Choosing the right baby pool not only makes the baby more comfortable in the water, but is also important for its safety and security. Well, there are some tips that you need to know as a guide in choosing a swimming pool for babies.
Babies can actually swim since they were born. However, the best time to take your baby to the pool is when he is 6 months or older.
Besides being fun, swimming provides many benefits for babies, such as improving cognitive function and self-confidence to practicing balance. However, make sure you choose the right baby pool so that the benefits can be obtained optimally.
Tips for Choosing a Safe Baby Pool
Before you take your little one swimming, here are some tips for choosing a safe baby pool:
1. Avoid bringing babies to public swimming pools
For babies aged 6 months and under, make sure you don't take them to public swimming pools for all ages. This is because the water in public swimming pools is too cold for babies at this age. Try to choose a baby pool with a water temperature of around 32 degrees Celsius.
If you see his body starting to shiver while swimming, immediately lift your little one from the pool and immediately warm him with a towel. Babies are easier to experience a decrease in body temperature than adults so it is not recommended to swim for too long.
2. Make sure the depth of the swimming pool is suitable for babies
Choose a baby pool with a depth that is suitable for your little one. The recommended swimming pool water level for babies is 7–10 cm or up to the baby's shoulders. This is intended to keep his body warm and make it easier for him to move in the water.
3. Avoid swimming pool water that contains chlorine
Water in public swimming pools usually contains chlorine. These chemicals can cause irritation, because baby's skin is generally still very sensitive. Therefore, you are advised to be more selective in choosing a swimming pool for babies and make sure the pool does not use chlorine.
After swimming, immediately bathe the Little One so that the chemicals contained in the swimming pool water do not cause irritation to the skin.
4. Choose a swimming pool that is kept clean
Babies have a weaker immune system than adults. Therefore, make sure you choose a baby pool that is kept clean to reduce the risk of your baby getting bacterial infections.
In addition, babies cannot control their heads well, so the risk of babies swallowing pool water while swimming is quite high. So, don't let your little one swim alone without supervision.
5. Use a plastic swimming pool
If there is no baby pool in your area, you can use a plastic swimming pool to introduce your baby to swimming activities. You can also teach him to swim using batht u b at home, if available.
Before filling the water for swimming, make sure the inside of the plastic swimming pool is clean of dirt. To reduce the risk of spreading disease, bathe your little one with soap and clean water before and after swimming in a plastic swimming pool.
After use, clean the plastic swimming pool and let it dry. When it dries completely, dry it in the sun for at least 4 hours.
Preparation Before Taking the Baby to Swim
There are several things you need to prepare before bringing your little one to the children's pool, namely:
- Avoid taking your little one swimming if he is sick, including diarrhea, fever, and severe flu.
- Use a special diaper for swimming and change the diaper immediately if your little one urinates or pees.
- Do not immediately invite your little one to swim if you have just fed him.
- Limit your little one's time in the water and start the first swimming session with a duration of 10 minutes, then you can increase it gradually to 20 minutes.
In addition to choosing a safe baby pool, make sure you are always by his side when he swims.
Supervise and take care of your little one so that he doesn't drown or experience things that endanger him.
You can also consult a doctor before taking your little one to the baby pool to determine whether his health condition allows or not to do swimming activities.
