Water Intoxication: Dont let Baby Drink The Water

I have to say that Water Intoxication is pretty rare but it does carry its dangers.

Wait... Get Your Lesson Plans Here

I have hesitated to raise this as a subject because the vast majority of parents are responsible and would never allow their children to drink so much water that they become sick.

However this is a situation where ignorance is not bliss and I do get a little disturbed when instructor, some parents and worse still, some parents because of the laissez-faire attitude of some teachers not realizing that their child is in danger.

Also known as water poisoning, Water Intoxication it is potentially fatal. Essentially too much water in the stomach can cause a disturbance in brain functions that results when the normal balance of electrolytes in the body is pushed outside of safe limits (e.g., hyponatremia) by overhydration, i.e., over-consumption of water.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia can occur when a baby swallows a large amount of water in a short period of time. It can cause lethargy or vomiting even unconsciousness and convulsions. Symptoms may include distended stomach, irritability, increased urine output, vomiting.

Now I need to say that just because a child is tired after swimming lessons doesn't mean that they have Water Intoxication.

Also just because they become sick after swimming lessons it doesn't mean that your child is suffering form Water Intoxication. Children get sick for any number of reasons just because they are children.

Don't Let them Drink The Pool Water

More than that children sometimes swallow water and it may not agree with them so they throw it back up. This too doesn't mean they have Water Intoxication. It's ikky but better out than in as they say.

Extremely Rare Never-the-less

Let me say again the condition is extremely rare. Never-the-less you should avoid letting your child drink the pool water. Evey child will drink some water whilst in swimming lessons but in my opinion there should be a limit on the number of submersions that you do in baby and toddler lessons just in case.About 6 time or less is more than you should need to successfully fulfill all the requirements of a lesson. Besides most children start to object to being submerged more than 6 times in a lesson.

In short:

• Don't let them drink the water if you can help it.
  
• Keep submersion to under 6 times in a lesson
  
• If your baby shows symptoms don't panic: you should seek medical advice immediately.
  

Other wise relax and enjoy your time with your baby

Enjoy
   Richard