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Expert Q&A:
Will putting my baby in a swimming pool harm her ears?

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Loraine Stern
Answered by Loraine Stern M.D.
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"I adore children and being a pediatrician because of all the hugging and laughing that we do," say Loraine Stern, M.D. 

Loraine Stern, M.D., clinical professor of pediatrics at U.C.L.A., has been in private pediatric practice for 35 years. Dr. Stern wrote for Woman's Day magazine from 1986 to 2005. She is a former editor of and contributor to Healthy Kids magazine. She has published two books on child care and has edited a book about pediatric nutrition for the American Academy of Pediatrics. A spokesperson for children and families, Dr. Stern has appeared on national networks and programs such as CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America.

Dr. Stern has two stepchildren but no animals or even green plants.
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Question


Can putting my 9-month-old baby in a swimming pool be dangerous to her ears, with the chemicals and water getting in them?

Answer


Just dunking in a pool while held by a parent, assuming the water is at least 80 degrees Fahrenheit, poses no threat to infants. If a little water gets into her ears, it is not likely to cause infection or irritation. However, if you are thinking of signing her up for swim lessons, here are some other warnings you should heed. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages swim classes for infants for several reasons. When infants are submerged, they tend to swallow water. If enough goes down, there is a danger of diluting sodium in the blood stream and causing seizures. Also, when several infants take classes in the same pool, pooping in the pool can lead to the transmission of infections. Besides, there is no way that children can be made "water safe," and infants are not yet ready to really swim. Therefore, if a pool is warm enough and clean, enjoy short dips with her but keep them brief until she is 5 and can learn to really swim.
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