From sun safety to drowning prevention, most of what will keep infants and toddlers safe will be tied to their caregivers; the best you can do is make sure to have and enforce safety-related pool policies. But there are definitely some things you can do to make your poolside area more comfortable for your littlest guests and their caregivers.
Consider Rearranging Your Poolside Space
While the above steps can (and should!) be taken whenever an infant or toddler is outdoors near any water, when you control the space, you have an unusual ability to reduce sun exposure. You can do this by adding shade to your poolside landscape in the form of trees, a pavilion, or a pergola. If you’d prefer to add something that can be easily removed or rearranged, a large umbrella with a tilt feature or a travel sun canopy can be a helpful temporary option.
Encourage Proper Hydration
In a previous post, we looked at dangers associated with water contamination. Infants and toddlers can be especially susceptible because they’re most likely to swallow water intentionally. But you know who swallows more water than anyone else? Someone who’s thirsty! Of the many benefits of proper hydration, infants and toddlers will be less likely to try to swallow pool water. Perhaps you can keep a mini fridge or cooler with cold water bottles by the poolside, ready for your guests, or even have some frozen treats ready to give out as the sun reaches its climax.
For infants under a year old, though, most hydration will occur through formula or breast milk. While breastfeeding in or near the pool doesn’t pose health risks to others, doing so in a pool or spa can put the baby at increased risks of exposure to contaminants. For anyone who is breastfeeding, providing a well-shaded area with comfortable seating will be especially appreciated!
Providing Safe Play Possibilities
While a supervising adult should always be within arm’s reach of any young pool guests, there are times that children will want to be splashing around while the adults want to take a little break. You can accommodate this kind of poolside preference by keeping a small wading pool on hand to allow babies and toddlers to have a few inches of water to safely splash in while the parents enjoy the sunshine nearby. (Of course, adult supervision is still important, since babies can drown in only an inch of water.) Bath toys, splash balls, and other toys can provide added entertainment for the little ones in your life who come visit your pool.
With a little extra time and energy, you can quickly and inexpensively ensure that your swimming pool is a little-kid-friendly space that’s both safe and fun for the babies and toddlers in your tribe.
Continue Reading about Pools
Lyon Financial: America’s Leading Pool Lender
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
Leave a Reply