So, I have a 16 month old and am due May 1st with my baby boy. Since my daughter loves swimming(not in a baby pool) and we have a splashpad and pool just a walk away from our house, any suggestions on how I can do that with an infant? I don't want to deprive Sophie of the pool all summer.

Lindsay - posted on 02/09/2009

I have actually found a sling that's made for the water, so I am buying that and planning on just taking the new one to the pool so that the older one can still have some fun. I was also planning on buying a little blow up pool for our backyard for those days that I just don't want to head out to the pool.

Leonie - posted on 01/28/2009

I had both my babies in the pool from 2-3 wks and would probably do so with this baby if he wasn't a winter baby.

I would make sure you have a shaded, baby safe seat close by if the case of emergencies, but otherwise I wouldn't be depriving your other children of something they love, especially if they have had some swimming lessons.

Genie - posted on 01/23/2009

Yeah, I still can't let my 3 year old go swimming while I sit on the side with a baby. She falls and goes under the water sometimes and it scares her(and me). I think it would be fine to take the baby into the pool in a couple of weeks, but I would be afraid of accidently putting him under water (like if my 3 year old suddenly slipped or something.) I am a worry wart but I don't think a 20 month child should be in the pool without you beside her.

Lindsay - posted on 01/23/2009

Good to hear it, maybe I was just over reacting....you're right about the bleeding anyways, I forgot about that unpleasant fact! How old was your oldest though when you had the next one and took them both to the pool? Because I couldn't just let my 20 mo. old go and swim while I sit by the newborns stroller, she's a daredevil and I wouldn't trust her to swim by herself.....but we do have a splashpad, which would be totally fine. Thanks for the advice!

Audrey - posted on 01/21/2009

Taking babies out in the sun as long as they are protected by sunscreen, hats, shade etc... is fine. I took my newborns to the pool and beach. I don't recommend spending the entire day there but  you can cool them down by rubbbing them with cool water and just keep a close eye on them. They really aren't any different just because they are new.

Audrey - posted on 01/21/2009

Once their cord falls off ( up to 2 weeks old) a baby can go in a pool and there is no reason you can't take the baby BEFORE then as long as you don't get the cord wet but even if you do it's not a HUGE deal. I think the older sibling can hold out for two weeks...after all you will be bleeding for like 6 weeks. Don't see why you couldn't sit with the baby in it's stroller at the pool while the older one swims. I had older kids and a baby and it just wasn't a issue.

Audrey - posted on 01/21/2009

Im not sure what you mean, why can't you take them both in the pool ?

Lindsay - posted on 01/17/2009

Well, on the weekends I could have help.....my husband, and mom. But during the week, since I stay at home....everyone I know works pretty much, so no help there! Not sure how young they can be and go in a swimming pool, my daughter started swim lessons at 5 months. But that's not the same as 5 weeks. Then I was thinking that maybe I could just bring the little one, and he can sleep in his car seat, maybe with a cover over it, in the shade. But, would that even be too hot for him?

Genie - posted on 01/13/2009

I am going to have this issue too. We live in an apt complex and the pool is in our front yard. My daughter is 3 so I am sure she will want to swim a lot. When my husband is home, I 'm sure it won't be difficult, but can you even have a newborn in a swimming pool? Do you have someone that can come and help you when she wants to go swimming? That may be the best option...