is 10 weeks too early ?

[veve]

hey all :)

a friend from our prenatal group has organised for our bubs to go to swimming lessons together - I am keen for Jack to go.. but he is the youngest of the prenatal bubs (all the others arrived early :rolleyes: ) - is 10 weeks too young for all that chlorine??

thanks
xxx

[the_queen]

hmmmm regarding the chlorine, I can't give you any advice. But I just wanted to tell you that babies younger than 6 months have this "swimming reflex" which means they hold their breath underwater automatically, and will make swimming movements. I am certainly NOT a scientist or anything :D I saw it on TV, I think it was an episode of "The Human Body" ?
I wonder if you can buy baby goggles to prevent the water getting in his eyes? (LOL and how cute would he look :D )

[andrewsmum]

They all recommend that babies start as early as possible (even from 4 weeks) so I don't think your bubs is too young.

The local newspaper (last week) had an article about drown-proofed babies. The following is a section from the article.

"Mrs ..... teaches babies and toddlers how to roll belly up and float to the surface... the earlier parents bring children in for lessons, the easier it is for them to pick up.... Children can perform the floating skill easier at about three months than they do when they're older"

I've been sending my kid to aquababies lessons since he was about 8months old, but I certainly wished I'd gone earlier (as he's only just learned to float - finally, at two years old!!!). I've seen one baby get so relaxed in the water, he fell asleep!!:D

So I guess it's entirely up to you, but think of it as a mum 'n' bub activity or an outing to get out of the house!

[Mum2Lucas]

In the latest byron child magazine there was an article about babies and swimming lessons. It recomended that babies not partake in them until 12 weeks i think it said. not too sure maybe it was 6 cant remember and the magazines in my room somewhere..

[Heids]

Hi Veve

I couldn't find anywhere to take Brandon under 3 months, but did for 3 months + even though its a little bit away from were we live. I have found most swimming centres won't take bubs till 6 months +

I think its a personal choice, you know your bub best.

As for the chlorine, Brandon eyes were a little red after but went back to normal in 10 mins of so. He swallowed a bit of it tooo, and I found his poo a little runnier the next day but it didn't seem to cause a tummy ache as he wasn't upset at all.

If your not sure just try it once and you will know and find out if you bub likes it and is ready to start.

Hugs Heids

[tiynah]

hey there
i took tania swimming when she was 4 weeks...shes 19months now n no problems..
dont worry about it, the earlier they know how to swim the better...

[Niki]

i take my 6wk bubs swimming and he loves it but im careful that he doesnt swallow any of the water

[lovemybub]

They do say that introducing babies to water from day one is a good thing, but it all depends on how and where etc. The bath is the first place for them to get used to water, but at this age it is more water awareness and being comfortable in water than any other skills.

My DD will be starting water awareness lessons in a month (she will be 4 months) but not actual swimming lessons. I think the idea is that they (a) become used to water and (b) they develop survival skills for if they do have an accident in water. I think there is also a recommended temperature for the water for babies, which is about 32 degrees. Any colder can be uncomfortable, or even dangerous if it's too cold I guess.

We did try dipping our DD's feet in the grandparents' swimming pool over that really hot week at Christmas/New Year, but she wasn't too keen on the water even though it was a very hot day.

I guess you need to be the judge for your baby, but I definitely agree with whoever said don't let them swallow the water. I'm not sure about the chlorine thing, but my guess is that any pool that is the recommended temperature is going to have to be chlorinated to kill the germs.