Right Age to Start Swimming Lessons?

We did an adjusted vaccination schedule also and both of my kids did Mommy and Me swimming from the time they were 6 months. In my opinion you have nothing to worry about! Have fun, the classes are great!

take your baby and enjoy... this is a safe, rewarding time for you and your child. Both of my children were on a alternative vaccination schedule and both started lessons at 6 months. They are now 21 and 12, healthy, strong and national level swimmers.
Go... listen to your heart, not all those that say your child will get sick. We live in a world to afraid to allow our children to be around germs... that is one of the biggest reasons we have so many flu viruses that are so dangerous, we don't have immune systems anymore...
your child will be fine and it will be a rewarding event.
If your baby does acquire a ear infection go to the doctor, don't hide away from the world afraid to participate

The one thing I've heard that can get transmitted in the pool is e-coli, which is relatively rare. I don't think polio, mmr or other diseases that are on the vaccination schedule can get transmitted or survive in the chlorinated public pool, if they're good at checking the levels constantly that is. If your son gets an ear infection, it can be treated and I see little reason for that to rob you and your son of some bonding time.

I agree that at this age, it's more an intro to water and bonding time for you two rather than actual lessons that will make him swim any earlier than other kids who start at 3, 4 or 5. I started lessons at 6 and was swimming very well at 6. My kids have been taking lessons since they were 2-3 and they didn't really start learning until they're 4-5. If you don't mind spending the money on lessons early, it's a good way to meet other parents and same-age kids for possible playdates too, not to mention the bonding and fun for both of you.

I agree with the previous replies. Sign yourselves up. We are members at the YMCA, and soon as my daughter reached the minimum age, I signed her up. She is 7 years old now & swims circles around me. She is a little fish. I especially agree with the comment regarding being too afraid of germs. We worry too much about getting dirty/sick & don't let the kids experience the joys of childhood like we did (drinking out of a water hose, digging for worms, etc). Enjoy yourselves and SWIM!!! :)

Our local pool is very clean, we use the big pool even for the Mommy and me lessons which I did with my son. There is ALWAYS a risk for ear infections when you swim. It's often called "swimmers ear" and even older children get them during the summer. Doc. normally gives ear drops that have alcohol in them to dry out the ears which takes care of the ear infections. It was a great time and we really enjoyed the classes...and never got swimmers ear. :) I would go based on how clean they keep the local pool.

I think 6 months is perfectly fine (as long as your baby has no underlying health issues. When my husband was stationed in England we took our 6 month for lessons. In Europe it is not uncommon for swimming to begin as early as 6 weeks old (basically as soon as mom is released by Dr.s. Going underwater by 8 weeks old. Mommy and me type lessons were very popular and instructors would close the pool and put chemicals in if there had been a diaper leak accident. They make special diaper protectors to go over swimmer diapers that prevent all but the messiest of leaks. Daddy actually did the lessons with our son and the photos of them in the water together are priceless.

As far as an ear infection goes, they make ear plugs, my son had to have tubes in his ears andd he received ear plugs for bath time. You will probably have to go somewhere to get them made for your child since his ears are still really small. My nephew was in a swimming pool around the age of 8 months or so and he is now almost 7 and absolutely LOVES the water! Go for it, the worst that can happen is you realize now isn't the time to start swim lessons. On another note, I have a question about the alternative vaccination schedules...what are the pros and cons to doing this? I have never heard of it before reading this.

Thanks,

N.

Many places start at 6-12 months. I don't think anything is too soon. Make sure you start with a shower so the skin and hair soak up non-chlorinated water before getting in the pool and get a mild, fragrance-free lotion to use after washing off after swimming:) Have fun!!!

Oh please germs lol. Yes enroll him, how fun! Please dont let the fears of others rule you on this one.
Swiiming and playing in the water dont have anything to do with his vaccination schedule or they would not be letting you bathe him.

Water in anyones ears could cause problems. Dry him as best you can. Dont let him leep in a freezing cold air conditioned room at night and he will be fine.

Infections come from the nose into the ears not the pool.

Hello,

My supervisor has in inground pool, 10 ft. deep. She started her daughter at 6 mos. (I think that might be the law), it was at a local hotel. The little girl is now 6 and swims like a fish. Not sure of the ladies name, but I'm sure you can google it and find her or someone close around. Also, I will warn you, at first I hear it is one of the toughest things to go through, you will want to quit. But hand in there, it will be worth it.

I'd say about a year is the best. You don't need to start toooo early if he's very comfortable in the water now. Sometimes it's just an introduction to the water, not really a swimming lesson when it's not even time to walk yet. Since they really won't be swimming on their own for a while, it's bonding time more than anything under 2 years. (just my opinion) =)

Every plase that I have taught swim lessons the rule of thumb for little ones is as long as they can hold their head on their own let them join. there is no set limit, you just have to go with how you feel. both my kids were in and swimming by 3 months. and they both love it. As for germy pools, If the chemicals are maintained at the recommended levels you are safe from germs. The soon you start with swimming lessons the more comfortable they will be around the water. you need to teach them to respect the water and that they are only allowed in the water if you are there with them. These are some of the things that you and your son will learn. If you have any more questions feel free to contact me. I have be in the water all my life and I have been teaching swimming for 13 years.

good luck and enjoy.

Hi! I agree with everyone else, sign him up! I enrolled my daughter when she was 13 months but asked her pediatrician first. The response was, "Unless you plan on diving with your baby, ANY age is fine and appropriate as long as YOU see fit! Ear infections are not caused from water getting in the ears in regards to swimming. It is caused by the pressure and diving." We found the lessons to be lots of fun and great for any age as it is merely an introduction to the the water. Our class had the full span of ages and we all had a great time! Have fun and do not worry.