The sun’s out, it’s warm, it’s sunny; it’s time for a swim! But what about swimming for young children? Or a pregnant woman? Lake, public pool, residential pool and spa: we’ve got it covered just for you!

If we look at the literature and professional opinions on the subject, we can quickly see that the answers are not all uniform. But I think there’s a basic logic, a consistency, that’s essential for a parent to know before making an informed choice on the matter.

If you read the literature prepared by professionals, you’ll quickly note that the answers are all somewhat different. But there is a fundamental logic that parents should follow to make an informed decision.

We know that a baby under one year of age has a thermoregulatory system that controls their body temperature. But their system is underdeveloped and not always balanced, which means they may react quicker to cold or rapid temperature changes. So keep this in mind.

Also, we know that young babies are building their immune systems to protect themselves from pathogen agents that can infect them in their environment. That is why we promote vaccines for young babies to better protect them. 

Given that a baby is more sensitive to infections means that they are at a higher risk from certain potential organisms that live in lakes and rivers. There is blue-green algae, bacteria and pollution found in most waterways, especially during the warmer seasons. This often means that these waterways should not be swum in by any person, especially a baby. Additionally, there are no benefits of going swimming with a baby under one year of age in a lake or pond. It will not help them love water faster. 

Catherine, I will give you some advice beyond your original question. Based on professional advice, it is logical and coherent, but there is nothing official from public health officials on the topic. 

During pregnancy:

A pregnant woman is known to be more sensitive and fragile during pregnancy to potential infections of all kinds, including those from micro-organisms found in aquatic environments.

With a baby:

A baby under a year old has a thermoregulatory system (a system that controls body temperature) that is still immature and not always balanced. As a result, they may react more easily to cold or sudden temperature changes. This must be taken into account.

Young babies at this age are also building up their immunity to protect themselves more and more from the pathogens that can contaminate their environment. The fact that babies are more susceptible to infection leads me to believe that they are probably more at risk from certain potential invaders, such as those living in natural lakes and rivers. More and more green algae, bacteria and pollution are being identified and are unfortunately contaminating many bodies of water, especially during the warmer periods, often justifying the cessation of swimming for everyone, including pregnant women, and even more so for babies. What’s more, there’s no point in rushing your baby under a year old into a lake or pond. It won’t help your baby develop a love of water any sooner.

So here’s my advice, in line with this reflection. This is general information, which seems logical and coherent with reality and the discourse of several professionals, but there is nothing official on this subject from the public health side.

Lakes and Rivers (or artificial lakes)

You never know if a lake or river is contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, germs, fungi, blue-green algae or other pollutants. Based on some analyses, you may even find bacteria found in human or animal fecal matter. 

Bathing in a river, lake, or pond (stagnant water), multiplies the infection chances and makes swimming sometimes dangerous. Nature is full of pathogens to balance the environment, but they can cause undesirable reactions for some vulnerable people, including babies. They can be infected by swallowing water, through skin contact or by breathing in irritating emanations from the water. Gastroenteritis, skin outbreaks (swimmers itch), allergic reactions, respiratory infections (like swimmers ear) are examples of infections caused by swimming in contaminated water.

That is why swimming in lakes or rivers with babies under one year of age isn’t recommended. 

Pregnant women are also at risk of fungal infections. The presence of bacteria, viruses or parasites can also cause respiratory, cutaneous, vaginal or gastrointestinal symptoms.

Public Pools

You can go swimming with a baby in a public pool starting from six months but never dunk their head underwater. I know that some authors say three or four months, but personally, I find that too young. 

Swimmers can’t rely on water clarity to evaluate the quality of pool water. When swimming with a young baby in a public pool, the water needs to be treated appropriately with antibacterial products, chlorine or salt, to limit water contamination. Additionally, the water temperature needs to be warm enough to avoid rapid changes in temperature, but not too warm as the water is more likely to be contaminated. Make sure you use a swim diaper for your baby. 

Most public pools are regularly tested to adjust products to maintain water quality. The results of these tests need to be posted for the public to see before using the pool. Also, you should avoid swimming during peak sun periods (11 am to 3 pm) due to the crowds likely to be in the pool.

If the baby cries, seems to be cold or tired, take them out of the pool. Start with short periods in the water to get them used to it. Don’t forget to protect the baby from the sun’s rays with sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, umbrella and appropriate clothing. For more details, read Sunscreen or no? 

If you opt for a public pool, don’t forget to put your baby in a diaper specially designed for swimming!

Private Pool

If you have your own pool at home and you manage your water tests and pool products, a one-month-old baby could bathe if all the required conditions are present. During hot periods, I often suggest to breastfeeding mothers to do it in their pool, in the shade, for their comfort and their baby’s comfort. A pool is much more refreshing. 

For the pregnant woman, swimming in her own pool, with well-controlled water, often results in relaxation and general well-being!

Public and at-home spas

Following the same logic as the recommendations for other bodies of water, spas are often too hot for pregnant women and babies. Contamination can also occur, especially in public spas. That’s why we don’t recommend spas for pregnant women or young children.

Other reasons for restrictions beyond contamination:

• The high temperature of the water easily raises the body temperature of pregnant women and babies. Body temperature can reach 38.9 degrees Celsius and higher, even if there are no signs of it.
• The high water temperature dilates the blood vessels in the periphery of the pregnant woman, which can cause significant drops in blood pressure (vagal shock, dizziness, shortness of breath and generalized malaise leading to loss of consciousness).
• In the first trimester of pregnancy, too high an internal temperature can increase the risk of miscarriage and neural tube defects.
  Excessive heat can also increase the risk of varicose veins and hemorrhoids (dilated blood vessels) in pregnant women.

If you’re pregnant and still decide to take a spa bath, the watchwords are:

• Be cautious and moderation,
• Never during the first trimester of pregnancy,
• Do not take baths that are too hot, ensuring that your body temperature does not rise above 38.9 degrees Celsius, ideally,
• Keep baths short, no more than 10 minutes, and no more than once a week,
• Go outside immediately if you feel any unpleasant symptoms,
• Always be accompanied by someone close to you in the event of a drop in pressure or discomfort, to help you get out quickly.

Good to know: To avoid temperature shock when getting out of the water, you can remove the swimsuit while baby is still in the water. As soon as he’s out of the water, you can wrap him directly in a towel, so that he regains his temperature more quickly and suffers less shock.

Marie Fortier
The Baby Expert