A mom writes in asking for advice about when it might be appropriate to take her baby into a river. She says she’s been wanting to take her family to a nearby river. What age should her baby be before she considers taking him or her in the water?
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A member of the community asks:
“How old should a baby be to go in a river?
I’ve been wanting to go as a family to a river and I found a place that the water is clear and very shady. I really would love to get positive helpful comments.”
– Mamas Uncut Community Member
Community Advice for This Mom Who Wants to Know What Age Her Baby Should Be Before She Brings Them Into a River to Swim
To see what advice the Mamas Uncut Facebook community has for this mom in need, read the comments of the post embedded below.
Advice Summary
The community offered this mom in need a lot of great advice. Read some of their responses below.
“I wouldn’t go until the child is old enough to swim. Anything can happen and you have to be prepared. And don’t forget a life jacket.”
“I would never bring my children to the river! And no I’m not being a judgy rude lady. I’m terrified of rivers, I almost died in one when I was 4, I avoid them at all costs lol.”
“My son went on his first float trip at 1 yr (camping even earlier) A life jacket is a must…teaching water safety is crucial….all the kids in our family are on the lake and river at a very early age with adult supervision at all times…have fun and make memories!”
“My oldest was 4 months the first time we took her. Of course, she was held the entire time.”
“Whenever you feel like it. I say as long as they’ve gotten their a few immunizations and obviously have everything to keep baby safe whether you wear baby in water or put baby in floaty. If you put baby in floaty baby should be able to sit on their own though. But if baby doesn’t, then I’d say wear baby.”
“I felt more comfortable with this kinda stuff once my kids were about 6 months old. Everyone is different though.”
“We went boating on a lake when my daughter was just under 3 months. She has been getting into the water since she lost her belly button. In our pool in the back yard.”
“We live on Navarre Beach in Florida. I’ve been taking mine since they were a few months old. They were swimming by age 3 but I always kept floaties on them while they were still learning.”
“If you will be holding the baby the entire time, then I would say 3 or 4 months, but if you plan on putting the baby in floaties and letting them go, wait until they have the core muscle strength to sit on their own (and obviously stay extremely close to them). Remember that you cannot put sunscreen on a baby less than 6 months old, so if they are younger than that, be very mindful of sun exposure.”
“I need more information. How fast is the river? Are you going canoeing, or just playing by the riverbank? How has the weather been where you’re at, like has it been warm enough to warm up the water, or is it still cold? Is it you alone, will there be other kids you have to keep an eye on, or will other adults be there?”
“Are you going to be putting feet in or floating? We own a canoe and kayak outfitter and require all children be able to walk before allowing them to go on trips down the water. We keep this rule for our own children, also.”
“My baby is 6 months currently, and I’m taking him to a clear body of water for the first time today!”
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