Swimming - how early?

[mbear]

DD#1 was 6 months.....i know our pool wont take children any earlier....

[Kazmar]

Annabelle started at 6months and wow what a little fish! I believe the earlier the better it's harldy going to harm them if anything it'll HELP them! I think its silly when people say "There's no point in putting young kids in lessons."
SIL told me her son at one got 'bored' please she was just lazy. Annabelle has benefited so much from it! Good luck!

[MantaRay]

Our boys both started lessons at 3 months. That is the earliest they start them for lessons, but babies of any age can go in there. I think it's great to start early - it makes it a natural thing for them and they don't develop a fear of water.

[amberj]

I'm so glad to hear that others have started swimming young- my LO absolutely adores the bath and I really want to get him into swimming.

But I did hear that because of the yucky bugs that can live in heated pool water, it was unwise to start them before 12 months when their immune system was more mature- has anyone else heard this?

And where are you guys doing your swimming lessons? Anyone know anywhere in Nth West Melb??

[feeb]

amberj i think it is 6 months that the MAC, and werribee swim centre start them.

I am starting Jacob as soon as I can as i am a huge believer in swimming lessons!

One of my mothers group sessions is at the mac so will find out and let u know

[Junglemum]

I did once read an article about increased ear infections and respiritory infections in children who started swimming under 12 motnhs. But i certainly don't remember where i read it or even if it was credible information!
But at the time it was enough for me to decide to put off lessons until DD was one. That combined with the fact it is freezing here in winter when she was 6-11 months.

I took her in my mum and dad's pool at home when she was 8 weeks old though, just not public swimming pools.

She'll start lessons soon.

[Nai]

Paul Saddler Swimland in Essendon takes from 6 months.

We took DD to the pool from 3 months and then started lessons at 6 months. She loves the water and swimming.

[Astrid]

My local pool advised it was ok for little bubs to go swimming in their heated pool. They just recommend to have something like a rash vest on them to help them keep warm.

[luna moth]

As far as lessons go, a friend of mine who is a swim teacher says it is a waste of time to take them to lessons before 6 months. But if you just want to have a play, then I reckon go for it!