It's summer and it's hot. I know that's an obvious statement. Many of us beat the heat by jumping into the pool, but is it safe for our babies to go for a dip too? Pools and lakes can be breeding grounds for bacteria so they are not safe for babies under 2 months old in that respect, because their immune systems aren't developed yet. Babies under 6 months old can't regulate their body temperature so it's not safe for them to go in the pool either. Babies 6 to 12 months can go in the pool, but make sure the water isn't too cold. The water should be at least 84 degrees and when baby starts to shiver it's time to get out. Hot tubs are not okay for children under 5. 

Here are some great safety tips from Babycenter.com:

• The AAP advises that you practice "touch supervision," meaning that an adult needs to be within arm's reach of an infant or toddler at all times in or near a pool or any body of water.
• Always hold your baby in the pool and don't go in water too deep for you to maintain firm footing.
• Teach your child to walk — not run — when he's near a pool and that he must never enter the water without an adult nearby to supervise.
• Get your child a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD) that fits properly and have him wear it at all times in and around water. (The U.S. Coast Guard publishes a list of manufacturers that make PFDs for young children on its Web site.)