When can babies go in pools?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) doesn't have an official age recommendation for when babies can go in pools, but most pediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is about 6 months old or can hold their head up well on their own (around 4 to 5 months).

When you do introduce your little one to water, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Practice "touch supervision," meaning that an adult stays within arm's reach of an infant or toddler whenever they're in or near a body of water.
• Always hold your baby in the pool, and don't wade into water too deep for you to maintain firm footing.
• Once your child can walk, teach them some basic pool safety tips: Don't run near the pool, and don't get in the water by yourself.
• Inflatable toys like water wings, inner tubes, and pool noodles are fun to play with, but aren't meant to serve as flotation devices. Have your baby wear a personal flotation device (PFD) that fits properly and is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
• If you're going to a public pool, make sure a lifeguard is on duty.

If you're using a swimming pool at home:

• Drain inflatable or plastic pools after use and store them in an upright position.
• If you have a permanent pool, completely enclose it with a fence at least 4 feet high, though 5 feet is preferable. Lock the gate after each use with a latch that your child can't reach.

It's highly unlikely that your baby will get sick from swallowing some pool water, but make sure any device that dispenses chlorine is kept out of reach so your baby doesn't accidentally ingest or inhale chlorine.

Take care that the water isn't too hot or cold. Babies aren't able to regulate their body temperature as well as adults, so their temperature can change very quickly in water that's too cold or hot. And don't let your baby or toddler in a hot tub, spa, or pool heated to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit until they're 3 years old. The high temperatures in hot tubs can cause a child's heart to race or pose other dangers.

Sun exposure is another factor to consider when getting ready to take your baby in the water. Be sure to lather them up with sunscreen, and have them wear a wide-brimmed hat or sunglasses to protect their eyes. And keep an eye out for signs of overheating: cool, moist skin; dizziness; and leg or stomach cramps.

The AAP recommends starting swimming lessons once your baby's about a year old, though you may see lessons designed for parents and babies as young as 6 months. There's no harm in enjoying some pool time with your baby at that age, and it can be a great bonding experience for the two of you.