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Lagan Valley LeisurePlex

 swimming child
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 CSE AWARD
 

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR TAKING BABIES AND TODDLERS SWIMMING


The pools at the LeisurePlex have been approved as "Baby Friendly" in a scheme approved by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM), Amateur Swimming Association and Huggies "Little Swimmers".

TAKING THE PLUNGE

Going swimming is a great way to have fun and bond with your baby, however the first visit can often bedaunting for both parents and baby, so we've tried to put your mind at rest by answering some frequently asked questions.

Why is baby swimming so important?
By attending the pool on a regular basis, you could be:

  • Teaching your baby the basic safety skills, which could one day save his / her life - jumping in,
    turning around, holding on, swimming back to the side and back floating.
  • Enhancing his / her physical development - strength, fitness, co-ordination and early muscle
    formation.
  • Improving social and behavioural habits - stimulation and regulating eating and
    sleeping habits.

What is the best way to introduce your baby to the water?

  • Babies feel more secure in smaller environments, so why not start of with a deep bath to build
    confidence.
  • Bring along a favourite bath toy to the pool, this will help the baby familiarise.
  • Try and pick a time when the pool is quiet.

What do you need to take?

  • Towels for you and the baby
  • Toy - a bath toy will help the baby become familiar with their new environment.
  • Bottle / Snack - baby is bound to be hungry after all that swimming.
  • Nappies for changing - Remember whilst in the water your child must wear a suitable waterproofnappy or swimpants. A little accident presents a health / hygiene risk to all and will lead to the
    temporary closure of the pool.

Do You have to wait until your baby is immunised?

  • The immunisation programme given to babies does not affect their opportunity to go swimming.
  • If in doubt consult your doctor.

What to do if your baby doesn't like the water?

Don't panic! It may not be the water he / she doesn't like, it may be the whole new experience. Take it slowly and the babies confidence will come back. Baby swimming is a gradual process and onewhich can't be rushed.

Points to bear in mind when babies start swimming are:

  • Babies should wait one hour after a feed before going swimming.
  • Babies should not go swimming if they are ill, a child who is ill should not be exposed to bigswings in temperature.
  • Babies with ear infections should not swim.
  • If a baby has suffered a tummy bug it is essential that they wait 2 days after their first solid movement before swimming.
  • Don't take your baby swimming if they have an infectious disease. This includes diarrhoea and a
    heavy cold. Wait 10 days after the illness has cleared before going swimming.
  • Sometimes babies experience side effects after their vaccines and may not feel up to swimming.

General Advice to parents / carers:

  • Babies must wear waterproof nappies whilst in the water. Babies can pass on stomach and bowel
    upsets to other users if they contaminate the pool.
  • Don't change a nappy by the poolside.
  • Reduce the risk of "accidents" by taking babies for frequent visits to the toilet.
  • If your child has a little "accident" in the pool then make sure that you inform pool staff as faecal soiling contaminates the pool and puts other bathers at risk.

Other Important Information
The pool water temperatures are maintained within recommended guidelines, which in the case of the LeisurePlex pools are between 290C - 310C. The temperature in the pool changing rooms are maintained around 250C.

Always remember that babies can get cold in water, so make sure pool visits are not too long and immediately remove your child from the water if they are cold or shivering.

For information on our admissions policy please see our "Admissions to Lagan Valley LeisurePlex Section"

Also click this link for a printable version of Taking the Plunge with your Baby at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex