When can baby go swimming?
You can take your baby swimming from a very early age – there is no minimum recommended age for babies to start swimming[1][2][3]. Here are the key points about when babies can start swimming:
- Newborns and young infants can go in a swimming pool, even before they’ve had their vaccinations[3][5]. There’s no need to wait for immunizations.
- Many parents choose to start baby swimming lessons around 3-4 months old, but you can start earlier if you wish[1].
- For organized swimming classes, there may be age/weight requirements, often starting around 3-4 months old[2]. Check with local swim schools for their policies.
- It’s recommended to wait until after your 6-week postpartum checkup before you (the mother) go in the pool with your baby, to reduce infection risk[2][4].
- The pool should be heated to at least 32°C for babies under 3 months old, and at least 30°C for babies 3-12 months old[1].
- Keep early swimming sessions short (10-20 minutes) as babies can get cold quickly[2].
- Always supervise babies closely around water and never leave them unattended[2].
The most important factors are that you feel comfortable, your baby enjoys the water, and you follow safety guidelines. There’s no rush – you can start whenever you and your baby feel ready for this fun bonding activity.
Citations:
[1] https://www.pampers.co.uk/baby/activities/article/baby-swimming
[2] https://www.emmasdiary.co.uk/baby/lets-play/swimming-with-your-baby
[3] https://www.tommeetippee.com/en-gb/parent-library/newborn-baby/baby-development/when-can-babies-go-swimming
[4] https://www.babycentre.co.uk/x542046/how-soon-can-i-take-my-new-baby-swimming
[5] https://www.huggies.co.uk/parenting-advice/playtime-activities/baby-swimming/can-babies-go-swimming-before-injections