Hot Tubs, Toddlers and Snow Oh My!

Outdoor hot tubs take the chill on a cool night in Whistler

I never really got the whole “let’s jump in a hot tub in the snow” thing. I mean, you have to get in a swimsuit and then walk out into the cold in order to get in one. I hate being cold. This doesn’t sound like fun to me. Sure once you are in the hit tub you get nice and warm, but then you face the reality of having to get out and run back through the cold. Why submit to that kind of torture? It was crazy. I had to try it.

I was nervous. And I was pregnant. You aren’t supposed to go in hot tubs when you are pregnant. Right? Your temperature could go up, you could bake the baby, etc. So how could I check this out?

Taking the hot tub one step at a time

I posted on Facebook about my concerns. I’ll admit I was more concerned about strutting around in a swimsuit than I was about actually sitting in a hot tub. I have never been comfortable in my pregnant skin. I’ve been the same size all of my life and suddenly being a very different size threw me for a loop when I was pregnant with Dek. This time around I am taking a bit better, but I still have some insecurities. A group of readers came to my rescue and told me to take the plunge (thanks ladies!) and not worry about what anyone else may think. I was to show off my belly with pride and show off I did.

After Dek’s nap, Mike and I brought him down to one of the three outdoor hot tubs in our condo complex. I got a few curious looks as we stepped into the water. A pregnant woman AND a toddler in a hot tub, aren’t they both big No No’s? Yes, sort of. The big thing you need to watch out for in both cases is overheating. Kids aren’t supposed to be in the hot tub more than 15 minutes. Dek and I took extra precautions. I sat on the very top step with Dek for the first few minutes. We popped down to the second step for a minute or two and then got back up. I had a bottle of water next to me to stay hydrated and cool.

Splashing the bubbles is almost as fun as hitting the slopes

Other families joined us. Kids grabbed cups full of snow to bring into the hot tub and watch them melt. Dek moved into the water to play with the bubbles created by the jets. We stayed in the hot tub for 20-30 minutes. I was submerged for less than 5 of that. My legs got a nice soak though, which was just a little slice of heaven after walking so much in the snow over the past two days. I was able to forget my pregnant body insecurities and have a little fun in the tub with my boys.

Would I do it again? You betcha! Oh it was really cold getting out, but we had chosen a hot tub right near the door so there wasn’t very far to run. I bundle myself up in a towel, grabbed Dek and had him inside in seconds. Mike could just fend for himself. He wasn’t three feet tall or pregnant.

Swim diaper and shallow steps make a very comfy toddler hot tub experience

Know Before You Go

• Babies and toddlers must wear swim diapers when hopping in the pool or hot tub. Our favorite is the iPlay swim diaper. It is washable and we have yet to have a pool time leakage accident.
• If you are pregnant and worried about the hot tub, talk to your doctor ahead of time. Get all of the facts from him/her (not me!) before you take the plunge.
• Keep an eye on both you and your child’s temperature. If it feels like you are getting over heated, hop out for a few minutes to cool down, or just leave your feet in with the rest of your exposed to the elements.
• Have a bottle or cup of water on hand for the whole family to keep cool and hydrated while you splash around.