Water confidence with babies

Water Safety New Zealand recommends you wait until your baby is at least 6 months old before taking them to public swimming pools.

By the time baby is 6 months old:

• their immune systems have developed enough to protect them from diseases
• they will have sufficient head control to enable them to keep their head up
• their body temperature control system will be develop enough to cope with the changes in temperature that come with undressing and getting wet
• their ears will be better able to deal with immersion in water

Water play can start as soon as the baby is established in the home. Bathing is a gentle way to introduce your baby to water, being supported in warm water can be a wonderful experience. Bath times should be stress-free, warm, short and above all fun. Kids love splashing, floating and playing with safe bath toys.

Visits to the pool for children between the ages of 6 – 18 months are about making sure your child enjoys the experience of water and has fun.

Water confidence classes at your local pool can be fun for you and your child, and will make it much easier for your child when they start to learn to swim.

Flotation devices are not lifesaving devices, so stay with your child when they are swimming in the pool.

For further information, and resources, please contact Water Safety New Zealand, phone (03) 366 4718, (04) 801 9600 or (09) 309 4596.