I am wondering at what sort of age other mums have taken their little tackers to the pool?

My little one is only 7 weeks but he just LOVES the bath and being in the big bath with me, is he too young for me to hold him in a pool? (I'm thinking germs etc too) or is it okay? I think he would just love it!

And when he is big enough, what pool? Has anyone been to the one in Kingston?

I am new to this forum, I am a 23yo first time mum in Hobart area and keen to meet any other mums around here!

Also does anyone know of any good mothers groups etc in Hobart?

Welcome to EB!

Most baby classes start at 6 months.

the germ factor is a big one - so if you can hold off under the 6 month age, it might be best.

Lots of pools do classes. I found Oceana a great one when my DD was little.

My pool advises that 3 months is OK as long as you avoid water on their face and at 5-6 months you can start submerging them, etc

Personally I'd avoid public pools for as long as possible, especially chlorinated ones. There are a few salt water pools around Hobart.

If you want to meet up with other mums, check out the play groups, CHAT (walking group) around your area. The local health centre should have some flyers up.

Thanks for the posts. Well I definitely won't be going any time soon, so cheers for the advice, sounds like they can be pretty germy. I will have a re-think when he is about 6 months and maybe look into it then. For now the bath will have to suffice for his love of water!!!

I have read in a few baby books that anytime after 6 weeks is fine so long as the water is above 32 degree. The chlorine rids the pools of any germs so the germ factor isn't an issue, but if they have eczema avoid it. Most of the classes I have researched because I wanted to know the same thing at the same age say that the classes usually take them from about 3 months on.

My kids go to Kingston pool. They run their classes in terms, so the next round won't start to around June anyway, making your baby at least 4 months. I'd check with the pool when they will take them. They do keep the pool quite warm for the baby classes.

I think it really depends on you and your circumstances on what age you start. When I was living in a really hot climate, babies would be pool from a very young age, and I think mine was 2-3 months for his first swim. I just made sure I did not put his head under. Whereas if you did that here people would be frowning on it.

There's a salt water pool on landsdowne St in west Hobart. I think the issue with pools and babies is not just the germ factor, but the chlorine as well. I don't think chlorinated pools are great for little ones lungs which is why I've heard salt water pools are recommended. I too use the Kingston pool for my DDs classes and it's not bad, but I liked the smaller classes ( and less spectators!) at the landsdowne St one.

Kings Swim do 3 - 6 month sessions for babies...

We did it from 3 months, and my DS loved it. He also loved his baths too..