Swimming under six months 'linked to wheezing in some infants'

16 Apr 2008

Infants born to mothers with allergies or asthma are more likely to develop breathing problems if taken swimming before the age of six months, a new study suggests.

Research conducted at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) found that 47 per cent of children of mothers with asthma or allergies who participated in baby swimming experienced tightness and wheezing in the chest.

Wenche Nystad, primary author and department director at the NIPH's Division of Epidemiology, commented: "The connection between respiratory problems and baby swimming was suggested by a paediatrician who asked whether children with increased risk of asthma, who took part in baby swimming, had a greater tendency to develop respiratory diseases.

"Earlier studies indicated a connection but the results were uncertain. Therefore we want to carry out a more thorough study."

Most pool classes for mother and babies begin at around 12 weeks. Experts recommend starting baby off with 10 minute sessions and then moving up to 20 minutes as the baby gets older.

Discuss this item in our forums

Like this? Subscribe to RSS feed!

---

	Related news
	Celeb pals offer to babysit for Brangelina  » Keith Urban loves being a father » Eating nuts linked to childhood asthma  » Louise Redknapp hoping for a girl? » Babies 'practice writing skills' » All news »