Swimming

[Nicky_Jones]

I would love to take Ellie swimming as I think she would love to be able to move herself around in the water. She loves pushing of the end of the bath so that she goes backwards. Is she too young? Can I buy a flotation jacket that will hold her head above the water?

Thanks

 

[Jo]

You can get swim seats which are wonderful
I had one for Emily, need to get one for Jack now, i can't beleive i haven't taken him swimming yet
http://www.mothersbliss.com/shopping/swimseat.asp

 

[Bagpuss17]

We take Isaac swimming and have done since he was about 14/15 weeks I think. He's still too small for the floaties seat we bought him so we just hold him in the water.

He loves it, I would recommend it. The earlier the better.

You don't have to wait for them to have their jabs now but it might be worth checking what your local leisure centres policy is.

We struggled to get swimming nappies to fit him on his legs, they were all too big. We got some Kushies reusable swimming nappies in the end, they're fab.

 

[Nicky_Jones]

Thanks for the replies. As she won't really be swimming do I still need to leave it 1hr after her feed before taking her? Our local gym does a family fun session but it is 8:15 - 9am which I can take her to once she is 3 months, however I give her first feed of the morning starting at 7:30.

 

[maybebaby]

I used to work as a lifeguard, hope this helps...

My sister took my niece swimming for the first time when she was 6 weeks. She loved it & fell asleep! If you can go to a parent & baby session there's usually qualified swimming teachers there to look after you.

I would suggest holding her in the water or getting a floating seat. You can buy swimming nappies at the pool.

I wouldn't worry about leaving an hour after the feed as this is only to avoid cramp. I've seen mums actually feeding their babies in the pool!

It might be better going to a quiet day time session the first time, family fun can get a bit hectic!

I don't want to sound too big for my boots as I haven't got a baby yet, this is just stuff I picked up from working in a pool for 4 years!