What about support of the child’s body weight and possible strain on the neck?

Water buoys more than 90 percent of body weight, yet it provides resistance in any direction you move. Infants have a high percentage of water and fat, which further adds to their bouyancy. This actually increases in the first 3 months of life, peaks between 3-18 months, and then slowly decreases over the first 10 years of life. Girls have higher fat ratios and slightly less water content than boys.

What are the dimensions of the pool? And how big a child can use it?

The pool is 30 inches wide and 30 inches tall. If your older child has very poor tone, she/he can probably successfully use the pool even though she/he might be taller than 30 inches. Some kids have successfully used it to help with gait training because the water provides support and stability to them as they attend to stand or walk. Email nancy@waterwaybabies.com directly to inquire about your child’s needs and abilities.

Where do I place the pool? How long does it take to fill?

The pool can be set up and used anywhere that you have access to drain it after. You can also buy a longer drain tube (used with appliances) at Home Depot or your local hardware store for about $10. Make sure the room is warm and does not have a draft. Always observe your child’s color – not too pink (water is too warm), not blue or splotchy (water either too cool or child’s intolerance) – and your child’s temperament in the water…this should be a FUN experience, no heavy fussing or tears.

The pool should be drained after each use, cleaned and thoroughly dried before storing to prevent mold or bacterial growth. Some parents use the pool twice a day, then skip a day. In this case, you could simply add more warm water before the second session. Remember to use the pink fish thermometer to gauge the correct water temperature.

My child cries when I put her/him in the water. What am I doing wrong?

Every child is different, as we know, and although most love their baths and water experience, some are slower to warm up to anything new. Especially older kids who have developed fears or some special kids who are neurologically impaired. Remember this is new to them so even 5 minutes is a big accomplishment initially. Take it slow, be patient, don’t give up.

What size ring should I choose for my child?

The Paypal pay cart will guide you through weight limits for each size ring. If you have questions or your child is borderline in weight, email Nancy@waterwaybabies.com and send a recent photo if you can.

My child doesn’t move around very much – am I doing everything right? What can I do to stimulate my child?

Give it time. Every child will be different in their response to the warm water environment. If you have a PT or OT working with your child, ask them if they have any suggestions specific to your child. Be patient!

You can try things such as playing soothing classical music while your child is in the water. Dimming the lights in the room to a soft glow. Coaxing your child in a calm, gentle manner. One parent decided to add one of those portable whirlpool contraptions to blow bubbles that stimulated her child.

You can also gently extend your child’s arm or leg, one at a time alternatively – release and let their own natural reflexes draw the limb back into their body. Doing this in the water creates added resistance and results in better tone.

But mostly sit with your child, observe, take their lead, and enjoy the new-found freedom that the warm water environment gives your child.

More to come…. Send in your questions to nancy@waterwaybabies.com.