Don't get Swimmer's Ear from swimming

There are two different kinds of ear infections.  The outer ear infection can be a result of getting water in the ear while swimming.  Read the Mayo Clinic on Swimmer's ear.

Some doctors recommend using a couple of drops of "Swimear"  after getting out of the pool to prevent swimmer's ear.   But most kids will not get an ear infection from swimming.  In my experience, usually just one ear infection and you will be using those drops every time!!

Here is one recipe for making your own drops.  Make a 50:50 mixture of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol for use after swimming or exposure to water. Apply 3-4 drops in each ear canal after swimming. This helps dry the canal and maintain the acidic environment of the ear canal.  

I always keep some drops available for my clients to use on the children.  It works!

By the way, I have an ear infection now, but my ear infection is from allergies.  I am on antibiotics and should be better soon...

My child loves her bath but is scared at the pool!

Playing and floating in the bathtub

My child is scared of the pool but loves the bath…

Something may have set your child to being scared.  

As a child gets to be 3 years old, it does make sense that the child will see that there is danger in "big water."  It is a healthy fear; one that saves young children from jumping into a pool unattended.  However, you want your child to feel safe when you are there.  

Here are some ideas:

• Bring some of his favorite bath-tub toys and play near the pool.  Then, sit your child at the edge of the pool and you get in and play with the toys, inviting your child to get in with you. 
• If the pool has long steps, sit on the steps and see if your child wil sit there with you.  
• If you are impatient or your child still doesn’t want to get in the pool, You may have to just hold him and carry him into the water.  Sing, jump around, talk softly and ignore any crying while sounding like you are having fun.  
• Go to the pool every day but just for short periods.  
• Don’t tell him ahead of time where you are going and let him see you have fun.  
• Take a relative or little friend who likes the water and can help your child forget his fears. 

Soon your little one will be playing and splashing and ready for going under the water!!

Any child can learn to swim, and you can teach them! If your child doesn't like water in his eyes...

James 3 months going under water

 

My child doesn’t like water in his eyes…

From the baby’s first bath, you need to pour water over his face.  This will help prepare him to go under water.

But if you haven’t been doing this, try this as a game in the bath. Have the child pour water on a bath-tub toy’s head, then wipe it’s face. Have the child pour water on your face and then wipe your eyes.  It will be worth it believe me.  You can make sputtering noises to make it fun!

When it’s your child’s turn, tell him what you are going to do, count to 3 and put water over his head so that some of the water goes on his face.  Do this before you use any shampoo or soap. You may give the child a towel to wipe his face right way but let him ask for it. 

The best time to prepare your child for swimming is from his first bath.  Then before he is 6 months he can  be taught to hold his breath by blowing in his face. This is the link from Swimbea.com

Blow in his face

He takes a breath, automatically

Ready to go under water

Holding breath

What do you think?  Write me a comment or question.
Miss Bea