When is the right age to take a baby swimming? He was 2 months premature!

[NE90]

I gave birth to a premature baby, he arrived 2 months early. He is now nearly 12 weeks old and weighs just under 9lbs. When would you suggest is the right time to take him swimming?

I've heard a few stories about babies being exposed to a swimming pool at a few weeks old and becoming ill and I'm aware that premature babies are more likely to pick up colds and illnesses than full term babies so the prospect of taking him swimming yet scares me.... I'm just unaware of when would be the right time?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated x

[Lovefood1984]

Could you ask your HV for advice? Or perhaps a baby swim group? I know it’s advisable to take them to a warmer pool until they are older and a lot of the private baby classes actually take place in disability pools due to them being a better temperature etc than the regular public baths. I’m not a fan of swimming anymore and although I have all the stuff I’m yet to take my 11 month old......I should really make an effort 😊 x

[romaluna2015]

I waited until my preemies had had all of their vaccinations . X

[Seb9]

I started swimming with my little one at 4 weeks old with water babies, she had to wear an extra small happy nappy but she loved it, we are now 5 classes down and she doing great. She wasn't premature but she was only about 7lbs when she started and the smallest in the class.

I expect if you did the lessons through something like water babies they can offer some advice on when they can start when they are premature.

It's so much fun, I hope you enjoy it as much as me and my little girl do x

[Clarehart]

I have twin 28 weekers, they live swimming! We waited a week after all of their immunisations, we go once a week and have done for the last couple of months - they love it!

[TopBQ]

If you look on water babies website they say you can start from birth if baby full term and they suggest waiting until original due date (EDD) for premature babies. So 2 months old in your case. Best to contact swim schools for more info. Have fun!

[Phoenix85]

I'd be more concerned about chemicals like chlorine on his skin 🤷🏻‍♀️