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How early can a baby be introduced to the water? Parents often ask this question, because they would like to take steps to allow their baby to enjoy being in the water. How safe is a chlorine maintained pool for a baby? Particularly if the parent is taking a baby swim class at a community pool, are there risks involved for the baby?
As described by CNN.com, the use of chlorine in the water of a swimming pool inactivates most of the disease-causing germs in water. That’s why drinking water contains chlorine, as well as 95% of the swimming pools in the United States. Chlorine prevents the risk of contracting waterborne illnesses. But every time a person gets into the water at a swimming pool, they add contaminants. Sweat, hair, urine, makeup, sunscreen, all of these combine with chlorine to form chloramines, which is what swimmers smell when they enter a pool area. A strong smell indicates too many byproducts of the disinfectants.
An indoor pool creates an additional danger because of the enclosed environment. With a lot of vigorous activity taking place in the pool – swimming, kicking, playing – it transfers the chemicals to the air and be inhaled. One study by a professor of toxicology, a leading researcher on aquatic environments, substantiated earlier studies claiming a link between swimming in indoor chlorinated pools and asthma and bronchitis in children. His study showed airway and lung permeability changes in children who had participated in an infant swimming group.
With these substantiated risk possibilities, it is important for parents to decide wisely in introducing their infant to a chlorinated pool. Ensure that chlorine levels are properly maintained. If the parent can smell chlorine immediately upon entering the pool area – assume it’s too strong for the baby.
According to Mayoclinic.com, research has also indicated the possibility of lower respiratory tract infections or asthma in babies might increase. There is a theory that the chlorine used to keep the pool clean binds with the sweat and urine of swimmers to create byproducts in the air and water that might harm an infant’s lungs. This could put the infant at greater risk of developing asthma. Babies are especially at risk, because their lungs are still developing, and they tend to swallow water while swimming which might contain irritants.
Studies have found conflicting results when the relationship between infant swimming and asthma is examined. One study found that infants who swam at age 6 months had an increased risk of chest congestion or wheezing in the chest, up to 18 months, if their mothers had allergies. But another study found almost the opposite – infants who didn’t swim before the age of 1 had a greater risk of being diagnosed with asthma at age 8. A third study in 2011 found that swimming didn’t increase the risk of asthma or allergy symptoms. The results of research are inconclusive about the negative effects of a baby taken into a chlorinated pool, but there isn’t sufficient information linking infant swimming and asthma to justify keeping a health baby out of an indoor pool. You should also make sure you know how to shock a pool properly if you intend to do so.
If a parent takes their baby to an indoor pool for swim lessons, opt for a well-ventilated facility. If possible, find a pool with open doors and windows in the pool area which will increase airflow over the surface of the pool when it is crowded. Make sure to rinse the parent and baby before and after entering the pool, to reduce the formation of irritants in the water. After leaving the pool, rinse again to wash away the effects of pool chlorine.
While there isn’t substantial evidence to warrant keeping a baby out of a pool, good judgment is in order. If the pool where the baby swim class is held is crowded with babies and has a strong smell of chlorine that might not be the best place to introduce your baby to the joys of the water.
My two year old granddaughter the parents took her a in door water slide and pool. She got sick and I have been there chlorine smell is really strong I can’t stand it make my eyes burn. Could that be harmful to her?
If you are worried, I’d call your Dr.
I was wondering, whats the risk in drinking chlorine water. We use to boil the tap water until recently I bought a filter water to filter out the chlorine. let me know if you have any idea on the health risk.
You shouldn’t drink chlorine- there are many risks. I assume you are talking tap water, though, in which case, if you are worried, get a filter.
I like the smell technique: if the pool stinks, stay away 🙂
Thanks Sam, very interesting article.
Happy Friday!!