When summer is on the way, it is time to pick out some baby swimwear and have fun with your little one in the pool! Even a new baby just 5 weeks old can enjoy playing with you in the water. Health professionals used to advise waiting until babies had had their 2 month immunizations but that is no longer the case in most areas. Ask your health care specialist but you will probably find they will be very encouraging about your plans to take your baby into the water.

Pool diapers

The first thing you will want for a baby going into the pool is a swim diaper. These can be worn alone or under other swimwear. They have a synthetic waterproof outer coating (usually colored with a cute pattern) and cloth inside, and they are machine washable. While you need not worry too much about urine in the water because the pool chlorination will deal with that, a pool diaper will probably make you more comfortable taking your baby into a public pool and will relieve any concern you may have about how to deal with solid waste accidents while your baby is swimming in your own pool.

Swimsuits

Baby swimsuits are usually styled in a similar way to older children’s swimwear, with full body tanks or trunks for boys and one-piece or bikini styles for girls. They may come with a matching sun hat. There are many different designs and some of them are very cute. Shop around for one that you like, but do not expect to find much available for babies under 3 months. Most of the ranges start at that age.

Baby wetsuits will keep baby warmer in the water so you can both stay in for a longer time, and are designed for swimming comfort. They look very professional and are designed to fit over swim diapers for your future athlete!

Baby flotation devices

There are many kinds of flotation devices available, from inflatable swimsuits through water wings, rubber rings and inflatable boats. However, most of these are designed for children of 12 months or older. Little babies in the pool should never be left alone and they will learn to swim better if you do not encourage them to rely on inflatable rings and other such devices.

Sunscreen

Do not forget to use a good waterproof sunscreen formulated for babies and toddlers any time that your baby is in an outdoor pool to protect his or her sensitive skin from the rays that can attack even through a hazy sky. Remember that water reflects the sunlight, making it even more dangerous. You will want to cover your baby’s head too. Your little one will probably not be very happy about having to wear a hat in the water and the hat is likely to get very wet very quickly if you insist, but you can at least have it there ready for when you climb out of the pool.