Is your child learning to swim? Here we share our top tips for keeping sensitive skin safe in the swimming pool.
Taking your baby for swimming lessons is not only great fun, it’s also good for their development. According to the NHS swimming can help children to learn how to control their muscle movement and gives them a water-confidence that could last a lifetime.
It’s natural to be nervous about introducing your child to the water for the first time but there are extra worries if your baby is prone to eczema or has sensitive skin.
Whilst chlorine is a known skin irritant, there are several things you can take to your baby’s swim lessons to help prevent chlorine rash and protect their delicate skin whilst they swim.
What to pack in your baby swim kit
Keep sensitive skin safe in the swimming pool with these baby swim class skin care essentials.
1) SUIT:
Your baby will need changing into a swim nappy before you get in the pool and our Nappy Cream contains naturally water-repellent Beeswax that will help to keep your baby’s bottom soft and protected.
Most baby swim classes will also require your baby to wear a snug over-nappy to protect against leaks in the water. Our Organic Babies Stockist Jojo Maman Bebe offers a range of Happy Nappies that are approved for use at most baby swim classes nationwide.
2) SHIELD
It’s not uncommon for young children to experience chlorine rash after swimming but this form of contact dermatitis is easily avoided.
Our top tip is to wash the skin thoroughly before entering the water. If not properly hydrated the skin will easily absorb chemicals it meets but, by taking the time to rinse the skin and hair thoroughly before you enter the pool, you can be sure that the skin is well-hydrated and minimise the risk of both chemical absorption and chlorine rash.
To further reduce the risk of chlorine rash, keep our award-winning Soothing Baby Salve in your changing bag and apply it to your child’s skin before they enter the pool. Suitable for sensitive skin prone to eczema, this water-resistant cream calms away irritation and can be used on baby’s face, body and bottom. We recommend applying it after soaking the skin with fresh water.
3) RINSE
Once the swimming lesson is over, rinse and remove any excess chlorine from the skin and hair in the shower with a mild baby wash, then gently pat your baby dry using a soft, clean towel. Avoid rubbing as this may aggravate sensitive skin.
Our Soothing Baby Salve can be used to gently soften the skin after swimming and will calm any dry, irritated patches of skin. Made with natural lavender oil its sweet, calming aroma masks the strong smell of chlorine and can help fractious little ones to nod-off on the journey home.
4) CONDITION
If your child has long, thick or curly hair you may also wish to apply our Quinoa and Artichoke Conditioner to the ends of the hair. Not only will this help to detangle the hair it can also repair any damage that chlorine may have caused to the cuticles. This is because the Artichoke leaves contain an extract known to reseal the surface of the hair and reduce porosity.
Shop swimming skin care for children
How did your baby react to being in the swimming pool for the first time? Do you have any skin care tips for swimming with eczema or sensitive skin? Join the conversation @GreenPeopleUK or by commenting in the section below.
