hi

im just wondering when i can take my baby swimming because the bsf says from birth but my health vistor says from 6 months

does any one have any advise?

I. Cook

Start off in the bath, gently pouring water over head and support baby on back so they can float a bit, and at 6 weeks, then, when baby can regulate own body temperature a bit better you can go swimming in a pool for about 15 mins. Choose a nice warm pool or if it is a bit cold, use a wetsuit for baby.

The only reason babies used to wait until after jabs to swim is because the vaccine for polio was live, so it was possible that the disease could be transmitted by baby's faeces. The vaccine used now is no longer a live one so does not pose a problem. Your health visitor should know this simple piece of information! Health visitors are sent to try you in my experience...

Happy swimming!

There is different thinking in terms of what age is suitable and what classes/pools are appropriate for babies at different ages. If you are looking to keep younger babies warm in water while baby swimming then baby wetsuits or baby wraps are a great way to acheive this, you can find them here: http://www.funswimshop.co.uk/baby-wetsuits-51-c.asp