Conference moira::parenting

    THe best type of life jacket is a type I.  This type of PFD (personal
    floatation device) keep the individual afloat for extended periods of
    time as well as making sure the person is face up in the water.  Type
    II PFD's are the most common that you will find and are perfectly
    acceptable if the child is not in danger of being left  on their own.

    I'm sorry I don't understand what type I means...
    

    TYPE I as in type roman numeral one.  They are rated 1-5 I believe.

    
    I take it the type I is a vest?
    
    Chris D.

     I believe that the classifications are done by the U.S. Coast Guard.  As 
Mike mentioned, a Type I will keep a person afloat, with their mouth and nose 
above the water, even if they are unconscious.
     Most of the swimming aids that are sold in toy stores and department
stores specifically say "not a flotation device."  What this really means is
that a these devices should never be used by an unattended child.
     If the goal is to let a kid have fun in the water then a Type I device
is certainly the safest, but as Mike mentioned, probably not necessary.  If 
the goal is to teach swimming, then a Type I device may not work very well; 
they tend to keep you upright in the water. 
     For teaching swimming, the only thing we had any success with were "water
wings" that fit around the biceps.  They allow the child to get his body
parallel to the surface of the water, and also allow reasonably full arm
motion.  BUT THEY ARE NOT A FLOTATION DEVICE.
     Also, keep in mind that some beaches and pools do not allow flotation
devices or swimming aids of any type.  Their reason is that some people use
the "not a flotation device" type things as if they were, and leave their
kids unattended.  I mention this not to debate the merits of their reason,
just to alert you to find out ahead of time.

Clay     

	My 4-year old daugther has attended Red-Cross "swimming classes" for
about a year and a half; perhaps a total of 24 separate 1/2 hour classes. The
goal of the class is NOT to expect children at this age to swim on their own
(although many are able to), but to teach them safety and reduce any anxiety
kids may have around water. It's very low-keyed with an emphasis on fun! I'd
highly recommend it.

	For a "floatation aid", they use something I can only describe. They
call it a "bubble"; it's an oval shaped device (picture a slightly flattened
football) made of styrofoam with a belt through it. The child straps the belt
around her chest and the styrofoam portion is on her back; a bit like a back-
pack minus the shoulder straps. When the child is in the water, her arms are
completely free. If the child remains motionless, she will just float in an
upright position. If she attempts to swim, the device naturally places her in
a position parallel to the surface. She can dog-paddle as well as crawl with
no interference.  I haven't seen the "water wings" provide this much freedom
of motion. The only place I've seen these available is a swimming pool
specialty shop; they cost about $5. each.

	As pointed out in a previous note, these are only an aid and the kids
must be supervised. They still can easily get their heads momentarily under
water and get quite a mouthfull!

-john.

    
    What I've seen s some of the floatation devices that strap to the back
    will tend to "lean" the child front when the feet don't touch the
    bottom.  THe child has to work at it to keep their face out of the
    water.  I've always prefered the water wings, BUT, only when someone is
    there with the child (which goes for no matter which device you use).
    
    Chris D.

    For swimming lessons, the local YMCA has swimming for all ages.  My son
    (age 7) is schedule in the Polliwog on Saturday mornings (spring
    session).  
    
    They also have classes for toddlers.  Their summer session starts the 
    first week of July I think.  My other son (age 5) will be taking the 
    summer session also at the Polliwog stage (been in the water a few
    times, but no real swimming experience required).
    
    -sandy
     

     We had the problem that .7 mentions.  It's important, if you're using
a "bubble" not to let the strap "hike" too far up.  If the "bubble" part 
ends up behind the head, it makes it more difficult to keep the face out of
the water.  
     I highly recommend the kind of courses John describes in .6.  As .8 
mentions, many YMCAs sponsor such classes.  We went to classes sponsored by 
the Waltham (Mass.) YMCA held at the Bedford (Mass.) VA hospital pool.  That 
was nice, since the VA is a rehab pool, which is kept warmer, and which has a 
long sloping access ramp (for wheelchairs) so it's easy to get in to.  This 
was several years ago, though, so I have no idea if they still have them.

     Have fun.

     Clay

You might also want to be aware that there are two types of those "bubble" 
devices: the styrofoam (fixed size) style already mentioned, and "inflatable" 
(variable size) ones. The latter are inflated with what looked like a tire pump,
and allow the parents and/or instructor to adjust the amount of inflation 
(bouyancy support)to match the child's developing abilities....

I've only seen the inflatable ones available through swimming lessons such as
the YW/YMCA; styrofoam floats are available at most pool stores and probably at
many places that sell swim or beach accessories. 

BTW, Nashua has both a YMCA and a YWCA at the same location.  Each has a 
separate swim program with lessons for adults, kids, and toddlers.
		Helen

    Yes, all 3 towns offer swim programs for infants/toddlers.  
    
    My 10 month old just completed a class at the Merrimack Athletic Club
    on Sat morns from 9-9:45.  For a 6 week session it was $40.00.  She
    just loved the classes, water & socialization.  It was well worth it!
    
    Nashua YMCA & YWCA offer classes on Sat morn as well.  The price is
    around $35.00 for 7 weeks I believe & it sounds real good (a friend
    just signed up for the class that started last Sat - for her 2 yr old).
    
    Hampshire Hills in Milford also has swim lessons on Fri & possibly Sat?
    The class is for about 6 weeks?  & the cost is like $45.00 I believe. 
    Both the Y & HH have 30 min sessions... but seems like the little ones
    learn more from both of those than we did in Merrimack.  Also, the
    instructor in Merrimack did not get in the pool as they do at both the
    other places.
    
    NOTE:  Caution!  (This came from Cindy at Gymboree in Nashua)
    Taken w/out permission from Boston Globe  Friday, July 26, 1991
     
                          Child Caring
    "Afterthought- The American Academy of Pediatrics says Children under 
    4 years old shouldn't participate in organized swimming programs. 
    Although they will instinctively hold their breath when immersed,
    children continue to swallow water, which can produce a condition
    called hyponatremia that can lead to seizures."
    
    This is thought to come from the chemicals in the pools.  I didn't feel
    it was much to be concerned about as we (baby & family) will be doing
    most of our swimming in lakes.
    
    What do others think about this?
    
    sorry this is so long.
    
    Sonia  .... who has no regrets about putting infant in swimming & would
    recommend it to anyone.  It's really to get them familiar w/ the water
    & it worked w/ all the little ones in our class.

My children learned to swim starting at six months.  It is normal over here and
I was not worried about infant seizures from pool water.  (And yes they do put
the babies under water).  I am more worried about a kid drowning.

In the very first classes here they teach babies basic survival techniques.
This means that they teach the babies to flip over and float on their back
if they fall in the water.  The final "exam" is to toss the kids in the water
(by this point they actually _like_ it) and watch them flip and float.  I 
think this is the best security next to a life jacket.

The lessons are given here in heated pools in shallow water with parent and 
baby pairs.  Since I am terrified of water and didn't want to transmit my fears
to the kids, I sent my au paires with the kids.

My kids swim like fish now.

Cheryl

    
    I'm interested in having my daughter take some swimming lessons.
    Could (.11 I think) give a little more info on the program at
    Hampshire Hills in Milford. Is it restricted to NH residents?? I
    live in Townsend, MA which is just over the border from Milford.
    Where exactly is Hampshire Hills. My daughter (1 yr.) loves the water
    and I want to start teaching her to swim ASAP. My worse fear is that
    she has no fear of the water which could cause a serious accident.
    I figure if she learns what to do in the water and get a better
    respect for the water I'll feel a little better.
    
    Thanks, Patty

    ref .13...
    
    Hampshire Hills is right off either 13 or 101A in Milford.  I don't
    know what the restrictions are on the club.  The phone # is 673-7123.
    I believe there are very small signs off both routes to the Club.  I
    believe from Rt 13 it's the right right before the entrance to 101A.
    It's actually a friend I know that goes there.. but I have been inside
    the Club before.  It's very clean & seems quite organized.
    
    Good Luck,
    Sonia

    	I'm not sure if this is the correct place to post this, if not
    please, moderators feel free to post somewhere else.  I picked this
    topic so that maybe someone would see it and realize just how important
    this subject really is!!!
    	I received a call from my mother last night.  Yesterday, Kevin my 8 
    year old cousin was pulled from the bottom of a swimming pool.  From what
    they can tell he was probably under the water for no less than 10
    minutes.  There were a lot of kids and adults around too.  At the time, 
    my other cousins (3 of who are RN's, 2 work in the ER) could not get any 
    vital signs at all.  After starting CPR they finally got a heart beat and 
    Kevin was airlifted to another town.  He is now in intensive care, the 
    tests they have done so far show swelling of the brain.  Kevin is in a 
    coma, and the doctors are giving him medication to keep him that way until
    more of the swelling goes down. (I'm a little sketchy on details, since
    I am receiving this 2nd or 3rd hand.)  
    	They have told my aunt and uncle that they feel there has been 
    brain damage and that the next 36 hours are most critical.  My uncle 
    says he looks MUCH better today than yesterday but it is still touch 
    and go.   
    	A few years ago, the same aunt and uncle lost their first born son at 
    18 months of age to a farming accident and I am worried sick about what
    this is doing to them.  Kevin has 2 older sisters who are blaming
    themselves since they were at the pool with him, then there's my aunt
    and uncle who had full intention on getting him swimming lessons, but 
    it kept getting put off for various reasons.  Of course we all know
    that none of them are to blame, but how do we convince them of that.  
    I know that if I were in their place, I too would feel responsible.  I 
    think sometimes that just a natural reaction. 
    	I would like to ask all of you to keep Kevin and family in your 
    thoughts/prayers.  I've been having a real hard time concentrating 
    today, all I want to do is go home and hold my Shayne and protect him 
    forever.  
    	I plan on calling my uncle myself, as soon as I can keep my
    emotions under control better.  Thanks for letting me carry on, I 
    guess I needed a little support too. 
    
    Thanks,
    Malinda  
    		 
    	   

    Malinda
    
    I am so very sorry.  I will keep you and your family in my thoguhts and
    hope for a swift and full recovery for Kevin.
    
    Marie

    Malinda,
    
    I too have included Kevin and his family in my thoughts and prayers.
    
    Cathryn

    Thanks for the thoughts. 
    
    I spoke with my aunt and uncle yesterday and things are not looking
    good.  The doctors say there is ALOT of brain damage and they are not
    sure he will make it through the next few days.
    
    I encouraged them to get as much family counseling as possible
    as they all are having a very hard time, each one keeps blaming
    themselves for what has happened and the hospital has offered them 
    counseling. 
    
    Please continue to keep Kevin in your thoughts.
    Thanks,
    Malinda  
    
     

    
    What a tragic situation for everyone. I wish your entire family
    (including little Kevin) peace and strength to endure.
    
    	
    			Wendy

    Very well said Wendy...I too have been keeping Kevin and his
    family in my thoughts since you first entered this note.
    
    		Linda

    Last summer Brad loved to swim in the pool with his swim sweater so I
    decided to take him to swimming lessons this spring.  He was terrified
    of the water and cried the whole time over the four lessons it got a
    little better, but now he doesn't want to swim, and he won't get in the
    tub if the water is running.
    
    Have any of you faced this problem?
    
    Sasha

Thanks for sharing your terrible experience with us Malinda.  I hope for the best
for Kevin.  After reading through this note, and then seeing what can happen
accidentally, it occurred to me that we seem to be putting a lot of faith in 
swimming lessons and life jackets to keep our babies and children safe.  There is,
unfortunately, no substitute for vigilance in and around pools and lakes.  Even 
children who are excellent swimmers can panic in the water.  Swimming lessons 
build self esteem confidence, and life jackets will keep them afloat under most 
circumstances, supervision, rules, and lessons in water safety are critical. 

                       <<< Note 127.21 by SAHQ::BAILEY >>>
                       -< BRADS AFRAID OF RUNNING WATER >-

<    Last summer Brad loved to swim in the pool with his swim sweater so I
<    decided to take him to swimming lessons this spring.  He was terrified
<    of the water and cried the whole time over the four lessons it got a
<    little better, but now he doesn't want to swim, and he won't get in the
<    tub if the water is running.
    
Is Brad around 3 yrs?  This seems the normal time to develop a {healthy}
fear of water.  My 2 year old is taking swimming lessons now and they've
warned me that next year probably won't be so easy.

My children are 7 and 2.  I seem to remember the older one being afraid of
the bath - he thought he would go down the drain.  We have a book around
somewhere {Berenstain Bears?} that explained to him that he was to big
to fit down that little drain. {or was it a Raffi song?}  Anyway the afraid
of the bath stage is usually pretty short - less than a month if I remember.


Rochelle

    I am a little behind in the notes, and may I too offer my prayers and
    hopes that your nephew is improving.  Can you give us an update?  By
    the way, a drug induced coma is a way of letting the body rest and
    recover, don't let the name of it scare you.  I will keep you in my
    thoughts and prayers.  Kids just shouldn't have to be hurt IMO.
    
    
    Second, we decided that the life vest was the best for our purposes. 
    As EMT's we have heard all too many stories like the one above.  One
    thing however is to be sure the vest you buy had straps that go around
    the legs, to keep it anchored down.  You can buy vest a "little" big,
    but without the straps they will ride up to the point where the head is
    actually below the water line.  AJ's first vest had leg straps, the
    second one I had to buy belt webbing at the fabric store and sew it on.
    By the way I bought both at Toys R Us, something like $15 or 19 each. 
    Have also seen them at Service merchandise.
    
    Last year we bought AJ a "bubble" of styrofoam since we purchased a 3'
    kiddie pool for the back yard.  He can stand up in it, but let's face
    it, kid can drown in two INCHES of water!  We still keep the vest for
    use at the lakes and ocean.
    
    Now my personal point of irritation, and I had several conflicts with
    public lifeguards.  Many beaches DO NOT ALLOW any type of vest, bubble
    or flotation devices of any kind.  One lifeguard said it was because
    parents felt "safe" and tended to view them as "babysitters".  This
    whole statement made me see RED!  I don't view them as babysitters, I
    view them as what they are, LIFE PRESERVERS!  I want to know that if my
    child is caught by a wave, that he stands a chance of surfacing, thanks
    to a buoyant device.
    
    Even though AJ had had several swimming classes, from 18 months to
    present at the YMCA, and I feel he *is able* to swim, I still won't let
    him near any water without something on.  By the way the YMCA uses the
    styrofoam "bubble", and you can put more than one foam piece on the
    strapping, if your child's weight requires it.
    
    Lyn
    (the EMT and MOM!!)
    

    I forgot to mention, I bought the foam bubble at The Fair department
    store at the Auburn/Worcester line, paid under $10 in the pool supply
    department.  But I do still carry his vest in my car trunk "just in
    case"
    
    Lyn

While it's truly unfortunate it is true that very few parents have your 
diligence and skill. Lifeguards are often treated as "babysitters" as well
as the devices but just because YOU don't doesn't give you the right to chastise
all lifeguards. Rather YOU should be chastising those parents who haven't 
learned to be as diligent. It's unfortunate but in this case you're among the
one's who have to pay for other's ignorance.

Does anyone know how I might arrange private swimming lessons for
a terrified 9 year old beginner, in the Acton, Massachusetts area?

    	Just an update on Kevin.  My aunt and uncle have been asked to 
    consider donating Kevin's organs while he is still alive.  I guess the 
    doctors do not think that he will make it beyond the next couple of
    days.  
    	Things were looking up but then took a real turn for the worse. 
    I'd like to ask that you all keep the family in your thoughts, this 
    decision is tearing everyone up.
    
    Thanks, 
    Malinda

    re .27 -- swimming lessons in the Acton area
    
    The Atkinson pool in Sudbury gives group lessons, and I think also
    private lessons.  I've taken my daughter to the toddler class (which is
    nice), but don't have personal experience with the instructors for
    older kids.  However, it is a nice pool.
    
    Beryl

    Malinda,
    
    	Is there an update on Kevin? I have thought of your situation so
    very often probably because when I was a toddler they too found me on
    the bottom of the pool. (like Kevin's case, adults were all around as
    well, as they put it "it just happened so quickly") luckily for me,
    there was no permanent damage. For whatever it's worth I do very
    clearly remember being out of my body so I think that they got in in
    the proverbial nick of time.
    
    	Please let us know how your family is doing and know that we all
    lend you our support and well wishes.
    
    				Wendy

    	Sorry I haven't updated in awhile.  I just found out my job is
    going away and Shayne and I have had the flu. 
    	I think the last time I updated the doctors had asked my aunt and 
    uncle to consider donating his organs. 
    	Well they took Kevin off all the machines and my aunt asked to hold
    him so that she could say goodbye.  As soon as they put Kevin in her 
    arms he started reacting to her, his breathing became stronger as well 
    as his heart beat and pulse.  Kevin is still hanging in there and I am 
    told that whenever my aunt or uncle are around he makes gestures etc, 
    but is still in a coma. 
    	I believe this week they are putting him in a nursing home that
    deals specifically with his type of diagnosis.  The doctors had told
    the family that all the tests showed his brain was bleeding and that 
    it would only be a matter of time before he passed on, but now they 
    just don't know what to say as Kevin has survived ALOT longer than 
    they expected. 
    	They have suggested that the family continue to stimulate Kevin
    through talking and reading to him.  However, the home he will be in 
    is 2 hours from where my aunt and uncle live, they are having a hard 
    time dealing with the fact that they will be that far apart.  The town 
    they live in is very small and does not have the facilities Kevin
    needs and financially they can not afford for either one of them to 
    quick their jobs. 
    	I suggested to my mother that we get Kevin an AM/FM Cassette player 
    of some type and make tapes of his favorite books and music so that he
    could listen to it and hopefully it would help keep him stimulated. 
    	Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  And please 
    keep all those good thoughts coming. 
    	I would also like to thank everyone who has sent mail off line, I 
    am trying to reply to each of you, but things have been a little hectic
    lately, but I DO appreciate all the wonderful mail. 
    
    Thanks,
    Malinda 

    Malinda,
    The tape player is a great idea.  Maybe his Mom and Dad could make
    tapes of their voices for him to listen to.  I'm so happy to hear Kevin
    is holding his own.  The human spirit can be miraculous.  I'll keep
    you all in my thoughts!!!!
    
    Marie

    Along with tapes of the parents voice, maybe the parents "personal
    scent" on pillow cases or something of the like.  I know that when I
    went away for a weekend trip during my son's infancy - he was comforted
    by my nightgown in his crib - or when left with babysitters a diaper
    rag that I carried around on my shoulder for those messy moments.
    
    Scents are important - just like sounds!
    
    -sandy
    

    Maybe have them tape a "normal day at home" (if it is possible for them),
    with all meals, maybe a pet making noise, the TV, kitchen noises etc.
    The day-to-day sounds may help. 
    
    Cyn
    
    

    Oh Malinda, you really have had a roller coaster ride.  I can only send
    a big hug and warm thoughts your way.  As if you haven't got enough
    right now, you're about to handle a job search and try to act "normal"
    in the midst of such personal chaos.
    
    You're story absolutely touched the very depths of my heart.  It truly
    does sound like a miracle.
    
    Let me relate a couple things, my mother had a stroke at a very young
    age, and was unresponsive for several months.  My father brought in
    tape recordings of her favorite music (bagpipes, and her favorite
    Scottish tenors) and received almost immediate response.  Maybe some of
    his favorites like Sesamie Street or something like that.
    
    We also brought in a favorite blanket and pillow.  Like someone said
    smells are important, so don't wash them "just because" before bringing
    them in.  Maybe even buy a dozen pillow cases and do the laundry
    yourself, that way the cases will "smell" like home, and there will be
    a supply on hand if they need changing in between visits.  Don't forget
    to bring a favorite stuffed animal or two, and provide bright colored
    baloons and hang them over his bed.
    
    From a personal story, my son's Godmother worked at Umass on the
    Neurology floor a few years ago.  She was asked to be present when a
    patient was to be disconnected much like your nephew.  Among those present 
    was a priest who said appropriate prayers.  Then the life support was shut
    off, and everyone expected as you did the end to happen.
    
    This young man continued to survive, and infact made a fairly decent
    recovery- with some lingering handicaps.  A comment that was directed
    toward the priest by someone in the room was "I think you prayed just a
    little too hard to the guy upstairs".  My comment is "it's nice to have
    connections in *high* places!"
    
    Keep up the faith and the strength
    Lyn

    Lynn thanks for the note.  Here's a little update on Kevin.
    
    Sunday was Kevin's birthday, the family spent the day with him.  I had 
    passed along some of the ideas you all have come up with, they have
    taken up his favorite toys etc.   My uncle said that they have Kevin 
    sit in a type of lounge chair for variety and the staff will put a toy 
    in his lap/hands while he is there.  
    
    Kevin was experiencing choking incidents that the doctors couldn't
    really explain, he had one this past weekend that noone thought he 
    would survive, however the doctors used some kind of superpowered 
    suction and retrieved a small piece of tape.  Kevin's breathing has
    improved and he has not had one choking incident since. So things are 
    looking pretty good all things considered.  
    
    My folks are leaving next week to spend a week with the family, they
    will be taking my 2 nephews and niece. The kids have all been pretty 
    close over the years and we have been trying to prepare them for their 
    visit with Kevin (they are insisting on seeing him).  My sister has 
    done her best in explaining the situation without scaring them too
    much.  After what they have been through with my Shayne I think they 
    will do fine, they ask lots of questions and I have never been anything
    but honest with them, usually they can fire off answers before I get a 
    chance. 
    
    Again Thanks for all your thoughts,
    Malinda   

    How is Kevin doing?  My thoughts and prayers have been with 
    him and you and your family all along.
    
    Kim

    I have enrolled Rasika (4 yrs 2 months) in a parent_and_tot swimming
    class starting next week.  This will be her first time in a
    swimming pool.  Since I do not swim, I am pretty ignorant and have lots 
    of questions. 

Ques: How I can prepare her beforehand - especially her confidence.  She does
      not really like water on her face during her shower/bath. 

Ques: I am not sure what her reaction will be -- what is the best approach
      if she is terrified? Should I coax her to try again or is it a good idea
      to let it go? 

Ques: Are there any good children's books that discuss swimming? Our library 
      was not much help.

Ques: I DO NOT know swimming  - is it a bad idea for me to be in the pool 
      with her?  (I think that the swimming instructors will be present).
      My husband can swim, but we both think that Rasika would 
      prefer that I be with her.  I also do not wish to take her into 
      men's locker room.

Ques: I have long hair - all the way down to my hips that I braid everyday.
      How can I keep my hair dry/semi-dry? 

Ques: Can I buy swim_suits in this weather (it is fall in Michigan) -- I wish
      I had the forethought to do this in summer :-) 

Ques: What kind of skin/hair care is required before/after the swimming lesson?
  
Ques: Are ear_plugs necessary for Rasika? (She does NOT have tubes in ears.)
      Can swimming cause ear_infections? Any tips in this regard?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/answers.

Pam
    

Interesting questions.  I am a pretty poor swimmer, and am uncomfortable in the
water.  I would suggest you decide if your goal is for Rasika to actually learn
to swim in this class, or just to get used to the idea.  I recommend not pushing
her at all - let her learn to like swimming and water and she'll pursue it
herself.

Also, most places, like the YMCA, don't expect kids to do anything they don't
want to do in these swimming classes.  It is appropriate for you to respect her
feelings if she doesn't want to put her face in the water.


Ques: How I can prepare her beforehand - especially her confidence.  She does
      not really like water on her face during her shower/bath. 

	Talk about how she can play in the water and splash, or whatever.  Tell
her the class will be structured, that is there will be specific things to do,
like moving her arms and legs in a certain way.  But also tell her that she
doesn't have to do anything she doesn't want to do.  She can just watch if she
wants to.

Ques: I am not sure what her reaction will be -- what is the best approach
      if she is terrified? Should I coax her to try again or is it a good idea
      to let it go? 

	Don't push her.  Let her decide to do it, so she learns to like swimming.
I wish that was what my parents did.


Ques: I DO NOT know swimming  - is it a bad idea for me to be in the pool 
      with her?

	No, you'll be fine.  Tell Rasika that you don't know how to swim either,
so you'll be learning a lot too.  She'll probably feel better about the whole
thing knowing that you will be trying something new too.
	Just don't worry, relax, and take is slowly.  I would suggest you call
and talk to the instructor before the class starts and explain your situation.
Then the instructor will be able to help you both if you need to go more slowly
than others in the class.



Ques: I have long hair - all the way down to my hips that I braid everyday.
      How can I keep my hair dry/semi-dry? 

	Pin the braid up on top of your head.  You may be able to find a bathing
cap in a store like K-Mart, or in a sporting goods store (probably year round).
	If that doesn't help, ask the pool if they have any in the lost and
found that you can use.


Ques: Can I buy swim_suits in this weather (it is fall in Michigan) -- I wish
      I had the forethought to do this in summer :-) 

	Yes, most sporting goods stores sell bathing suits year round.  Also,
many places will have suits on sale right now.

Ques: What kind of skin/hair care is required before/after the swimming lesson?
  
	Not much.  Shower before going in the pool to help keep the pool clean,
and shower after to rinse of the pool chemicals.  You may want to use a 
moisturizer on yourself as the pool chemicals can dry the skin. 

Ques: Are ear_plugs necessary for Rasika? (She does NOT have tubes in ears.)
      Can swimming cause ear_infections? Any tips in this regard?

	No.  Swimming pools are fine.  The ear drum prevents any water from
entering the ear.  Sometimes after swimming you can feel like you can't hear
out of one ear.  That means you have some water in your ear canal and the
surface tension of the water is holding it there.  To clear it, tilt your head
so the blocked ear canal is aimed at the ground and tap yourself lightly on the
other side of the head.  That will almost always clear it. (You'll feel the
water flow out of your ear).  Don't worry if that doesn't work; normal movement
will usually take care of it.
	If you swim in a pond or lake next summer you may get a parasite that 
causes a problem called swimmer's ear.  I've never gotten it, so I'm not an
expert.  I wouldn't worry about that until next summer, and then ask the 
lifeguard at the pond or lake about it.


More than anything else, swimming should be fun, so don't let anyone pressure
you into something you don't want to do.  Relax and enjoy yourself.
You may find you like it alot.

Pat

    
    The only thing I can add to the previous reply is that I went to
    a swimming class at the YMCA with my 9 month old.  After three weeks,
    I gave up.  Allison liked the water but the logistics were a pain.
    
    	1) There were 25 kids and 25 parents.  This was not bad in the
    pool.  The locker room was a mess.  Allison couldn't stand yet and that
    was even worse trying to hold her, shower. etc.  It was a class for 6 months
    to 3 years.  Every horizontal spot was taken up with people trying to
    change diapers etc.  Getting the outer clothes on without getting
    everything wet was also a challenge.
    	
    	2) Hair.  The parents were expected to blow bubbles and put their
    face in the water.  It's pretty hard to keep your hair dry unless it's
    in a swimming cap and even then it gets overall damp.
    
    
    	3) We never went in water over our heads.  The class wasn't so much
    designed for "swimming" as it was for getting comfortable in the water.
    
    The kids learned to kick, blow bubbles and get their face wet.  The
    older kids (over 2) even would go under.  (as long as they liked it)
    
    Good luck

    Most children's swimming classes begin with sessions to get the child
    to feel comfortable with the water and such.  I wouldn't worry about
    preparing her beforehand.  If she is afraid of the water (like my 7 yr
    old) there is NOTHING you can do to change that.  She will have to come
    around on her own.  I have two boys - the oldest took swimming at the Y
    and has yet to pass the first "grade".  My second son is already
    jumping off diving platforms and can swim the width of the pool without
    assistance.  Go figure!
    
    -sandy
    

    
    This is an update from the noter in .38 who wanted tips for intro to
    swimming after the first class.  Thanks Pat, Victoria and Sandy for the
    suggestions/answers.   The objective of the parent_and_tot course is to
    have fun, so the class is  an intro to water and is laid_back. 

    We had our first class on Saturday and we both loved it. Neither of us
    panicked :-).  When I mentioned to the teacher that I had never swum
    before, her advice was that I SHOULD NOT, SHOULD NOT communicate my
    fears to Rasika.  If  I was NOT comfortable, I should NOT be the parent
    in the water with her.  So I got in first and brought Rasika in 5 mins
    later.  I was glad that she seemed excited and not panicky.  Of course,
    we only stayed in the 3'6" side of the pool, so our heads were always
    above water!! We will have to wait and see when they ask us to put our
    heads in the water. We'll see.  Most of the kids in the class are
    babies; the next oldest child after Rasika  (4+) was probably less than
    2. All the parents knew how to swim.  So we got some curious stares
    from others, but I ignored them. Oh well.

    We dilly-dallied after we got out of the pool to watch others swimming
    and got very cold by the time we changed into our dry clothes. I guess
    once out out of the pool (water was at 80 or so), one can get cold
    fairly easily. It was no_jackets_needed weather when we left home, but
    we could have used jackets on our way home. Brrr...

    The locker room had tables to change babies - no wet
    towels/swimwear/bags on  tables please. The floor is wet,  so wearing
    pants is tricky -  I'll have to figure that one out. All in all ... a
    good experience worth  continuing. I am hoping that it stays that way. 

    Pam
    

    
    My son will be nine months in July and we are planning a week in Maine
    on a lake.  
    
    This lake is huge and is over 100ft deep in the middle.  There is a
    small engine (6hp) boat and a canoe and my husband is really looking
    forward to getting out to the middle of the lake, which we couldn't do
    with the canoe last year because he was worried as I was pregnant. 
    
    Anyways.. he asked what I thought about bringing Paul in the boat.  My
    first reaction was "NO WAY" but he tells me that its not the canoe
    (which would tip more easily if I had to tend to him fussing) and we
    should be able to get a life jacket for him.
    
    Does anyone know if they make life jackets for children around 25lbs? 
    And, do you think its safe for us to bring him out in the boat to fish?
    
    cj
    

    You should be able to get an infant life jacket at most boating stores. 
    Also, I think LL Bean has them in the catalog.  As for taking him on
    the boat, I think it depends on how comfortable you are around the
    water.  My husband and I took my son when he was 10 months old and
    starting to pull up on things.  I had to watch him like a hawk.  He
    also was fascinated by the "toys" in the tackle box.  Let's just say
    that I did not get much fishing done.
    
    One more thing, take lots of sunscreen.
    
    LG

    They do make life jackets for young children - I used to have
    one for my son that was for children up to 30 lbs.  I never
    used it though so have no idea how well it would work.
    
    My biggest concern, with the lifejacket, is the baby's ability
    to turn over if he ended up in the water face down.  Your
    pedi may have more info on this.  We got the lifejacket from 
    LLBean but your local sporting goods store should carry them.
    
    Pam

    There are life jackets made for infants 0-30 pounds.  The one we had
    for our children had a large "collar" at the top and a strap which went
    around the crotch area.  The design was such that if the infant fell
    into the water the jacket would flip him/her over and the collar would
    hold his head out of the water.  We (fortunately) never had the
    "opportunity" to test this out but we felt relatively safe.
    
    Linda

	I recently got a catalog for baby "safety" products.  I know I
	saw something like this.  Cj... if you can't find one soon, let
	me know and I can mail you my catalog.  Also might be one in
	the Right Start catalog (the safety catalog and Right Start
	had alot of the same products).

	Karen

	P.S.. when in Florida this past February (Lauren was 10 weeks
	old), my parents looked for a life preserver for her so that
	we could go out on their boat.  No luck... however my Mom
	watched Lauren at their house and my dad took us out for our
	"three hour tour".  I was nervous about taking Lauren out on the
	ocean so it was almost a relief that no life preservers were
	to be found.  I mean, if anything happened and we ended up
	in the ocean, what chance would a small baby have in the 
	ocean even with a life preserver on?  

    
    	I was raised on the water, we've had a boat in the family almost my
    entire life and yet, I would be *very* hesitant to take either of my
    kids out on a boat until they could do a reasonable dog paddle and be
    able to understand commands (like "swim away from there").
    
    	I also, would not allow myself or any one of the kids on a boat in
    which the operator had not taken a boat safety course (in Connecticut,
    these were taught by the Coast Guard and were very intensive) Too many
    jerks think that boats are big toys that go fast and go well with beer.
    
    
    			Wendy who is anticipating a "discussion" when we
    visit some relatives on a lake.
                                                            

    Well, luckily for me my father in law owns a sporting good store.  I
    know that I probably could of just called him but I was also interested
    in knowing what the parenting community thought about taking him into
    the boat.
    
    This boat is not a large/fast boat by any means.  Its one of those
    small aluminum ones that usually don't have a motor but I guess a motor
    is used because of the largest of the lake and the others that attach
    to this one.  
    
    I don't know, I don't like the idea either WTHOMAS.  I think "if" we do
    this, that we will stay by the edge and only venture about 20 feet out
    so I feel comfortable enough because I am not 100% confident in the
    water.  However, my husband is in "very" good shape and would have no
    problem if there one.  
    
    The easiest way I see having no problem though is to have him go out in
    the middle of lake by himself if he wants to fish that area of the
    lake.  Heck, I wouldn't mind having some time to sunbath at the dock by
    myself now that I think about (course that is if Paul decides to sleep
    while he's out).
    
    Thanks for the info....
    cj

    
    	Please, call me Wendy ;-)
    
    			Wendy

Glad others have questioned it.  My first reaction was "Why do it?" but then 
I thought I was being cantankerous.

One thing to remember is that if the lake is cold, hypothermia may be as big 
a danger as drowning if the boat were to capsize.

Secondly, I've been away from the baby business for long enough that I don't 
remember when kids do what and when.  At that age, would the baby really 
*want* to be on the boat, or would s/he be just as happy on shore, playing 
with toys?  Why not let dad fish by himself for awhile, while mom watches 
baby, and then dad watches baby for a while (on land) while mom sunbathes or 
whatever.

Clay

    
    We took my daughter in a small aluminum boat with small engine on
    Long Lake in ME when she was nine months old.  We had her in a life jacket
    and hat (for sun).  The boat was not tippy.  I'm a strong swimmer and
    we were always within easy swimming distance of shores.  
    
    We had a fabulous time.  We took a picnic lunch and ate in the very
    small boat.  We went slow.  We all wore our life jackets the whole
    time.  

    
    	Regarding "small aluminum boats" 
    
    		You can get one heck of a burn from those things.
    
    				Wendy

    
    Wendy, I just picked up the phone to call you! :) Then it occurred to
    me that you were just talking about me calling you WTHOMAS and to be
    honest, the only reason why I did that was because it was the only
    thing that I saw to refer everyone to whom I was talking to. 
    ANYWAYS... :)
    
    I really want to go fishing with my husband for a bit so we will
    probably try this and stay close to the shore.  He bought me my first
    fishing pole for my birthday last year and although I enjoyed
    sunbathing in the canoe more so than actually fishing; I would never
    tell him so and have found fishing to be entertaining to say the least.
      
    I don't think that Paul will have any problems with this as he loved the 
    water at the beach last weekend and loves the tub.  He is also a very 
    very happy baby and easy to please.  I intend on taking an umbrella 
    along with the hat for sun protection.  I hope we can go along the shore 
    with the boat and find a spot to picnic at also.  And, this will be the
    end of July so I don't think we have to worry about the water being
    "that" cold.
    
    cj

    > I don't think that Paul will have any problems with this as he 
    > loved the water at the beach last weekend and loves the tub.
    
    But... he won't be *in* the water, he'll be in a boring metal boat
    being restrained *from* the water.
    
    And let me see, one hand on Paul, one hand holding the umbrella, one
    hand on your fishing pole...
    
    Leslie

    Leslie,
    
    Your making me feel bad! :)
    
    I will not be holding the umbrella; we will fix it somehow with the
    ever famous duct tape in a way that it will be o.k.  
    
    But, you have got me thinking that this IS a way to get out of fishing!
    :)  "honey, I really should watch Paul"....
    
    cj
    

    The youngest I ever took one of mine in a boat, was about 1.5 yrs old,
    and is was not fun.  He wanted to get OUT of the boat, and he was
    BORED, BORED, BORED!  I bought along some candy and "toys" to entertain
    him, but I ended up entertaining him.  The other "problem" is that he
    sat so low in the boat, he couldn't SEE anything, so the only way he
    could really see was to sit on my lap, which made life a little more
    uncomfortable.

    Sorry I didn't report back my finding.  
    
    We never got the aluminum boat going so we took the canoe out.  You
    should of seen Paul in his roaring twenties bathing suit, equipped with
    hat and his father's bolle' sunglasses.  He hated the life jacket, but
    after getting it on I don't think he could move so he just sat there
    lookin' like Stevie Wonder rolling his head and eyes around.  Within
    two minutes, he was sleeping soundly in the booster chair that I was
    holding between my legs.  I put him in the bottom of the canoe and
    paddled with my husband while he slept.  The rocking seems to make him 
    very happy and each time that we went out, he slept at least two hours 
    and sometimes three!  
    
    We never did get out to the deep middle, or catch any fish for that
    matter, but it was fun and Paul enjoyed himself.  I doubt he will be as
    good as he gets older.  At that age I think we caught him at time in his
    life before he constantly has to move around.
    
    
    cj

I am looking for a place were you can go swimming with your VERY young baby < 6month in the 
New England area.

/lillemor

    We belong to the Forge Hill YMCA in Franklin, MA.
    They have a brand new indoor pool and offer swimming 
    lessons from age 6mos and up.
    
    Check out your local Y...
    
    	Linda

    The Westford Regency Health Club has a nice pool.  They are right off
    route 495 at exit 32. 
    
    Lisa

    
    
    The Westford Swim and Tennis Club also offers an 8-week course for 
    6 months and older *with* parent.   I think it starts end of march.
    
    Sadhana

So there are no specialized places with a special heated pool for infants
under 6 month old ? I would like to start the 'swimming' early while the 
baby is still use to be in and under the water.

    Depending where you live you can check local YMCA's.   When my daughter
    was 3, I took her to the Fitchburg Y for lessons.  She absolutely
    loved.   The class before hers was one where parents were in the water
    with their very young babies.  It made me wish I had started a lot
    earlier than 3.
    
    

    I've just signed up for swimming lessons for my son and I to do
    together.  The receptionist was very useless at answering any of
    my questions and they were "out" of brochures.  Hopefully the
    teacher will be more competent than the receptionist.
    
    Anyway, I have no idea what to do about a diaper in the pool.  I
    know that a disposable won't work, and so I'm looking for suggestions.
    I'm especially concerned because the class time is at a time when he
    often has bowel movements and I don't want to see anything "floating
    around". :)
    
    Gail

    When my daughter took swimming lessons at the Y they recommended rubber
    pants under the bathing suit.  It's not exactly glamorous looking 8^)
    but it does do the trick.
    
    /Susan

    IF you decide to pin on a cloth diaper, then get it wet BEFORE you put
    it on .... they shape a lot different wet, than dry.
    
    I'd recommend training pants - they seem to fit nice and snug to "keep
    things in" if need be. (though they're a LOT messier to clean out than
    a cloth diaper!!)
    
    -Patty

    A diaper gets pretty heavy when it gets completely soaked, disposable
    or cloth.  I just used rubber pants under the swimsuit. Never had a
    problem with "floating" items, probably because he was too busy to
    concentrate!
    My take on it was that in the tub he doesn't wear a diaper, so why
    bother with the pool?
    Sarah

At the pool I take my son to, none of the babies wear nappies, just normal
swimming costumes. 
I asked about it and was told that they'd only ever had one 
accident in the pool and that was with a baby who wasn't too well.

I have known babies to poo in the bath though. 

I think you just risk it and hope that the swimming costume can hold any 
accidents as you dash out of the water. 'Course they're still likely to wee on
you as soon as you take the nappy off.

Heather 

    Thanks for all the suggestions.  I went shopping last night and bought
    training pants and a diaper wrap.  Unfortunately, I couldn't find any
    rubber pants big enough as Justin just turned three and weighs over
    30 pounds.  (He's one of those stubborn toddlers that won't toilet
    train until he's good and ready!) 
    
    At ToysRus and KidsRus they had a new product called bathing suit diapers 
    that looked like they would be the perfect solution.  They were made by
    Lamaze and looked like some sort of spandex or something like that. 
    Unfortunately, they also weren't big enough.
    
    We'll have a talk on the way to swimming and hopefully he'll listen
    when I tell him to tell me if he has to poop while we're in the pool. 
    I'll also try to use either the diaper wrap or training pants and keep
    my fingers crossed.
    
    Gail
    

    
    Sears (at least used to) sells very large rubber pants, with terry
    cloth inside.  They're pretty huge - I got a few pair for Chris at
    night when he was still wetting the bed.  If I remember right, he was
    about 5 at the time I bought them, and they were even big then. 
    Probably close to $10.00 for a pack of 3.
    
    -Patty

    Many little boy swimsuits have a 'liner' already in them -- looks like
    a net thing -- i used these with my son and had no problems.  In
    fact, now that he's 11 he STILL wants the liner...and now it's getting
    difficult to find one like that in a size 14!
    
    sandy

    
    I thought all boys and mens swimsuits had some sort of nylon or
    net liner.  I don't think the idea was to hold bowel movements
    however....  8^)
    
    Carol

    Sandy,
    
    I thought all boys swimsuits had the liner for 'privacy' sake.
    If you know what I mean.  When it gets closer to summer you
    should be able to find them without a problem.  For now, my
    son wears underwear under his shorts.
    
    Pam

    Whoops, notes clash.  Looks like Carol and I had the same idea.

My older son took swimming lessons at his daycare when he was 3 or 4.  
The swimming lessons were really about how to blow bubbles in the water,
getting around using floatation devices, etc.

Now he is 7, and has had 2 times when he has accidentally gone over his
head in a swimming pool and had to be helped or he would have drowned.  
I want him to learn to *swim*, and to pass the Red Cross Beginner's test.  

Can someone please direct me a place somewhat nearby Acton, MA where he
can take these kind of lessons?  Feel free to send me mail, as I realize
this is a location-specific question.

Thank you.

    Carol

    
    Carol,
    
    	I don't know specifics near Acton, but you may try any of the
    Y's in the area. Also try health clubs in the area, like the one
    on Rt 110 in Westford. I know that Sudbury has a community pool  
    they may have lessons. Most of the summer camps have Red Cross
    lessons, too.
    
    
    Eva

    Looking for private swim lessons for Level 3 / 7 yr old at
    Acton HS pool or comparable indoor facility in same area.