As a pediatrician with extensive experience in child health and development, I can provide guidance on when it is safe to introduce a baby to a pool environment.

**Babies can be introduced to water as early as the first few weeks of life,** provided that certain conditions are met. It's important to ensure that the water is warm and the environment is safe. Babies have a higher risk of hypothermia due to their larger surface area to volume ratio, so the water temperature should be **around 32-34 degrees Celsius (90-93 degrees Fahrenheit)**.

For the first few months, babies should be supported at all times by a caregiver who is in the water with them.
Supervision must be constant and close, and the baby should never be left unattended in or near water.

As the baby grows, they can start to explore the water more independently, but a caregiver should always be within arm's reach.
Floatation devices can be used, but they should never replace the supervision and support of a caregiver.

It's also crucial to choose a pool that is clean and free from hazards. Public pools can harbor bacteria and chemicals that might be harmful to a baby's sensitive skin and immune system, so a private pool or a baby-specific swimming facility might be a better option initially.

Remember, every baby is different, and some may take to the water more readily than others. Always follow the guidance of a healthcare professional and consider your baby's comfort and readiness when introducing them to a pool environment.

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There's no need to wait until your baby is immunised as the chlorine in the swimming pool will kill off any germs. Baby swim classes tend to use small pools, heated to about 32 degrees C, which are ideal for tiny tots. If you plan to use a big public swimming pool, wait until your baby is six months old.read more >>