Taking your baby out to the pool is one of the most fulfilling things. You are making precious memories with your child, getting them to explore and splash around in the water and allowing them to enjoy this new activity.
It is also a great way to bond with your little one. However, when your baby has not been potty trained or is in the process, the question arises of how they are meant to be in the swimming pool wearing a diaper. Is it even possible for them to wear a diaper in the pool?
Your Baby and The Pool
There is no limit to when your child can start using the pool. They can be months old or years old. As long as they are with a parent or guardian, this is completely acceptable.
Swimming is a great way to introduce babies to new exercises as well as allowing them to explore new activities. This is an activity which is plenty of fun for babies and allows them to bond with their parent.
Although it has been said that babies are born with the ability to swim, it is in fact proven that newborns cannot swim, so it would not be recommended to take your newborn out into the water at such a young age.
However, that is not to say that the child of a few months old cannot learn. It is understood that many babies react naturally to water and enjoy being in the pool, and this is why taking your baby to the pool is a strongly suggested activity, however it is important to remember that they are still young and fragile.
It is essential to know what precautions to have in place to ensure your infant’s safety.
Health and Safety
For any parent, the major concern for their child is their health and safety. Although it is true that taking your baby swimming can be a positive and joyous experience for them, it should also be noted the risks that can occur and how to make sure that your baby is safe during their time in the pool.
Never Leave your Baby
This first rule, and the most crucial, is to never leave your baby in the pool unsupervised. Even if your baby is able to kick their legs and use their arms, leaving a baby in the water unsupervised is very dangerous.
Continue to hold on to them, keep them secure in your arms and ensure that they are not swept away by the water. On paper, it is easy to forget how small your baby is in comparison to the size of the pool (even if this pool is kid’s sized). It is important to always keep your child close and keep a close eye on them.
Know What Bacteria They Are Swimming In
All swimming pools are bacteria ridden with thousands of germs contaminating the water – this is inevitable. It is acknowledged by all that when you are swimming in the water you are putting yourself and your child at risk of being exposed to that bacteria, however that does not mean that you should not be able to use public pools.
What it does mean is that you should know what to look out for and stay protected. Babies can easily contract viruses so when swimming, make sure they are not ingesting and swallowing any of the water.
Also be sure before choosing a pool that it is sanitary and cleaned properly. If you choose to use your own pool, bacteria can still lurk. Be sure to have this cleaned out to the best of your ability.
Don’t Rely Solely on Water Floats
Water floats are great to have. They are not only beneficial to helping your baby to swim and stay afloat, but they also come in a range of styles and colors bringing further enjoyment to your child. However, it is important to not rely solely on this pool float.
Pool floats are prone to tipping and can make the baby’s head go under the water, so you should not expect the float to manage your baby’s safety. Hold onto the float whilst your baby is using it to prevent any possible accidents which may occur.
Can My Baby Swim Wearing A Diaper?
You would not find grown adults wearing their underwear under their bathing suit, nor would you find that with an older child, but when it comes to babies they don’t really have a choice in the matter.
Babies wear diapers as they are not able to use the bathroom and are in the stages of being potty trained, and because of this wearing a diaper is vital. But how can a baby swim whilst wearing a diaper?
The main concern is how their diaper will hold what’s inside in the swimming pool. It is natural for a baby to pee and poop on a regular basis, especially at only a few months old, and the worst thing that can happen is for them to release themselves whilst in the water.
Unfortunately, regular diapers are not designed for the water. They are designed to hold bodily waste created by that child, however being submerged in the water will not suffice. That is why swim diapers were made.
What are Swim Diapers?
Swim diapers are made for those with Fecal incontinence, made to be worn underneath one’s bathing suit. They are strong enough to hold your baby’s feces long enough for the baby to enjoy their time in the pool and there are little risks of potential leakage.
If you are to take your baby to the pool, it will be a requirement for them to wear a swim diaper. This is not only for their sake but for the benefit of the others using the pool.
Swim Diapers vs Regular Diapers
There is a large difference between the two diapers and this is all in how the diaper is designed.
Your regular diaper is made to do the bare minimum which is to absorb urine and hold feces, however it is not designed to withstand that amount of water. When babies wet their diapers, the material used makes the diaper puff up. In an entire pool of water, you can only imagine what will happen to your baby’s diaper.
Swim diapers are designed differently in order to make the baby stay comfortable and give them a diaper which allows them to excrete freely with no consequences. A swim diaper, on the other hand, is designed to repel water and does not absorb. This is both good and bad.
On the negative side, this diaper will not work on dry land and will not stop your baby from wetting their diaper, but on the positive side this diaper will not absorb the pool water they are in.
However, what people worry about the most is the risk of their baby pooping. There is no need to worry about this because the swim diaper works to contain any feces that the baby may have released.
As previously explained, this diaper will not puff up so any poop that may have occurred will stay in its place and secure until they need to be changed.
Types of Swim Diapers
There are two main types of swim diapers to choose from – you have disposable swim diapers, and you have reusable swim diapers. But what is the difference? And which one is best for your baby?
There are many ups and down to the diapers however it is completely free of choice as to which one you will provide for your baby.
Disposable Swim Diapers
Disposable swim diapers are diapers that can be disposed of straight away after use. This is efficient for its convenience and simple way of use. You will find that most disposable diapers have been designed to easily tear away from the baby’s body to throw away once soiled, making this an easy method.
However, with ups comes its downs. Although a disposable swim diaper is very convenient, this comes at a price. These diapers are costly, costing much more than the average diaper. It can also be a pain if you are in desperate need of another swim diaper however your baby has already soiled this pair.
Despite this, the positives outweigh the negatives and there are many other great attributes to this such as the diaper being easy to store away in your purse for on-the-go activities.
Reusable Diapers
The reusable diaper is the complete opposite to the disposable diaper. The swim diaper is reusable giving it multiple uses before having to throw it away. This is great for anyone who is wanting to save money on buying several packs of diapers.
Because of this, you can be guaranteed that the diaper is more durable than your disposable diaper, with attention to strength and quality. Similarly to the other, this diaper is costly, however this is understood due to its great quality and fun designs.
In order to reuse these diapers, simply get rid of any waste then wash with warm water and plenty of soap. You can choose to wash this by hand or in the washing machine (but make sure to look at what the product recommends).
Key Points for Using a Swim Diaper
Before using a swim diaper, it is important to know how to use them sensibly and in the correct way. It is true that putting it on your child and letting the diaper do its work is a simple enough task, however there are some key points that can be taken away to help improve the quality of the wear.
Keep Checking Your Baby’s Diaper
With all that fun you guys are having in the pool, it can be easy to forget that your baby is a constant pooping machine. It is important to continue checking your baby’s diaper every half an hour to an hour. This is to ensure that your baby is comfortable and to take away any risks.
If you have a toddler who is being potty trained and still needs a diaper, make sure to take them on bathroom checks every half an hour to an hour as well. Your child can easily get excited and this could lead to more accidents than you are prepared for.
Use Adjustable Swim Diapers
If you are wanting to opt for reusable swim diapers then you are wanting this diaper to last. The beauty of the disposable swim diaper is that it has an everlasting life (so long as you handle it with care, of course). Adjustable swim diapers are made to adjust to the size of the child, so you will be able to fit your baby into that diaper at both one years old and three years old. This, too, goes towards saving money.
If you want to, you could even use these diapers on your future children down the line. This is perfectly sanitary as long as you are making sure to wash them both thoroughly and regularly.
Remember What these Diapers Are For
These swim diapers can be very convenient, however it is important to remember that these diapers are for swimming pool use only. The way it is made is for the benefit of your baby at the pool, and this should not be used on dry land.
If your child uses this diaper their urine will leak out due to its material and the way it has been made. Although this is a convenient diaper, it is important to stick to regular diapers when away from the pool.
Taking Your Baby to the Pool: The Positives
Taking your baby to the pool can be a frightening experience, especially if this is your first time. As a parent, we want to ensure our child’s safety and protect them, so placing them in a pool when they don’t know how to swim can be daunting.
However, baby swimming comes with a cluster of benefits. It is more than just fun and bonding. It is also about supporting the health of your infant and encouraging them to take on new tasks.
Below is a list of several benefits to taking your baby swimming, showing that there is nothing to be afraid of.
Boost In Confidence
Swimming is a brilliant way to grow your baby’s confidence, both around other baby’s and with themselves.
They will have the confidence from an early age to be in the water and will be able to feel comfortable in a social setting (for example, if you are taking your child to mommy baby classes).
Enhancing Paternal Bond
Taking your baby swimming is a great way to strengthen the paternal bond between you and your baby.
Whether you are their mother, father, or guardian, swimming sessions will bring you closer together as you play together in the pool, teach them swimming exercises, and show that you are their protector in the water. Swimming is a great activity to involve yourself in and is plenty of fun for all.
Builds Muscles
Swimming is a good way to strengthen their muscles. As they are learning to kick their legs and move their arms, this is all a part of exercising and growing their muscles.
This is essential for a baby’s development as they are learning to use their muscles to crawl and eventually walk. As well as this, your baby will be internally stronger, improve the strength of their heart, lungs and brain.
Helps Your Baby’s Balance
As your baby’s body is supported by the water, they need to know how to maintain their balance. Frequent pool use is a great way of exercising this ability, leading to an improvement of their balance outside of the pool.
This allows them to find it easier walking and fall over less.
Improves Sleeping Habits
If your baby struggles to fall asleep or has a confusing sleeping pattern, swimming may be the answer for them. The feel of the water, its warmth, the constant movements of the baby’s limbs, this is all enough to make any baby sleepier.
However, it is important to note that this doesn’t mean they will be sleeping throughout the night, but it will definitely be beneficial to their sleeping schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended age to take my baby swimming?
You are able to take your baby out swimming from as young as six months old. It is recommended to start early before your baby understands the concept of fear and feels comfortable in the water.
What should I expect at mommy baby swim classes?
You will not be alone in this class. There will be many mothers with their young babies. The session will aim to be relaxing yet fun for the baby and your baby will learn to build on their natural reflexes.
How to prepare for baby’s first swim?
It is important to be prepared for the first time your baby uses the pool. Make sure that your baby is wearing swim diapers, that they have previously been fed and rested before the pool. You can even bring along one of their favorite bath toys to bring that added excitement to the pool.
Final Thoughts
As a baby, it is impossible to survive without a diaper. That is why there are swim diapers. With swim diapers your baby has the freedom to splash around in the pool without the fear of making a mess everywhere.
Choose between reusable and disposable swim diapers. They each provide many features which will be beneficial to your child and will get the job done.
It is important to take opportunities such as swimming with your baby. It is a way to show love, to bond, to stay active and develop both mentally and physically. As a parent, you can be rest assured that your baby will feel comfortable, and you can know that the other swimmers around your baby will be safe from any accidents.
So, if you are a mother, a father, or a guardian looking for a fun activity to do with your baby, choose swimming. It is the perfect activity for small babies and a great way to keep them active whilst they’re having fun.
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