Introducing your infant to new experiences is a rewarding aspect of parenting. Swimming is absolutely on the to-try list and a fun thing to do with your baby. However, this fun thing also brings many worries.
It’s normal for parents to have questions about the baby’s safety when in the pool, especially when they have diaper rash. So, can babies swim with diaper rash? Will chlorine irritate the rash?
We’ll discuss these questions together to see if it’s safe to expose your little one to chlorine and tips to protect them when in the pool.
Does Chlorine Make Diaper Rash Worse?
Many parents whose babies have highly sensitive, vulnerable skin should know that chlorine can cause all skin disorders, including diaper rash, to deteriorate. Diaper rash can intensify, posing delayed healing and pain if skin dries out and becomes itchy due to chlorine exposure.
Yet, some parents report that chlorine doesn’t affect their babies’ condition. Others even share that chlorine exposure aids with curing diaper rash. It helps dry out the affected skin that is constantly inflamed, moist, and overly irritated due to the condition.
Parents are the ones who understand their children’s bodies and conditions the most. So, rely on your instinct and choose whether or not to let your infant into the pool water.
Should the problem not be severe and your little one seems comfortable swimming, let them jump into it. On the other hand, if the problem worsens, it’s advisable to avoid chlorinated water and wait until your baby heals.
There’s no way to know if chlorine will hurt your baby and make the diaper rash worse, even asking a doctor or searching online resources. You can get some chlorinated water from the pool to test your baby’s diaper rash. Then rely on your mother’s instinct to make an individualized decision.
Is a Chlorine Pool Safe for Babies?
Chlorine used for keeping pools clean and safe contains chloramine as a byproduct. Though considered safe, this byproduct may cause eye or skin irritation when in direct contact with them since chloramine is present on the water’s surface.
These byproducts, mixed with a pool’s pH levels, will likely affect the skin, whether minimal or significant. Newborns have more susceptible, sensitive skin than adults, meaning the chance that chemicals irritate and make their skin condition worse is high. Notably, chlorine tends to have greater effects on sensitive skin.
Long Term Negative Effects of Chlorine
First, you need to understand chlorine’s role in pool water sanitization. Regular chlorination eliminates harmful microorganisms leading to numerous health issues, such as athlete’s foot, ear infections, and stomach problems.
Improper circulation and treatment would, in simple words, turn a swimming pool into a stagnant pond. In this regard, appropriate sanitization is necessary and healthy.
While a chlorinated pool can help keep older children and adults safe from harmful microorganisms and sickness, is it good for young babies? Probably not.
According to a study, kids who often swim in chlorinated water may risk developing asthma and nasal allergies. Though it still requires more research, chlorine byproducts usually show signs of irritating kids’ developing lungs.
However, in most reported cases, chlorinated pools do not pose severe harm to young children and their sensitive skin. As long as people maintain and clean them to preserve overall health and skin integrity.
How to Protect Baby’s Skin from Chlorine?
Before exposing your baby with diaper rash to a chlorinated pool, you can take some steps to safeguard their skin condition.
Apply Lotion Before Going Into The Pool
Rinsing the skin with water may be good for limiting the absorption of chlorine, yet it may also rinse away natural liquids that help maintain skin moisture.
You can support this natural armor by applying moisturizing cream, sunscreen, or coconut oil to your baby’s skin before swimming and neutralizing lotion after washing and drying.
Look for tailor-designed products like this ointment for rebuilding the moisturizing skin layer and depositing natural nutrients.
Buy Neoprene Reusable Swim Diapers
The neoprene fabric is super soft and way gentler than other disposable swim diapers, which may contain harmful chemicals that irritate children’s skin.
We recommend trying reusable swim diapers like Splash About Happy Nappy Swim Diapers. They use neoprene as the primary material, making them ideal for children, particularly those often using soft cotton nappies.
Take Your Child’s Diaper Off Right After Leaving The Water
Swim diapers are not absorbable. They do not wick liquid away from the child’s bottom like regular disposable diapers you use during daily activities.
Remove the swim diaper right after your baby leaves the water to ensure his bottom is not in contact with a soaking, damp diaper for an extended period.
Notably, swim diapers don’t absorb feces and urine, so switching to a standard nappy can ascertain there will be no poolside accident.
Avoid Swimming If The Diaper Rash Is Severe
It would be best to stay at home rather than swim in a chlorinated pool if your baby severely suffers from an itchy bottom. The chemical may worsen the diaper rash, making it sorer.
If your baby suffers from a fungal diaper rash called thrush or candida, chlorine can make this disease painfully irritating. Thus, it’s better safe than sorry.
You may miss a swim day waiting for your baby to heal. If you are unsure about anything, you should talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
Swimming in a pool is a fantastic sensory experience that every parent wants to give to their baby. However, it’s better not to take your baby swimming with diaper rash because the chlorine in the pool can make the rash worse.
If you still decide to let your little one contact the pool water, remember to take necessary protection steps, like applying diaper rash cream or moisturizing cream and wearing a neoprene swimming diaper for your baby.
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