Question

Can I take my 3-week-old baby swimming, and what kind of diaper is best for swimming?

Answer

You can find diaper covers, both plastic and cloth, on the market that fit over any diaper. They can be purchased at most stores that carry baby products and clothing.

However, taking young infants swimming is not recommended for safety and health reasons. Even though you would be holding your baby while in the water, there is a chance that she could swallow some water, which could cause some breathing difficulties. Although this is rare, it can happen. Infants can also drown in just a few inches of water, although this is extremely unlikely with close supervision. Finally, swimming at such a young age could expose your baby to germs that could cause illness, not necessarily from the pool water but from other people around the pool area. Swimming is a great activity, but there's plenty of time to do it later. Meanwhile, enjoy bath time at home.