Q: I want my baby to always be safe and comfortable in water. She's 6 months old, and some people say now is the time to start swimming lessons for her so she won't be afraid. Is this a good idea?

A: Being safe and comfortable in water is important for your daughter's entire life -- but we don't think swimming lessons are appropriate for her now.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that kids aren't developmentally ready for swimming lessons until they're about 4 years old.

They may be able to perform "dog paddle" swimming motions at about 12 months, but they don't have the cognitive skills to deal with water-related risks, and what they learn in swimming lessons may not translate to other high-risk situations. Too-early lessons may make both parent and child overconfident about the child's ability to stay safe.

However, since drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury and death in young children -- especially between ages 1 and 3 -- water safety is a major issue. Taking babies into a pool occasionally can be fine, as long as you're always there with the child. The YMCA starts parent-child water activities when kids are as young as your child. That can help your child become comfortable with water, and, because you'll be there with your baby, it's excellent bonding time, too.

Please remember that there must always be adult supervision around even a small amount of water. Young children can drown in even an inch.