Speedo Unisex Kids Infant Seasquad Swim Seat

Product Information

Why We Like It: The float, canopy, and octopus activity center all fold flat and fit in the small carry bag. With that in mind, it’s up to you to choose between fully inflatable floats and those made with other floating materials such as foam. Some baby floats come with harnesses, while others just have holes into which you slip the baby’s legs to keep them upright. You can also choose all sorts of fun shapes, including flamingos, cars, spaceships, and even sharks. The price will really depend on the kind of swimming lessons you're looking for. While some pools and leisure centres offer pay-as-you-go schemes for swimming lessons, many will require you to pay upfront for lessons. No matter what type of pool float you choose, there are general swimming safety guidelines that parents should always follow and be mindful of for themselves, their baby, and any other children. “Caregivers must always stay arm’s distance from any child in a float, and remain attentive to the well-being of the child. Never leave a child alone in a float. Never leave a float, or any toys in the pool which can act as a lure for a child to enter a pool unsupervised,” shares Jennifer May, certified lifeguard and member of the United States Swim School Association, one of the experts who helped us choose baby pool floats for this list.

The fully inflatable design also has a detachable and retractable sun canopy for helpful sun protection. The canopy is inflatable too, so it’s a bit more cumbersome to move, and we hear it doesn’t always stay upright when you want it to. Heading to the pool, or truly anywhere, with young kids always requires lots of extra stuff. You’ll love that this super-portable pool float folds flat and fits into the included carry bag. The bag has a long shoulder strap, so it’s easy to tote this lightweight float to and from the pool. We love that this float has both inner and outer rings that get inflated, plus there’s a spring inside to keep it all steady. The fully adjustable baby float comes with a removable sun canopy that’s made of UPF 50+, and the sides are made of see-thru mesh, so you can always keep an eye on your baby. Most baby swimming classes won't take you if your baby hasn't had their jabs, but to be honest, you don't need to go to a class the first few times, as you're only in the pool for about 10 minutes." What to take to baby swimming lessons?

Some parents might like the reliability of a non-inflatable baby pool float. While this option does cost more and take up more space than other baby pool floats on our list, there’s no risk of the float deflating while the baby is in the pool—or of finding a hole in it right before your pool fun begins. Made of sealed pearl foam, the float is available in three colorways. No matter the color, they all come with a three-point harness strap, a removable sun canopy, and a removable footrest. As any parent knows, toting a baby to a new place or entering a new season likely requires a new piece of gear. So when you’re planning a vacation or the weather heats up, it’s time to look up the best baby pool floats—a helpful, safe way to introduce your baby to the joys of swimming. There are many types of pool floats on the market, but the first thing you should know is that there’s a difference between a recreational pool device and a personal flotation device. “A recreational pool device includes different pool floats that are usually inflatable and designed for recreation and not specifically to prevent drowning,” Dr. Watson warns. Do not rely on a baby pool float to serve as a personal floatation device. It’s very convenient if your baby’s float comes with a built-in, adjustable canopy to shield their skin and eyes from the sun. But not all floats come with that option, and some canopies only work when the sun is at specific heights in the sky. That’s OK, though, according to May.

There are also plenty of swimming programmes in leisure centres or indoor pools available, especially for babies all around the country. Here are a few programmes to look into: If you choose an inflatable float, think about how difficult it will be to blow up, and whether you need a pump to help you out. Once it’s ready for the pool, you’ll also want to be sure it’s easy to get your baby in and out of the float without a lot of fussing. The wide base of the float has two inflatable air chambers and child safety valves to keep your baby upright. We especially like the built-in handles on both sides of the float that provide an intuitive place to grab, so caregivers can securely hold the float at all times. These equip you with increased resistance in the water and are great when learning to float, rescue reaching and a range of other water plays and aquatic exercises. If you would like some in-person support when taking your baby swimming, why not see if your pool offers swimming lessons or classes? It's a great way to meet other parents and for your youngster to see other babies in the same situation as them. How much are swimming lessons for babiesWrapped around the chest, kids can use the buoyancy of the noodle to learn body positioning and balance, a great way to boost the learning curve. Not to mention, a great and safe way to have some pool noodle sword fighting! According to the NHS, 'You can take your baby swimming at any age, both before and after they have been vaccinated. It does not matter if they have not yet completed their course of vaccinations.' So really, the choice is yours to make.