babies in the pool?

OK, so I'm an old, single guy with no kiddos, but maybe I can add something to this thread.

When I was a baby, I had LOTS of ear infections, so they put tubes in my ears... basically, they put a hole in my eardrum, and stuck a tiny straw in to keep it open. It let the infections clear up, but it also kept me out of the water for a couple of years.

By the time I got the tubes out, I was TERRIFIED of the water. I never learned to swim as a kid, because I was afraid for my life around the water.

Now, in my 40s, I've finally learned to swim. I love it, but it took a LONG time, and a LOT of work to learn. (old dogs and new tricks, don't ya know...)

My point is... get the babies in the water!!! Start them now, before they know how to be afraid of the water. They will be MUCH safer growing up if they know how to swim, and they'll learn how with your careful guidance and safe watchfulness. It's a loving thing to do for them.

Just my 2 cents worth.

 

Mandred LOVES the pool. We have an SPF protected wetsuit for the little albino. This weekend we are going camping to a lake the next province over with my friend, her husband and their 14 month old twins. We call the three boys when they are together "the triplets". Am guessing their will be a lot of swimming done this weekend!

 

I don't think it really matters putting them in the water early, kids go through phases and can develop fears for different reasons at different times.

However I don't much like chlorine myself and much prefer natural sources of water and the salt system pools, so I'd do the same for my baby. Kiddie pools are cool too.