How to Get Your Baby Used to Pools, Lakes, and Rivers

It's time to go swimming!! But how do you introduce a new baby to a huge body of water? I'll tell you...

First off, Baby needs to be used to small amounts of water. If you're still washing your child with baby wipes or wet washcloths, he or she is going to be shocked at being submerged in water. So start small.

First let your baby see others in water. If you have a toddler who takes baths while you supervise, take the baby in with you. When your baby sees an older sibling in the water, he or she will have a chance to see that it's safe and fun. Gradually move your baby closer to the tub, and offer an opportunity to reach a little hand in and splash a bit.

Next try putting a very little water in a baby-tub, dish pan, or a sink. Set your baby on the edge (hold on tightly!) so that he or she can dip toes in it. It's not necessary to wash the baby, just let your child get use to wet feet. Repeat this exercise, adding a bit more water each time, until Baby's legs are mostly covered. Encourage your baby to bounce a bit (most babies like bouncing) so that more and more gets wet each time.

Once your baby is comfortable sitting in a small tub of water, start the process again in the regular sized tub. It should go much quicker, now that baby is getting more comfortable with being wet. Take a few familiar toys to play with in the tub, or have a set of 'tub only' toys to play with during water play in the tub.

Once you're baby is thoroughly comfortable in the family tub, it's time to head out to the pool, or your local river or lake side.

Choose a time and location where it won't be too crowded. Loud people, and lots of splashing, will be too different from the home tub experience, and can startle your baby very much.

Start by holding her baby in your arms (a spot he or she should already find comforting) and walk into the water yourself, holding the baby. Step gradually towards deeper water, letting the water come up the baby as you go. Pause at the ankles, and then again at the baby's waist, to give the child a chance to become accustomed to the feeling of being in the 'giant tub' with you.

If your baby seems uncomfortable at any point, step into shallower water for a bit, and try again in a few minutes. You may be able to get your baby out chest-deep the first day, or not. Don't be too disappointed if it takes a few trips to your local swimming spot before your baby is confident enough to be held in chest deep water and passed back and forth between relatives.

The more time you invest in introducing your baby to water in a slow, comfortable way, the better chance your child will have of becoming a self-assured lifelong swimmer.

** NEVER GO NEAR THE WATER WITH AN INFANT UNLESS SOMEONE IN YOUR PARTY IS TRAINED IN INFANT WATER RESCUE. **

** NEVER SWIM ALONE. **