Hello, summer! It is such an amazing season for you and your little one in so many ways. On that note, we thought we would share some of our tips and ideas for swimming with your baby this summer. Most of all, have fun, stay safe and enjoy!

• Swim Diapers! Bring several in case of need. There are disposable and reusable swim diapers and it’s all a matter of preference. Remember, a snug fit is crucial so nothing escapes!
• A towel for you and a hooded towel for baby. We love Breganwood Organic’s hooded towels for babies and toddlers
• A Changing mat. You want a non-slip one that you can use on the floor if need be. Don’t change your baby on a pool lounge chair where they could easily roll off or slip. We like this terrific mat by Jo Jo Mama BeBe that’s chlorine resistant!
• Be sure you have a highly rated sunscreen especially formulated for your baby and apply regularly. Check out the EWG’s 2017 Guide to Sunscreen list here. We love Think Baby sunscreen and bathing products.
• Change of clothes for both of you. Change your happy little swimmer into dry clothes as soon as they are out of the water. This will help regulate their body temperature and assist in avoiding rashes. Lark Adventurewear’s natural wicking baby clothes are perfect for after swimming when babies want to wear comfortable and dry clothing.
• A Hat: Babies get colder faster than adults, so be sure to bring along a hat when out of the pool as well as for sun protection.
• Drinks/Snacks (if your child is eating solids). Swimming can be dehydrating so be sure to give your baby a drink and/or a snack after they are dry and changed.
• Depending on what stage your baby is in, you may want to bring along floaties to help with learning to swim. Check out the Otteroo floatie that’s for babies 8+ weeks old! 

• When can my baby go in a pool/pool temperature for babies/toddlers: we recommend reading this informative Baby Center article
• When in pool, be sure to hold onto your babe at all times and make eye contact. Have fun and move around in the water together- sing, talk, be positive and bond with each other! Bring a few favorite bath toys from home, and let baby hold and play with them. Most infants innately love swimming, and the goal is for you to help them build on that enjoyment. They will pick up on your good vibes.
• How long is too long in the pool? Start off with 10 minutes and build up, but no more than 20-30 minutes is recommended depending on age. If your baby is upset, cold or shivering, take them out and change them into breathable, but full-coverage clothes like our Lark Adventurewear Footies- our baby clothes will warm them up quickly and wick away any wetness from being in the pool! Use your common sense and parental intuition! You can also discuss swimming with your pediatrician ahead of time.
• When home, give your content and sleepy baby a relaxing bath to rinse off any chlorine. Dress them for bed in Lark's footie or body suit made of moisture-wicking fabric to keep them sweat-free all night long. Swimming expends a lot of energy for infants and toddlers, so hopefully a blissful night’s sleep is in your near future!