One of the most enjoyable activities during the summer is spending time in the water. Children should learn to swim to ensure they have a safe and fun time in the water.
When can my baby go into the pool?
Due to the chemical content in pools and potential health risks, it is safer for babies to enter the pool after they are 6 months old. Babies entering the pool earlier may face risks such as hypothermia, ‘water intoxication’ from swallowing too much water, infectious diseases, and lung damage from pool chemicals.
Bebeğim ne zaman yüzmeyi öğrenmeli?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death among children aged 1 to 4. Therefore, early exposure to water can reduce the risk of drowning.
Children develop at different rates, and not all are ready to start swimming lessons at the same age. Before starting swimming lessons, it is important to consider the child’s physical and developmental abilities, limits, and comfort level in the water. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), recommends swimming lessons starting at age 1 as a layer of protection against drowning for many children.
Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024). Drowning Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/data-research/facts/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/index.html
- American Academy of Pediatrics (2024). Swim Lessons: When to Start & What Parents Should Know. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Swim-Lessons.aspx