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| baby swimming FAQ's |
Q: When can I take my baby swimming? A: You can take your baby swimming from approx 10 weeks old, sometimes younger. Q: Will my baby need its vaccinations? A: It is not necessary to have all vaccinations before taking your baby swimming however it is important to use a baby swimming approved school. The following is an extract from the NHS Direct website (http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleid=1035) : 'Babies can be taken swimming at any age. It doesn’t matter if they haven’t yet completed their course of immunisations. The management of some leisure facilities suggest that babies shouldn’t go swimming until they have had all of their jabs. This advice dates back to the time when polio was common, and people were concerned it would spread in busy places like public swimming pools. Sometimes babies experience side effects after the MMR vaccine. These are generally quite mild, and should not prevent you taking your baby swimming. Babies who are feverish, or who get a mild form of mumps in the weeks after the vaccine, may not feel up to swimming for a few days.' Q: Won't my baby swallow or breathe in water? A: A babies natural 'gag' reflex prevents water entering a babies lungs or stomach. It doesn't sound very nice but is a perfectly natural phenomenom. This is why you often see photos of babies 'swimming' under the water. This is entirely natural to a baby who will not normally 'choke' on the water but simply the reflex closes the larynx and oesophagus automatically to prevent water being swallowed or breathed in. Q: Are there swimming classes for babies? A: Both STA (Swimming Teachers Association) and ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) have databases of approved swim schools catering for babies, some as young as 8 weeks old. There are also many independent baby swim schools across the UK. Q: Will my baby be scared? A: Babies are naturally comfortable around water upto approx 15 months old. If they are introduced to water from a young age they maintain this confidence in water as they get older. Properly organised baby swimming classes gently introduce babies to water. Q: Why should I take my baby swimming? A: Swimming is an incredibly healthy activity and it is recognised that the physical development gained by the reduced gravity exercise in water is excellent and the emotional development of being close to babies parent is extremely worthwhile. Q: Won't my baby get cold? A: Swimming pools catering for babies under 24 months are required to maintain a pool temperature of 32 degrees Celsius however this is not always the case. Many parents buy a baby warming 'wetsuit' to help maintain babies body temperature. These are really useful also as they provide a grippy surface to hold onto baby and a small amount of buoyancy from the neoprene material. Q: When shouldn't I take my baby swimming? A: You should not take your baby swimming immediately after eating. It is best to allow at least an hour or two for digestion. If your baby has an upset tummy it is also best not to go swimming for at least 24 hours after baby has recovered. Q: What else will I need to take my baby swimming? A: Along with a baby warming wetsuit it is essential to have a good aqua nappy. All swimming pools are extremely careful of the effects of soiled water and many insist on a two layer system with an aqua nappy cover also. A mat to lay alongside the pool to place baby on before entering the water is a useful item as is a poncho towel for putting over baby after the swimming session. A pair of neoprene rubber socks are great for keeping little feet warm and protected. Many also wear neoprene rubber head bands to protect the ears and prevent water getting in them. We hope this has been helpful however if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Happy swimming! |
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| Konfidence are proud to be members of the Swimming Teachers Association. |
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