SWIMMING WITH A BABY, WHAT DO YOU PACK IN YOUR BAG?

 By: Sha

 As a teenager I was constantly asked "Do you swim?". People assumed that I was a swimmer because of my broad shoulders. But the funny thing was that this wasn't the case at all. I didn't swim, because I simply never learned how to. My sisters and cousins all learned to swim at a young age and I would always go to pool with them but I never swam. I would sit alongside of the pool or be wading in the shallow end. Sometimes my siblings and cousins would play Baywatch and use me as the drowning victim. We had fun...LOL

    At the age of 23 I became frustrated with not being able to swim and I decided I needed to take swimming lessons. One day my mom and I were at a sports center enjoying a spa-day and we found out that the sports center also offered swimming lessons to women, without any hesitation, my mom signed me up and I started the week after. I took lessons once a week for about a half year until I knew how to swim. There's no shame in learning to swim as an adult, as a matter of fact I absolutely love to swim now. 

    Pre-pandemic, I would  go swimming once a week with my toddler and we enjoyed it very much. So of course when the pools closed due to COVID, I was very upset. Not only was it a great way to stay in shape and shred some baby weight,  it was also one of my bonding moments with my toddler. He's an avid swimmer, he never cried during baths and he loves swimming even more than I do -actually he loves any water related activity. I would fill up the bath for him once a week so he could "swim", but it's not the same, really.

    My pandemic baby is less of a swimmer. He doesn't seem to enjoy being in water as much. You would think after 42 weeks in the womb he wouldn't get enough of being surrounded by water, but no. So, it takes a while to prepare him for water activities, and when he's done, HE IS DONE. Meaning, we have to get him out of that water as soon as possible, or else he will start screaming!

    Apart from the fact that swimming is an excellent way to stay in shape, I believe it's important that my kids learn how to swim at a young age. So since the swimming pools have opened up again, I have decided to go back to the pool once a week with both kids and my mom. I need to loose the baby weight and my baby needs to familiarize himself with water. My mom tags along so she can play with my toddler.

    Before taking the children to swim, be it at the pool or the beach, it's important to pack the right things for both kids. I remember going to the pool once and all the kids had a water-gun and I had forgot to pack one for my toddler. It was truly disappointing for him that he was the only one without a water-gun. Luckily, there were children who didn't mind sharing. You gotta love kids who share!

    So, what are the most essential things when going on a swimming trip? 

1. Swim diapers  
2. Swimsuit/Swim Shorts/Hat
3. Bath cape/Towel/Bath robe
4. Sunscreen/After Sun Spray
5. Baby Floating Device  

6. Toys/Pacifier

1. The Swim Diapers!

    If your baby or toddler is not potty trained, do not go into the water without a swim diaper on. Regular diapers do not work in the water, they will absorb as much water as possible, making the diaper super heavy and saggy, and you don't want that around your child's waist. Also, nothing is going to stay in that stretched out saggy diaper, be prepared for mean looks and having to say sorry to everyone in the pool once that diaper starts leaking. No, we want to avoid that, so make sure that you have at least 2 swim diapers in the bag you're packing. Why 2 you ask? Just in case you're swimming and notice that your child has done a number 2 in the swim diaper! Remember, even though swim diapers may hold in some solid feces, they are not leak proof. Swim diapers can delay diarrhea-causing germs, like Cryptosporidium, from leaking into the water for a few minutes, but swim diapers do not keep these germs from contaminating the water.  It's wise to change that diaper fast!

Tip: Swim diapers do not absorb, that means fluids will leak through. So, don't put that diaper on until you are ready to go into the water. You don't want pee on the car seat during the drive. Also, once your child is out of the water make sure you give them a regular diaper A.S.A.P. 

2. Swimsuit/Swim Shorts/Hat

    I know a lot parents think a diaper is enough, why put anything else on? First, I personally prefer putting some kind of swim clothing on my children to make sure that the diaper stays snug and in place. All that movement in the water, the diaper might move around a bit without clothing over it or might even come loose (babies love to pull on the diaper ends). Hence why I will always choose to put something over that diaper. 

    Secondly, when swimming the water can be quite cold for babies, that's why a full swimsuit is recommended for babies. Also, when swimming outside in the summer, a full swimsuit is better for that soft and sensitive baby's skin. Sunburn on babies is horrible, so make sure to protect the baby's head as well. A hat in and out of the water will protect the head.

Tip: Make sure to keep that hat wet so your baby doesn't get overheated. 

3. Bath cape/Towel/Bath robe

    Water = wet. You are going to need something to dry your child off with. Remember that the baby's skin is so sensitive, if you don't dry it off correctly your baby will end up with rashes and may develop eczema.

    Usually, I take my children out of the water and immediately put them in the bath cape or robe. I then then remove the swim clothing and diaper, dry him off firmly with a towel and put on a clean and dry regular diaper. If we're outside (at the beach or outdoor pool) I'll leave the diaper on and the cape/robe (unless it's soaked) and let them get some Vitamin D. 

4. Sunscreen/After Sun Spray

    Sunburn is horrible, you should avoid that as much as possible. If you're going swimming outside make sure your baby has enough sunscreen throughout the day. I'll put some on when we leave the house, when I change him into his swimsuit, after a couple of hours and after drying off and changing. Once we get home I spray him with after sun. Be sure to read if the sunscreen you are using is appropriate for babies and for how long it offers protection. 

5. Baby Floating Device 

    My toddler knows that he is not allowed in the water without the floaties around his arms. However, the arm floaties don't work that well with babies. Babies tend to tilt face first in the water with the floaties on. You can still use them, but you will have to support your baby, by holding the head up or just holding the body completely. I prefer not to hold the baby the whole time. It gets tiring and I also don't think it's safe. A swimming float ring is definitely a good option. It keeps your baby floating above water and if the baby tilts, there is a whole ring to protect him from falling in. Be sure to check if the float is compatible with your babies weight,  and make sure to never to leave your baby unattended in the water with the float on. These are not rescue devices and your baby is still at risk of drowning while in water. 

6. Toys

    As I mentioned before, my toddler missed his water-gun at the pool. I think toddlers need more toys to entertain them when going anywhere, but believe it or not, babies need toys too. Sometimes babies need distraction, a toy makes that so much easier. Pack a rubber ducky or a waterproof rattle and thank me later. 

P. S. If your baby uses a pacifier, do not forget it! 

    Just like life, baby's are unpredictable. You may be prepared for everything, but your baby can, literally and figuratively, throw something at you that you would have never thought of. That's ok, you'll think about it the next time you pack that bag. In my experience, the above is the most essential for my kids. 

Do you feel like I missed something? What does your swimming bag look like? Do you pack snacks? Like this post and leave a comment below!

I hear Crying, Gotta Run! 

- a Pandemic Mommy