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Kids' swimming: Keep health risks at bay
Content
Can babies or toddlers wear diapers in the water?
Is it risky for children to swallow pool water?
Can children who have casts go swimming?
Can children swim if they have ear tubes?
What's the best way to prevent swimmer's ear?
What about red eyes after swimming?
What's the best age to begin swimming lessons?
Can children swim when they're sick or have cuts and scrapes?
Is it OK to swim right after eating?
Are hot tubs safe for children?
What's the best age to begin swimming lessons?
Many kids learn to ride a bike and to swim on their own at the same age — often the summer before kindergarten. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports swimming lessons for most children age 4 and older.
If you enroll a child younger than age 4 in a swimming program, pick one that requires parental involvement, has qualified teachers and a fun atmosphere, and involves a limited number of underwater submersions. This will limit the amount of water your child might swallow.
