality Time
Interact with your little one in the water! While safety should always be the top concern when it comes to swimming with a baby, enjoying the pool together is a great way to build familiarity with the water. Plus, setting aside time for water play with them is a perfect opportunity for bonding! Try acting like various water animals together, splashing around while counting and singing, and engaging in imaginative play with pool toys.
9. Stay Within Arm’s Reach
Always be within arm’s reach of your baby. Whether you’re participating in a swimming lesson, wading in a zero-entry pool, or enjoying an evening at the lake, “touch supervision” matters. This ensures that you can reach your child without delay in (or to prevent) an emergency situation.2
10. Ensure Pool Security Measures Are in Place
If you own a pool, make sure it’s fully fenced and locked when not in use. Babies are curious beings. This goes without saying, but they should never be able to enter a pool area on their own.
11. Invest in a Quality Life Jacket
If your baby is of age and size for a life jacket, they should wear one near open bodies of water. You’ll want to make sure it’s one that’s approved by the U.S. Coast Guard with both a proper fit and weight range.9 Take a moment to double-check the user’s manual before buckling your little one up.
12. Learn CPR!
Knowing how to perform CPR in an emergency is a must for parents and caregivers. Check out your local American Red Cross or American Heart Association chapter for classes. The hope is that you’ll never have to actually use these skills, but knowing what to do in an emergency can truly save lives.
Water Games for Babies
Now that we’ve got our water safety tips down, it’s time to get to the fun part! That is, baby-approved games you and your little fish can play together in the pool! Here are a few easy activities to engage any new water baby:
- Water ball toss: Bring a few soft water balls into the pool. Toss the balls around and encourage your baby to reach for and grab them as you move around the water together.
- Sing and swim: Sing a swimming-inspired song to the tune of a classic while you guide your baby throughout the pool and encourage specific actions. For example, sing “The baby in the water goes splash splash splash, splash splash splash, splash splash splash” (or “kick kick kick,” etc.) to the tune of “The Wheels on the Bus.”
- Pool peek-a-boo: While holding your baby above water, lower your face slightly underneath it. Quickly pop up and surprise your baby with a cheerful “peek-a-boo” to encourage them to try the same.
What You Need To Take With You to the Pool
Packing up to go anywhere with a baby requires a bit of pre-planning and preparation. The pool is no exception! Here’s a checklist of pool must-haves for baby to help you get on your way:
- Swimsuit
- Swim diaper
- Hooded baby towel or small pool towel
- Change of clothes (and diapers)
- Coast-Guard-approved life jacket (if baby is of age/size)
- Sunblock (for babies 6 months and up)4
- Water toys
Whether your family frequents the pool or you’re just starting to think about beginner baby swim classes, water safety should always be a top priority with infants involved. With these tips up your sleeve — and a willingness to jump right in with your little one — you’ll be well-prepared for water fun for both you and baby. Happy splashing!
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