Sunshine, sand castles and swimming is definitely a recipe for a wonderful holiday! Before you go on a holiday by the ocean- or the pool, one needs to be prepared for swimming with your baby or toddler. Here is all the information you need on swimming with your little one- safely!

Water babies
If you have decided on doing a resort holiday- with the sea and hotel pool, do you research first. When choosing a resort don’t hesitate to inquire about the safety statistics and standards at the hotel. It’s important to make sure the hotel has properly trained lifeguards (both CPR and water rescue) on duty at all times, especially at the children’s pools. You can also inquire about the pool water quality and if chlorine and pH levels are kept up to the legal standards- if they are not, you and your family could be at risk for a variety of infections.

If you have planned a beach and or pool holiday, it’s a good idea to get baby water ready before you embark. This is vital from a safety point of view- baby will not be able to swim properly until they are older but young babies are able to learn to hold their breath, blow bubbles under water and paddle to the sides to hold on- invaluable for a swimming holiday.

Many parents question how early can they get their little ones in the water? There is a common belief that you can only get your baby swimming once they have had all their immunizations but this is an old wives tale- The NHS has debunked this idea and say it’s best to get your baby into the water once they won’t be fazed by the activity and noise around them in the pool. Most parent and baby swim classes begin at 12 weeks, so this is a good guideline.

Swimming with baby
Before you jet off on your fabulous holiday, take yourself and baby off to your local pool, or your own pool if you lucky enough to have one! It’s also a great idea to use bath-time to get baby used to water, splashing and getting their faces wet. If you off to the public pool, make your visits during the off-peak, less busy hours, so you will have a quiet space and your baby won’t be overwhelmed by all the noise and people. Start with a 10 minute session and build up to twice that time. Get your little one feeling comfortable in the water by playing games with baby’s own bath toys (to keep it familiar) and making it fun- but remember to keep baby close to you so that they feel safe in the water. Try swishing baby through the water like a fish or raise baby up and down gently.

Once your little one is comfortable and confident in the water, it’s time to teach them a life-saving skill. Teach your baby to blow bubbles under the water- this skill will ensure baby doesn’t swallow water if ever under the water. Demonstrate this to baby by doing it yourself and remember to make it a game and fun for your little one.

Keep in mind these tips when getting your little acquainted with the water. Wait at least an hour after you have fed your baby to take them swimming. Only take your baby into the shallow end of the toddlers’ pool when you start and always test the temperature of the water yourself. It is vital to keep your concentration and don’t rely on baby floats or water wings to keep your baby safe. The moment your baby starts to look cold and shiver, take him or her out the water and wrap them in a warm towel. Always rinse baby off in the shower or bath after a swim, the chlorine is not good for their sensitive skin. Remember to never take your baby swimming if they have been sick, always wait at least 2 days after they have recovered from a tummy bug, cold or infection.

While on holiday
Before you venture out to the pool, get your water baby kitted out with some wonderful water gear!

Keep baby protected (and other swimmers!) with swim nappies and nappy covers. A lot of costumes these days have built in nappies which are fabulous for the water.

It’s also an idea to get protective swimwear for your little one if you are swimming in the sunshine- if you are abroad; the sun is generally a lot harsher than the British sun.

Get some baby friendly sunscreen and remember to keep applying throughout the day- even if it looks overcast and if you in the water most of the day- that is when you and your little one can get the most burnt!

Your baby’s eyes and ears are sensitive and it is common for babies and toddlers to react badly to water in their ears, which can cause ear infections. Get your little one some waterproof ear plugs that will put your baby at ease and make swimming more comfortable. Also get swim goggles that will protect baby’s eyes from irritation from chlorine.

If your child has any form of illness, from a cold to a skin complaint don’t take them into the water as it could aggravate the symptoms. Wait until it’s cleared up before getting wet again!

Remember, it’s not advisable to take a baby into the sea if they are under 12 months as their kidneys can’t cope with the salt water they may swallow. If you want to take baby into the sea make sure you hold baby’s head up and out of the water!

Happy travels...