For young infants, you should make sure that umbilical cord or circumcision wounds have healed. [3] X Research source Furthermore, if you had a C-section, you may want to wait until you have healed as well. [4] X Research source You can wait until your baby is older if you want. Babies between six and ten months can be taught to hold their breath on cue. They may also be able to grab the edge of the pool or push off the side of the pool into your arms. [5] X Research source Speak to your doctor to make sure that your baby is ready to go into the pool. The doctor can tell you if an infant’s wounds have healed or if there are any medical conditions that may prevent your baby from going into the water. Also avoid bringing your baby to a public pool if they have any infections such as skin, respiratory, or gastrointestinal.
A bottle or snacks if your baby is at that stage A clean towel or two — one with a hood is best Bath toys such as toy boats, plastic animals, or dolls
If you cannot find a heated pool, you can take them into a non-heated pool. Your pool session should only last 10 minutes. Afterwards, warm the baby up in a clean towel. [9] X Research source If the pool feels too cold for you, it is too cold for your baby.
You may even want to consider baby swimming lessons. The instructors will be experienced in introducing babies to pools, and they will have proper safety equipment. [10] X Research source
Gently bob your baby up and down in the water. Gently swirl them back and forth in the water. Float some bath toys in the water. As they reach for them, hold your baby out horizontally in front of you as though they are swimming. Do not let go of them. Make sure that their head is above water.
If you notice your baby’s lips or fingernails becoming blue, they are cold. Similarly, if they begin to shiver, you should remove them from the pool. Dry them in a towel to warm them. [14] X Research source
