It has been a while since we brought Darius to a swimming pool, due to frequent rain spell previously and also due to Darius falling sick (see Darius’ Visit to Doctor).

Today, we finally set off to our nearest swimming pool besides Woodlands Sports Centre, and reaching the place close to 6pm. There were many parents and kids in the baby/fun pool area, but there were still more than sufficient space for Darius and us.

Parking the stroller and our belongings close to us and keeping watch of them closely, we went down into the pool. Darius was showing his confused, grumpy look while in it, probably due to the number of children around him (and many were running around and shouting), and also due to this new environment he’s in. He has been away from a pool environment for quite a while anyway.

We then put on the neck float we bought for him several months ago (see Darius’ First Swim at a Pool) and tried to get him kicking in the water. Though he did not complain verbally, he was still showing a grumpy face and refused to kick at all. We were disappointed but we continued to encourage him. He seemed to enjoy ‘walking’ in the water more than swimming in it. -_-|

Grumpy Darius...

So we took off his neck float, and held on to him as he ‘walked’ around in the water. He responded well and was appearing to be happier, with occassional smiles. He also started saying “aaah, aaah” as he walked.

Babbling as he walks

After a while, we decided to bring him to the water play area, where water was splashing down from above. Wanting to make sure that he’s comfortable with water trickling down from his head and down his face, I carried him over. We seemed to have attracted quite a bit of attention though, and they must be thinking that I was ’torturing’ my child by bringing him under the ‘rough waters’ at such a young age. ^^|

With the ‘training’ from his daily baths (see New Method in Bathing Darius), he was a little stunned when water was pouring from above him, but he did not complain or appeared unhappy. In fact, he seemed to be quite enjoying it. We were glad that he was no longer that particular with having water on his face.

With that, we started to pack up and brought Darius to the children shower area, where a baby changing room was available. We were pleased with the room’s amenities, where there was a baby changing station and a sink large enough for a baby to go into. A basin plug was even provided so that the parent could fill up the water in the basin and act as a bathtub for the baby. No warm/hot water was present though.

For us, we simply placed Darius standing in the basin while we bathed him with water straight from the tap. He seemed to enjoy it and was cooperative throughout the whole process.

Catherine and I then took turns to take our baths, and while Catherine was bathing, I pushed Darius in his stroller around the swimming pool, and took a few photos of the various pools:

The Baby/Fun Pool with the water play area on the left

The Medium Pool with a beautiful, forested backdrop

The Adult Pool as the sun is setting

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