Baby pool: tips, benefits and information on neonatal swimming
Water is synonymous with life. Everything originates from this element and it is there that, especially newborns, find their ideal size. This explains why many women decide to give birth in water and more and more parents to enroll their newborns in courses. This environment, in fact, reminds them of the sensations experienced during their stay in the amniotic fluid. In the pool, children find that freedom of movement they would otherwise lack and find a series of benefits that affect their development and well-being. Let's find out together when to start carrying a baby in the pool, what are the risks and advantages and all the practical tips to "dive" into this activity.
But before you dive into your reading, check out this interesting video about the role play plays in children's lives.
Swimming pool and babies: when to start?
To be able to bring a baby into the pool it is necessary that he has completed 3 to 5 months of life. At that point, the navel will be completely healed and the baby will have already been subjected to all the mandatory vaccines. Also, since mom and dad, or one of them, will also have to dive in the water with him, it is best for both of them to have fully made it through postpartum recovery, a process that can take up to a few months. A general advice regarding the neonatal aquatic issue is to start gradually, bringing the baby to the pool once a week for about half an hour.
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Read also: All the benefits of swimming during pregnancy for mum and baby
Swimming for children: where to practice it
If you wish to undertake a neonatal aquatic course with your baby, inquire at the pools in your area. In particular, you prefer equipped facilities, in which changing rooms you can count on the presence of changing tables and playpens where you can change the baby after a bath. Check that the hygienic conditions are optimal and that the water temperature as well as that of the surrounding environment is between 32 and 37 ° C. Once you have chosen the sports center that is right for you, you can decide whether to practice free swimming, swimming with your child in total autonomy, or sign up for one of the available courses. In the latter case, inform yourself in advance about the number of children admitted and make sure that this does not exceed 10.
Is it dangerous to take a baby to the pool?
Although this is an increasingly widespread activity, many parents reserve quite a few qualms regarding neonatal swimming. Many fathers and many mothers wonder, in fact, if bringing a newborn into the pool can be dangerous. The answer to this question is more than legitimate: no, the swimming pool is not dangerous for babies. The child, especially in the first months, retains the memory of intrauterine life, when he was completely immersed in the amniotic fluid. The latter, therefore, mindful of the 9 months spent in the uterus, has a natural survival instinct in water and will be able to float without problems. Also, for a neonatal reflex known as the apnea reflex, he recognizes when it is time to close the epiglottis so as not to swallow the water and hold his breath during the dive. This memory, however, lasts up to 6 months and that is why the approach to swimming must take place as soon as possible. In addition, there is no need to worry since the parent, or both, will always stand by the child's side, supporting him for the duration of the bath.
Is chlorine bad for the baby?
Chlorine is a disinfectant agent that absolutely cannot be missing in the water of a swimming pool. As a parent, it is normal to have doubts regarding the impact that this substance could have on the baby and on its extremely delicate skin, but, if its presence is contained, the little one is in no danger. As a further precaution, you and your partner could inquire at the sports facility you have selected about whether they are equipped with a rapid recycling purification mechanism, a system that limits the amount of chlorine dissolved in the water. In any case, after the bath, rinse the baby carefully, making sure you use soaps and detergents based on natural ingredients and not at all aggressive.
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Swimming pool and babies: all the benefits of this activity
In the pool, the child comes into contact with the primordial element from which everything originated, including his life, namely water. For him, it will be like returning to the intrauterine dimension, a comfortable environment where he felt protected and safe. But the benefits of an activity such as neonatal aquatics do not end there. The movements performed by the newborn to stay afloat stimulate growth and positively affect the development of muscles and bones. The immersion in water is particularly relaxing for the child, but also fun because there the little one, unlike on the stroller or on the seat, he is free to move as he sees fit. Consequently, being more relaxed, the baby will have less difficulty falling asleep and, by virtue of this, we can say that swimming significantly improves the quality of sleep, a fact that will make people very happy. all those parents exhausted and tried by sleepless nights. It should also be emphasized that, while swimming, the child's body releases endorphins, experiencing a feeling of prolonged well-being. The appetite will also benefit: after physical exertion, the child will be more inclined to Finally, another good reason to bring your baby into the pool from the first months of life, is that there he will be able to become familiar with the water if Without having to face fears and fears in adulthood.
Neonatal aquaticity: some useful tips
If you are planning to sign up for a neonatal swimming course with your little one, here are some useful tips and information to know before trying your hand at this activity:
- Choose waterproof nappies or opt for containment swimsuits. (Buy the Huggies 20 Pack Waterproof Nappies on Amazon!)
- As a precaution, buy a thermal shirt for your child, so that he can wear it if the water temperature is too cold.
- While he is in the water, always hold the baby with your arms under his armpits (alternatively, if you want him to float independently, put him in a life jacket with panties> you can easily buy it on Amazon at a special price!)
- Put a handful of toys in the bag to entertain the child while he is immersed in the water. (Here is a set of floating toys to take to the tub!)
- Never let go in order to prevent the little one from ending up under water and being excessively frightened.
- To prepare him for total immersion, start by gently wetting his face and neck with your hands.
- Always keep calm, otherwise the baby will sense your agitation and become nervous as a result.
- After the bath, be sure to dry the baby carefully, especially inside the ears. In this way, you will protect it from blows and ailments!
- Always bring two towels so you have one for when you get out of the pool and another to use after your shower. (On Amazon you will find a super soft baby bathrobe in the shape of a teddy bear!)
Babies at the sea: a guide on how to behave
The first time at the beach is an unparalleled emotion, but before diving a baby into this new and exciting experience, you need to be rather cautious. Even if you and your child have been attending a swimming course for months, always keep in mind that there are huge differences between the sea and the pool. Sea water, in fact, is colder and more agitated, without considering that, being salty, it can significantly irritate the baby's throat and eyes. Furthermore, when they are still newborns, their exposure to the sun and salt must be limited, therefore, as a first approach, it is better to have an inflatable baby pool to keep under the umbrella: in this way, your child will be more protected but still happy. Despite this, with some precautions, it is still possible to make him take his first bath in the sea. For example, you could have him wear a full-length swimsuit and a special life jacket and hold his hand for the duration of the swim.
