Public Pool Age...?

My kids were both born in June, I didn't take them into any pools or the ocean/lake at that age, I took them into the water the following summer for each,when they were a year old. I wouldn't take an infant a few weeks or even a few months old into a public pool full of heaven knows what kind of bacteria, not to mention all the chemicals.

We first brought kiddo into the pool with us at a few weeks old. That young they still have "brown fat" which keeps them warm, because they can't shiver yet. They lose the brown fat as soon as they can start to shiver. So you have to keep a close eye on their temp (and you can't do it by the whole shivering thing)... but as long as you do that, there's no reason not to bring her in now.

I think we began my son into the pool when he was about 5 months old. I spoke to my pediatrician when he was nearly five months old, and she was not at all concerned that we were hoping to take him into a public pool, but was concerned about the heat. We belong to a health club that has a very warm heated indoor pool, and my son could (at 5-months-old) probably stand to be in there for about 15 minutes. I think the biggest concern for your daughter should be temperature, since kids this young cannot regulate their body temperature. I think 5-6 months is the earliest I would take your daughter in the pool.

I'm not sure what the pediatrician answer would be, although there is a definate rule of thumb regarding when you can start to use sunscreen on babies. Even if you use a canopy, sun reflects up off the water and a baby can get to much. My daughters first try was at 3 months and she was so scared even though she loved water. It was just to much water. At 5 months she loved it.

You can buy UV protective long sleeve rash guards to cover baby's skin and avoid sunblock. Pay attention to pool water quality standards. A pool that requires REUSABLE (non-disposable) swim pants is best for preventing RWI (recreational water illness).

If you live in the Austin or Dallas area, Emler Swim School (www.iswimemler.com) offers a free class called Bathtub Babies for infants 2 to 5 months old. Indoor, heated pools (90 degrees) and UV treated salt water means clean/ gentle water.

Have fun!

I believe you will need to go by your mothering instincts instead of any "general rule of thumb" (if there is such a thing).

Personally, a public pool, even for just the apartment complex residents, is a bit dicey. I mean, it is one thing for some splashed water to get into my baby's mouth if we are home and in the tub. But I would worry too much at such a pool that you describe.

I have more confidence with a pool experience where I know the health issues are addressed and maintained well. I would actually suggest a small inflatable pool that you can fill and use for the day (always emptying at the end of the day and spraying with disinfectant).

I had my son in the water at 3w, as long as you're w/her, no worries. Just rinse her skin off afterwards w/water so she's not too chlorinated and doesn't get dry skin.

I started taking my oldest in right before 3 months. My parents have a pool, so that was his first experience. I HIGHLY recommend the waterproof carriers. Several companies make them if you look on ebay or Amazon. I had a neoprene Baby Bjorn style by Body Glove -it was wonderful! The baby was snug and warm against me, my hand were free and it was a delightful experience!

My doctor said 6 months, but just be cautious that your pool is clean and well maintained.

I think my daughter was about 4 months and it was a private pool. It was also the end of the summer so the water had heated up and they had a solar cover, which helped keep the water warm.

Chek with your doctor, but I think you would want to wait until she was 6 months.

I think you should go on a little of your own instincts as well as maybe talk to your pediatrician. Babies lose their dive reflex around 6mo, so it may be better to introduce her to water sooner than that, but that could be just a bathtub. My son was born in October, and we didn't have access to an indoor pool, so we had no choice but to wait until we went to FL when he was 6mo, but he LOVED the water and still does. My now 6mo daughter is showing the same signs, and part of me can't wait for it to warm up here, so I can take her swimming :)

Mine were about 6-7 months bc of when they were born. I would ask the pedi just to know how he/she feels. Oh I also live in an apt!