Swimmers, what do you do for infant care?

[Anonymous]

First time mom here with an infant (three months). I’m a SAHM but would like to return to swimming at our university pool three times a week. I was a competitive swimmer in college and swimming is important to me.

Is it possible to hire a college student to just sit outside the pool or athletic center lobby while I swim laps and change? It would be no more than two hours and I could guarantee those hours on a set schedule.

If yes, what should I offer in hourly pay? Right now the baby will be sleeping and it’s nice out but eventually it will be cold and she’ll need more engagement and movement.

[Anonymous]

It might be easier to find an in-home daycare that will take the infant on an hourly basis. When my kids were infants, I just joined a gym that had a pool and then they went to the gym childcare. 3 months might be a little young for the gym childcare, but you can definitely do that when that baby is a little older.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you want someone to just watch your baby at your house like people do for any other activity? Why must it be at the pool? Would be a lot more comfortable for baby and sitter to be in the home environment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don't you want someone to just watch your baby at your house like people do for any other activity? Why must it be at the pool? Would be a lot more comfortable for baby and sitter to be in the home environment.

OP here. I know and that is definitely an option. I just don’t want to be away from my baby!! I figure if she’s at the pool I’m seconds away from her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why don't you want someone to just watch your baby at your house like people do for any other activity? Why must it be at the pool? Would be a lot more comfortable for baby and sitter to be in the home environment.

I actually think you’d have better luck finding someone reliable at the university to just walk over to the pool three times a week than get some one to come to your house. It’s a great job for an on-campus student.

[Anonymous]

I did not want my infant breathing chlorine air. Had someone watch her at home, where she was comfortable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did not want my infant breathing chlorine air. Had someone watch her at home, where she was comfortable.

OP here. The pool is inside and they would be outside or in athletic center lobby/lounge. Not near the pool,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don't you want someone to just watch your baby at your house like people do for any other activity? Why must it be at the pool? Would be a lot more comfortable for baby and sitter to be in the home environment.

OP here. I know and that is definitely an option. I just don’t want to be away from my baby!! I figure if she’s at the pool I’m seconds away from her.

You don't need to be seconds away from her. Find a sitter to watch her at home.

[Anonymous]

I can only see doing this if you’re nursing and don’t pump or give bottles. That sounds very challenging/awkward for the babysitter to have to take care of an infant in a gym waiting area for 2 hours. And it sounds very distracting for you if your baby starts crying. Are you going to get out of the pool every time they cry? It will probably be a lot….

I would either let the babysitter take care of your baby at home, or just wait like another year, when you will probably feel more comfortable leaving your baby.

[Anonymous]

It might work for a couple of weeks but I would find someone to come to your home. Pretty soon baby is going to need naps on a somewhat irregular schedule and you (or someone) is going to have to work for them. They’re so easy during the newborn phase but around 3/4 months putting the baby down becomes a process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don't you want someone to just watch your baby at your house like people do for any other activity? Why must it be at the pool? Would be a lot more comfortable for baby and sitter to be in the home environment.

OP here. I know and that is definitely an option. I just don’t want to be away from my baby!! I figure if she’s at the pool I’m seconds away from her.

That’s impractical and will make it harder to find someone. Your baby needs to be home with her crib, changing table, toys, safe environment, etc.

Also not sure what time your spouse goes to work. My kids are older now - 5 and 7 - but I run at 5:30/6am and am home before my family wakes up. My husband can handle anything that comes up between 5:30 - 7:15am. I run with a friend and we wear headlamps and reflective gear.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why don't you want someone to just watch your baby at your house like people do for any other activity? Why must it be at the pool? Would be a lot more comfortable for baby and sitter to be in the home environment.

I actually think you’d have better luck finding someone reliable at the university to just walk over to the pool three times a week than get some one to come to your house. It’s a great job for an on-campus student.

+1. I think it would be easier to find someone on campus than off for such a short stint.

[Anonymous]

I have a college student who comes to our house 2 hours a day. Set schedule and hours. It’s perfect.

[Anonymous]

My DH swims at the crack of dawn. Maybe you could do that and your partner could be home with baby before work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I did not want my infant breathing chlorine air. Had someone watch her at home, where she was comfortable.

OP here. The pool is inside and they would be outside or in athletic center lobby/lounge. Not near the pool,

Presumably, you have lived in this area and you know how hot it is in July through September. You really think you can find someone who would sit in 90°+ degree temps with withering humidity for two hours while you swim! I go to pool at 8 am in summer and even that early it can still be hot and humid. I guess you also expect them to sit outside if It's raining or a thunderstorm. I won't say that you're crazy but I do think you need to find a sitter that comes to your house.