When Can a Baby Go in the Pool?
- The Involved Dad
- Jun 23, 2018
- 2 min read
Summer is officially here and this Las Vegas heat is in full swing. Yesterday was our goddaughter's third birthday and pool party! Hitting the pool sure was a welcomed relief during this heat. However, with it being baby Rose's first time at the pool, The Mrs. and I were a little nervous. For starters, we weren't even sure if it was okay for a baby to go in the pool at this age. So while at the doctors office last week, we made sure to check with our pediatrician. After getting the go ahead, of course The Mrs. had to go shopping. She ended up finding the cutest swim suite out there, plus the most adorable sun hat. Seriously, little Rose was getting compliments left and right.
After a good feeding, a healthy dose of sunblock, and a cute outfit, we were ready for the pool. We were really lucky, because the particular pool had a nice big area that was just 3 inches deep. This landing made it really easy to introduce her to the water and to get her used to the pool. To The Mrs. and I's delight, she loved it! She was calm, happy and didn't even cry one bit. She even splashed around a little bit.
Soon we'd find ourselves in deeper waters (3 feet) holding her in up to her chest. She loved when The Mrs. or I would bounce her up and down, or sway side by side. The Mrs. and I are absolutely thrilled that she had such a positive first experience. We've been thinking about swim lessons but were nervous she wouldn't like it. Now we know, that won't be the case. Swim lessons here we come!
Tips and Lessons Learned: - As with anything with a baby, I learned that a proper set-up makes a world of difference. We planned it out so Rose would have a nap and feeding right before we headed to the pool. This worked out great! - Be liberal with that sunblock. Don't want baby to burn. - Go slow and find an area where there isn't too many people splashing. - Keep an eye on the time. You don't want your little one in the pool or sun for too long.