From the Guidelines
Swim lessons for 6-month-old babies at swimming pools are generally safe when conducted properly under qualified supervision, with chlorinated water being safe for infants in typical pool concentrations, as long as the chlorine levels are between 1-3 ppm 1.
Key Considerations
- For swim lessons, choose programs specifically designed for infants with instructors certified in infant swimming.
- Always maintain constant physical contact with your baby during lessons, which should be kept short (15-30 minutes) to prevent fatigue and chilling.
- Regarding chlorine, properly maintained pools with chlorine levels between 1-3 ppm are considered safe for infants, though it's advisable to rinse your baby thoroughly after swimming to remove chemical residue from their sensitive skin.
- Some babies may experience mild skin irritation or eye redness, which can be minimized by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to protect the skin and using swim goggles if needed.
Health Conditions and Precautions
- The benefits of early water familiarity, including water safety skills and physical development, generally outweigh these minor concerns.
- However, if your baby has eczema, respiratory issues, or other health conditions, consult your pediatrician before starting swim lessons 1.
Quality of Life and Activity
- Avoid unnecessary restrictions on child activity and water avoidance that may decrease quality of life or lead to other negative outcomes 1.
From the Research
Safety of Swim Lessons at Swimming Pools for 6-Month-Old Infants
- The safety of swim lessons for 6-month-old infants at swimming pools depends on various factors, including the level of chlorine in the water and the infant's individual health status.
- According to 2, waterborne illnesses can be caused by a variety of agents, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, algae, and chlorine gas, which can be present in swimming pools.
- However, there is no direct evidence to suggest that swim lessons at swimming pools are unsafe for 6-month-old infants, as long as proper precautions are taken to minimize exposure to harmful substances.
Chlorine Water Safety
- Chlorine is commonly used as a disinfectant in swimming pools to kill bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause illness.
- However, as noted in 3, chlorine can react with natural organic matter in the water to form potentially harmful chlorination by-products (CBPs), which can affect respiratory and skin health.
- The study in 4 discusses the risks associated with chlorination, including the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs), which can have carcinogenic properties.
- Additionally, 5 highlights the potential lung injuries that can be caused by chlorine exposure, including pulmonary edema, restrictive lung disease, and obstructive disease.
Precautions for Infant Exposure to Chlorine
- While there is no direct evidence to suggest that swim lessons at swimming pools are unsafe for 6-month-old infants, it is still important to take precautions to minimize exposure to chlorine and other harmful substances.
- As noted in 6, proper water treatment and maintenance of swimming pools can help to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses.
- Parents or caregivers should consult with their pediatrician or healthcare provider before enrolling their infant in swim lessons, especially if the infant has any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.