Water play in the bathtub, pool or beach can be a lot of fun for your baby. But water can be dangerous. Here are some tips to make water time safe and fun: Doctors now advise against swimming lessons for infants and toddlers. Their bodies are not yet good at fighting some diseases that are easily passed in water according to a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics. For more information go to: http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/pediatrics;105/4/868
Don’t let your baby swallow lots of water at the pool or beach; it could make a baby sick. Floating toys are fun, but they don’t substitute for a watchful parent or prevent drowning.
NEVER leave a young child alone near water, even for a minute. Teach your child to wait for an adult before getting into water. If you have or use a pool, teach proper pool-side behavior. Don’t allow running or rough play around the pool. Never leave a pool half-covered. A child could get trapped under the cover.
To prevent sunburn, use a waterproof sunscreen with SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15; a higher SPF of 30 is best for those with fair or sensitive skin. Reapply it at least every two hours or sooner if water washes the sunscreen off of your baby, but it’s not a good idea to keep your baby in the sun for that long. Use an umbrella or tent when you’ll be outside for the day. For more information on sunscreens go to the Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on sunscreens: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/summertips.htm.
Babies have drowned in buckets and open toilet bowls because their heavy heads became trapped when they fell in. Babies can drown in less than 2 inches of water. Learn infant CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) so you are prepared in case of an accident. Ask your doctor, clinic, or local American Red Cross about classes.

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