Even pools that look pristine harbour dangers for infants. "For newborns younger than 2 months we really worry about immunity — how vulnerable babies are to illness — so I recommend that parents not take their young infants into swimming pools, lakes, the ocean, and so on," says Howard Reinstein, a pediatrician in Encino, California and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Pools can easily be contaminated with bacteria that cause diarrhea, which can be very dangerous for a young infant.

Also, because your baby won't be able to regulate his body temperature until he's around 6 to 12 months old, you need to make sure the water's warm enough for him. "If the water feels chilly to you, it will be really cold for your baby," Dr. Reinstein says. The pool should be at least 84 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit for your baby to be comfortable. If he starts shivering, it's time to get out of the water. Too much heat can be a problem, too. Hot tubs, spas, and pools heated to more than 100 degrees Fahrenheit are off limits to children younger than 5. Young children overheat more quickly than adults and the high temperatures in hot tubs can cause a child's heart to race or pose other dangers..

Finally, think about water safety. Drowning and near drowning are leading causes of death and injury for young children. Keep the following safety tips in mind when you're around any body of water with your child.