In recent years this practice is so fashionable that the debate seems not to have much impact, but there are certain doubts that the matronation, swimming with babies, is perfectly suitable for the little ones.
The Belgian Higher Health Council advises against swimming for babies under one year old for the risks it poses to your health, as can be seen from a report commented on in the newspaper "Le Soir".
The official body, which is consulted by the public authorities of the country in everything related to health, came to that conclusion after the investigations of a dozen experts, who weighed the risks and advantages of this practice.
They did so at the request of the Belgian Ministry of Health, which asked experts for an analysis of asthma risks derived from pool chlorine. That committee concludes now that Swimming is an activity with more benefits than risks, but recommends avoiding it in children under one year.
Specialists believe that, given their lung immaturity, before 12 months babies are more vulnerable to microorganisms that may be due to the high temperatures of indoor pools. Risks that may be especially prominent in babies with skin problems (such as dermatitis) or hearing.
In addition, they suggest that sanitary inspections in these private sports centers are not so exhaustive as to guarantee 100% water and air controls. The regulations on hygiene in swimming pools are not the same throughout the country.
To add even more arguments against, remember that the little ones do not fully acquire their coordination abilities until three or four years.
The director of the study, Micheline Kirsch-Volders, in an interview with "Le Soir" has indicated that
For those under 12 months, there are no real benefits. On the other hand, they are very vulnerable, more subject to infections, with very reactive mucous membranes and immature lungs.
The expert ensures that the advantages of the pool for babies, physical and emotional, are obtained with a simple bath with parents in the bathtub at home.
Recommendations on registration in other countries
Recall Germany advises against child swimming for cases of allergies, and those under two years of age were the most vulnerable to the risk of bronchitis, eczema and respiratory problems.
For their part, these new recommendations from Belgium encourage children to go to the pools from the year on, even if they suffer from asthma. In that age group, the benefits (in a pool with adequate controls and safety measures) outweigh the possible risks of chlorine and its derivatives.
In Spain the Spanish Association of Pediatrics does not advise against swimming with babies, despite the news that talk about possible respiratory problems in children due to excess chlorine.
That is why the AEP does point out that you have to choose specially prepared swimming pools for babies: This increase in risk does not happen if there are levels of chlorination of water within the established limits and the aeration of the facilities is adequate.
Here we talk about what are the best swimming pools for babies, in case you do not want to give up the benefits of swimming with babies, although you should always consider the considerations for a safe practice.
And even though Belgium advises against swimming with babies under one year oldSurely many parents decide to continue practicing it, so hopefully follow the safety recommendations. And above all I hope that common sense prevails when it comes to interrupting matronation if any problem arises.
