Warning on Sea and Pool Use for Babies

As the holiday season approaches, Dr. Musa Bostancıoğlu, Pediatrician at Istanbul Okan University Hospital, shares important information about when and how babies and children should enter the sea or pool: "Full-term babies can enter the sea and private pools at home starting from their 4th month, when subcutaneous fat tissue has sufficiently thickened, they have gained the ability to hold their head upright, and have reached approximately 6-7 kilograms. Premature babies can be placed in water once their corrected age reaches 4 months and their weight reaches the stated kilogram range," he stated.

Placing Baby in Clean Sea Water is a Better Choice Than Pools

Babies can be placed in water if seawater temperature is between 26-30 degrees Celsius, air temperature is at least 3 degrees higher than the water temperature, there is no wind, and the sea is very clean. Public swimming pools are not suitable for babies. These pools carry the risk of diarrhea, otitis media, fungal infections and other skin problems, itching, infectious hepatitis, and urinary tract infections especially for girls. If there is a private family pool at home, babies can enter the pool after the 4th month provided it is properly disinfected and well heated. However, it should be remembered that placing baby in clean seawater is a better choice than pools. If chemicals such as ozone or chlorine used for sterilization in pools cause sensitivity on the baby's skin, the baby should not be placed in the pool.

"Babies Should Be Kept in Water for a Maximum of 30 Minutes Each Time"

On very sunny days, babies should not be taken into the sea between 11:00-16:00. If they must enter, a hat should be placed on the baby's head, the head should be wetted, sunscreen should be applied to exposed areas such as shoulders and face, and during risky hours the baby should not spend more than 5-10 minutes in the sea under the sun. To prevent fluid loss in excessive heat, babies and children should be ensured adequate fluid intake. Babies should be kept in water for a maximum of 30 minutes each time, as they are exposed to fluid loss in the sun and cannot maintain their body temperature for extended periods.

Dress Baby in Thin Garments Made of Pure Cotton

If your child does not like water, make spending time in water appealing through toys and play. From the moment they enter the water, if they dislike water or are frightened, do not force them; try again another time. All children should wear wide hats with visors to protect the eyes and face while in the sun. The upper part of the body should be clothed and this clothing should not be removed even in water. The baby should be dressed in a thin garment made of pure cotton but woven tightly enough to prevent sun from penetrating. Nylon and polyester blend clothing that prevents healthy skin respiration, causes sweating, and can even lead to eczema should not be worn.

SPF 30 Sunscreen

You do not need to use SPF 50 sunscreen. SPF 30 sunscreen is sufficient, as SPF 30 provides 95% protection while SPF 50 provides 97% protection. For only 2% more protection, there is no need to apply 20 more types of chemical substances to your child's skin. Water-resistant sun oil in cream, lotion, or spray form with a protection factor of at least SPF 15 to maximum SPF 30, that is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and easy to use on children should be used. It should be a broad-spectrum sun oil that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should first be applied at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every 2 hours after entering the sea or pool. Use sunscreen even on cloudy days. Because clouds cannot block UV rays that are harmful to the skin. Although sunscreen use is not recommended for babies under 6 months due to insufficient scientific studies, if the baby is exposed to the sun, a thin layer of sunscreen can only be applied to areas not covered by clothing. If the baby has sunburn, cold compresses can be applied to the affected areas and after-sun creams can be applied.

"Babies Under 6 Months Can Hold Their Breath Underwater as a Reflex"

Babies under 6 months can hold their breath underwater as a reflex, meaning they do not swallow water. After 6 months, they lose this ability. Life jackets, arm floaties, pool floats, or other flotation devices create a false sense of security for families. However, the child slipping from the flotation device or mattress can happen in an instant. Babies and children should wear life jackets while in and around water, but along with these measures, parents must never take their eyes off their child in the water.