Summer is the optimal pool time for you and your family. If you have a baby or toddler, buying the right swimming floats that are fun and keep your little one safe and protected is important. With so many to choose from, it can be nerve-wracking trying to find the best floats for your child.
Don’t stress though! We’ve got you covered.
Here’s an easy guide to choosing the best floats for your baby or toddler.
Understanding Baby Swimming Floats and Floaties
There are different things to consider when buying the right floats for your child. Their age is an important factor, since babies need more support than toddlers.
Despite sounding similar, there’s a difference between a float and a floaty. Floaties are inflatable armbands that help children swim and float. These are best for older children who already know how to swim because floaties tend to be loose and can fall off easily.
Also, according to experts, they get children used to using bad posture and “incorrect swimming habits” which can lead to a dangerous situation if a child ends up in the pool without a flotation device. Since floaties make a child align in a vertical position, they are more likely to drown if they do not know how to swim and float properly first.
Floats, on the other hand, are safer for babies and toddlers, and come in a variety of different shapes and designs. They’re also a great way to introduce a baby to swimming,
Choosing the Right Swimming Float for Different Age Groups
Infant Pool Floats:
Floats for 0-3 Months:
It is best to wait until your baby is at least 3 months old before introducing them to a pool. Most infant floats on the market are recommended for 3-month-olds and up.
Floats for 3-6 Months:
Infants this age need protection from the sun, so make sure the float you buy has a canopy. Even with a canopy, though, infants this young should never be in direct sunlight and should wear baby sunscreen if they are out on a sunny day.
Pool floats also need to be a good fit and not too big for your baby or else they can fall out. Always check the age recommendations from the manufacturer.
Wide floats with buckles and straps to secure your baby inside are also recommended. Non-inflatable floats are safer since they cannot accidentally deflate.
Floats for 6-12 Months:
Some infant pool floats for 3-6 months keep the baby’s legs out of the water. Floats for 6-12 months allow babies’ legs to kick and move around more. Floats can also have added features such as handles and toy attachments.
A lot of floats on the market are for wide age ranges. There’s even a float for 3 to 24 months old! Check the recommended age range and weight of each float before using it.
Floats for 1-Year-Olds:
1-year-olds can use floats that let them move more freely. The float doesn’t need to be as wide, but a sun canopy is still recommended.
Baby Swim Floats for 12-18 Months:
At this age, parents might be inclined to use puddle jumpers and floaties, but some experts suggest it’s best to avoid them since they put kids in an unnatural swimming position and can increase the chances of a child drowning.
If your 12-18 month-old wants more freedom to move in the water, they can use a less cumbersome swim float that will angle them in a natural swimming position like this Swimbobo Baby Swim Float.
Floatation Devices for 18-Month-Olds:
Kids 18 months and up can use a float suit to help them learn how to swim. These suits have built-in flotation devices that will help your child as they learn to swim on their own. Children still need constant supervision while swimming.
Toddler Pool Floats:
Toddlers can continue to use float suits or even a swim trainer vest which helps them stay afloat but also encourages them to start swimming on their own.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Swimming Floats
- Canopy to protect from the sun.
- Adjustable straps and buckles to make sure that the baby fits snuggly in the float and will not fall out.
- Quality, puncture-resistant materials.
- Will not tip over or flip backward.
- Easy to use and store.
Best Practices for Using Baby Swimming Floats
- Choose floats that are bright in color. Avoid shades of blue since they blend in too much with the color of the pool.
- Make sure that the floats are a snug fit for your child.
- Buy floats with canopies.
- Start with short, 10-minute sessions in the pool and gradually increase swim time. Don’t keep your baby in the pool for longer than 30 minutes.
- Watch your baby at all times and keep them at arm’s length.
Top Recommendations and Reviews
1) Newest Mambobaby Baby Swim Float with Canopy, Honey Bee Yellow
Ages: 3-36 months
Price: $89.99
This highly-rated pool float has all the important safety features you need in an adorable bee design. It has adjustable straps and a buckle to ensure a secure fit. The adjustable canopy offers full protection from the sun. It’s non-flatable and very study.
It can be adjusted to position your baby in either a backstroke or swimstroke as well as laying down position. It’s also designed never to flip over and comes with a detachable tail to prevent it from flipping backward.
Pros: Sturdy design, canopy, adjustable, can be changed to two swim positions, the black and yellow colors make it easy to spot in a pool
Cons: It’s on the pricier side.
2) LAYCOL Baby Swimming Float
Ages: 6-36 months
Price: $17
This fun, inflatable float is a cheaper option with similar features as the Mambobaby float. It has a removable canopy and can be adjusted to two swim positions. The adjustable straps offer secure support.
Pros: More affordable, has adjustable straps, canopy, and different swim options, and comes in bright colors like yellow and pink
Cons: It has to be inflated, but is made from leak-proof PCV.
3)Swimbobo Baby Pool Float Inflatable Spaceship Infant Swim Float with Cloth Safety Seat
Ages: 6-36 months
Price: $27.87
This extra-wide swim float has a removable canopy and adjustable fabric bottom for optimal support. The soft mesh cloth is soft and comfortable for babies.
Pros: The wide design makes it sturdy in the water, has adjustable straps, not too expensive
Cons: Canopy can be removed but not adjusted, needs to be inflated
Once you know what important features to look for, buying the best infant and toddler pool float should be a breeze! Remember, never leave your child unattended in the pool. Have fun and stay safe!
