What does baby need for pool time?

[lellian]

Hey experienced mamas! Thanks in advance for your replies!

DH got us a gym membership so DD and I can "use the pool" during the summer. DD is 5 months old. I've never taken her to a pool, but she loves bath time. What do we need? Are there diapers that stay on under her swim suit? She has a swim suit with sleeves, and a big hat. I have sunscreen, but she's too young for that too. What to do?!?! Thanks so much for your help. I'm new at this mama stuff!

[alegna]

A swim diaper and you're good to go. Note- swim diapers hold poo, not pee. Personally with long sleeves and a hat I wouldn't worry about the sun- I'd not stay out too very long (less than an hour) but I like my kids to get some sun.

-Angela

[akind1]

the pool will probably have a rule that all babes wear swim diapers, so they are a must have.

DS mostly likes to be held in the water, but we also have a floatie for him to sit in. may not hurt to have sunscreen for the head, JIC, as hats don't always stay on (DS has started pulling his off). That and he actually likes it when I pour water over his head, an effect that is sort of lost when he is wearing a hat.

[jammomma]

We go swimming several times a week with our LO at an indoor and outdoor pool.

We use i-play swim diapers, which are not disposables. Many pools do not allow disposable swim diapers, due to state public health laws. Check your local state law and with the pool facility to see what they require.

We use +50 UV rated swim wear, shorts and a rash guard for our son, but it's very sunny and hot were we live. We use two types of sunblock, both from California Baby, one is a cream and one is a stick. We have also found that pool toys are fun to have around. Also needed are towels and maybe sunglasses and a hat and that pretty much covers the gear we use.

[lellian]

Thanks mamas! Better get my list in order for attempting pool time the first time. What is rash guard?

[jammomma]

A rash guard is just a snug fitting shirt, basically.

[waiting2bemommy]

huggies makes those disposable swim diapers or you can just put plastic pants over pretty much anything and tell the lifeguard it's a waterproof diaper...most highschool/college kids who lifeguard in the summer probably wouldn't know a "real" swim diaper if it hit them in the head anyway, lol.

we don't use sunscreen at all, but a hat that ties under the chin is good. I would probably take it off in the pool but then put it on whenever you get out to rest. I would love to know where one finds bathing suits that little, though. I'm thinking I'll have to sew my own for dd because I can't find one for her anywhere!

[Knitting Mama]

I got a 0-3 month bathing suit from The Children's Place. It's a really cute giraffe print one.

Bummis and Imse Vimse both make reusable swim diapers in sizes small enough for my tiny 2 1/2 month old, too!