Babies in water, whats the difference?

Question

Ok so I was just thinking how come you can take a baby swimming and they can go fully underwater but when they have a bath it can only be 5 inches high? I mean in both circumstances your there holding them up?

Answer 1

i've never heard the 5 inch rule.  a child can drown in an inch of water if left unattended, and you only have to leave them alone for a few seconds for them to get water in their lungs and be beyond saving even for a professional.  the only way to make sure they are safe is to keep your eyes on them the whole time they are anywhere near water until they are MUCH older.  if you have your hands and eyes on the child, they can be in water of any depth.

Answer 2

Well I think it is just a general rule because they are afraid that a baby will be left unattended. I know a person never intends to leave the baby but then the phone rings and so on. I think it is just best to follow the general rule. My son is two and the bath is over half full. Good luck and just use your own judgment.

Answer 3

There isn't anything wrong with it. I think 5 inches is if you are not in the water holding them up with them. Alot of accidents happen during bath time. Can't rurn your back for a second.

Answer 4

They can't go fully underwater when you take them swimming. No longer then a quick dunk anyways. And even that should only be done when you know what you're doing. I do swimming classes with my baby and the longest she's been underwater is two seconds.