Swimming offers many benefits for toddlers. Learning how to swim at an early age helps them become confident and independent. It also provides an enjoyable way for them to spend time with Mom and Dad. However, if your toddler ends up sick with a cold and a cough, you may wonder if it is still safe for him to swim. By evaluating his symptoms, you can determine if he can safely go swimming — or if you need to put it off until another day.
Toddlers and Swimming
Children can begin learning how to swim as early as 6 months, according to BabySwimming.com. While they won't be ready to learn actual strokes — such as the crawl or backstroke — until about age 4, toddlers can begin learning skills that will help them to swim. Your toddler should learn how to kick and blow bubbles. She should also start feeling comfortable just being in the water and getting her face wet. She will have the easiest time learning these skills if she is happy, relaxed and feeling well.
Toddlers and Colds
Children average six to 10 colds each year, according to BabyCenter. Toddlers face an increased risk of getting sick because their immune systems are still developing and they haven't adopted good rules of hygiene. They suck on their fingers, touch dirty things and explore by putting objects in their mouths — all of which can expose them to lingering cold viruses. While colds are most common during the fall and winter months, your toddler can catch a cold — and have it interfere with his swimming plans — any time of the year.
When to Swim
If your toddler has a cold or cough, she can safely swim as long as she feels like doing so, according to MayoClinic.com. Encourage her to practice good hygiene, such as washing her hands before she swims and not spitting in the water. Choose places to swim where she won't be around a lot of other people in case she is still contagious. Make sure the water has a comfortably warm temperature. She may start feeling worse if she tries to swim in water that is too cold.
When Not to Swim
Make sure your toddler's illness really is a cold before letting him swim. Besides having a cough, a toddler with a cold may be congested, may run a low fever and will continue to eat and play close to the way he normally does. However, if your toddler has a high fever or diarrhea, or vomits, he likely has a more serious illness than a cold. If you notice significant changes in his behavior — especially if he doesn't have a fever — those symptoms also point to a different viral illness. If your toddler truly feels sick, you should keep him from swimming until he feels better.
