Are you thinking about introducing your baby to the big world of swimming? With all the splishing, splashing, and laughter that goes on in the water, why should your baby miss it?
Naturally, you’ll be concerned about their safety since most babies can’t swim, can they? Well, they did swim around in your womb but you can’t compare that to a pool or the ocean!
That’s where baby floats come in, and this article will explore some of the best baby floats currently on the market and what features they should have.
What to Consider When Buying Baby Floats
There are several things to keep in mind when shopping for the best baby float.
1. Protection From the Sun
Your baby’s skin is extremely delicate and can damage easily when exposed to the sun. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping babies under 6 months away from direct sunlight.
You can apply small amounts of sunscreen on your baby’s face. Choose a sunscreen that contains 15 SPF (sun protection factor) at least. Also, keep in mind it takes half an hour for the sunscreen to take effect (1).
As far as baby floats go, look for one that has a canopy to protect your baby from the sun.
2. Safety First
What security features does the float offer? We don’t want the baby to flip over in it. Look for one made from durable materials and that has safety valves — these will help ensure your baby stays upright.
The size of the float also counts. Some floats expand as your baby your grows. This means you don’t have to buy a new one every time your baby goes through a growth spurt.
And it also means you won’t be piling too many pounds on that float so your baby will stay safer.
You can find baby floats that come with built-in handles for you to hold on to while in use. Look for a float that offers as many safety features as possible.
3. What Does Your Baby Like?
If your baby is old enough, you probably have an idea or two about the colors and animals they like. The market offers baby floats in a variety of colors and designs.
You can find floats designed like unicorns, frogs, watermelons, cartoon characters, and trees, among others. Go for one your baby will love.
4. Floats for Twins
You can find multiple floats to hold twins or more babies. They are, however, usually designed for babies aged 6 months and older. They may come with a play center and are great at keeping babies together.
Are Neck Floaties Any Good?
For some time now, we have seen pictures of babies in cute neck floaties all over social media, but cute is probably about all they are. Medical experts claim neck floaties offer no real benefit to your child but can have grave consequences.
It sends shivers down my spine just thinking about how easily a baby can slip through and go underwater. Supposing that neck float has a good grip, it still puts a strain on your baby’s little neck and may cause injury (2).
So, rather than have all that going on, you’re better off avoiding neck floats altogether.
The Best Baby Floats of 2019
Are you ready to shop? We’ve compiled some of our favorite baby floats for you to consider. Let’s dive in.
1. Baby Shark Pool Float
Cute Baby Shark on the Loose
This cute baby shark design, complete with a large mouth, teeth, and bells, is great for your baby. The bells are located in the teeth, offering a light, steady sound. You’ll love the thick edges that provide a comfortable backrest as your baby is entertained.
It is suitable for babies who are 9 months and older and can hold a maximum weight of 40 pounds. The canopy provides shade for your little one and you can easily detach it when it’s not needed.
This float is made using high-quality PVC materials that ensure it remains airtight and waterproof. Safety valves provide extra air leak protection, while the float’s large circumference, fins, and tail give it more stability.
The two handles on either side of the float offer grips your baby can hold onto as they flow with the waves.
2. SwimWays Baby Spring Float
Interactive Baby Float
Recommended for babies aged 9 to 24 months, this float is designed to keep your baby comfortable as they start out. It comes loaded with baby toys like the squeaker fish, soft touch star, fish teether, and stacking rings. The cute removable octopus will delight your little one.
Having these toys around will help put your baby at ease and they will soon be kicking and splashing all over. The float features child safety valves, dual air chambers, and inner spring for added stability.
You’ll love the detachable canopy that provides UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) 50+ sun protection. Plus, this float folds easily and comes with a carrying case for convenience. It’s perfect for travel.
3. Intex Stringray Baby Float
Best Budget Float
This delightful float will make your baby want to stay in the water all day. With a maximum weight of 25 pounds, it is suitable for older babies or young toddlers. The jingle toy attached to the inflated handlebar will keep your baby entertained as they float around.
The canopy is great for shading your little one from the sun and the float features two air chambers for extra safety. There’s a repair patch included, should you have any punctures. The rigid bottom helps with stability.
4. Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy
Safety First
This float comes with admirable safety features. A patented inner spring for greater stability, dual air chambers, and child safety valves see to it that your baby stays safe.
The canopy offers 50+ protection from UV rays. It’s detachable and has mesh sides to ensure you can keep an eye on your baby at all times. The float’s large circumference also allows your baby to play with their favorite water toys.
Whether your baby is just beginning or has been in the water before, this float is ideal for ages 9 to 24 months. It folds easily and comes with a carry tote which is good for travel.
5. Punada Baby Pool Float
Best Sun Protection
This brightly-colored, boat-shaped baby float is perfect for older babies and toddlers who enjoy wading in water. It’s fitted with a spinning steering wheel and horn, giving your baby the impression of being in a real boat.
The broad canopy above helps protect your baby from direct sunlight and can be adjusted as needed. You can also detach the canopy completely when in an indoor pool, in the evenings, or on a cloudy day.
The float is made from durable eco-friendly PVC materials that are sturdy, ensuring no leaking problems, and it should last for years. Also, there are two strong handles for your baby to grip. This float holds a maximum weight of 44 pounds.
6. Baby Pool Float Unicorn
How About a Unicorn?
If your child loves unicorns, they will enjoy spending time in this float, which was made using extra thick and waterproof PVC material. The seat is comfortable to help protect your baby’s bottom.
It comes with airbags and valves — two on either side to improve balance and enhance safety. The float also has a safety string attached to it to ensure that your child does not stray too far.
The handles on this float are great for moving the unicorn along while you and your toddler swim in shallow waters. This one’s for ages 2 to 6 years.
7. Intex Recreation Froggy Friend
Cuteness Overload
This froggy friend float has cuteness written all over it. You can use it over and over, thanks to its durability. Recommended for children aged 1 to 2 years, this brilliantly-colored float can hold a maximum of 33 pounds.
The cute leafy shade is designed for keeping the sun out. The three air chambers will provide the balance you need to keep your little one stable on the water. Your child’s sure to love the happy face and bright design.
8. SwimWays Mommy and Me
A Float for Mommy and I
What better way to hang out with your baby than getting “into” the float with them? This baby float comes with a detachable float ring for parents to chill out and play with the baby.
Being a spring float, this product features a patented inner spring for enhanced comfort in the water. It also has a detachable canopy and a play space. Your baby should have a great time playing with their toys or just splashing away.
This float has a low center of gravity, dual air chambers, and safety valves to keep your baby safe. It is ideal for babies ages 9 to 24 months. It folds well, making it easy to store and carry.
9. Revoq Baby Flamingo Pool Float
Flamingo Theme
Do you have a pool party coming up? This pretty pink flamingo is the perfect floatie to show the group who is boss. Made from high-quality and durable vinyl, it’s made to withstand any rough play.
It is designed for babies aged 8 to 24 months and comes with an inner ring that can be inflated. Plus, it offers wide and comfortable seating to allow longer cruising, along with a backrest for keeping your baby chilled.
10. V Convey Lying Float Ring
Go Adrift
This cute baby float provides the ideal swimming posture, allowing your baby to kick and move their feet more freely. When your little one gets tired, a groove on the front portion offers a comfortable resting place for dozing off.
The float’s interior is made of latex foam while the exterior is covered swim cloth to avoid irritation. Your baby will be clipped into place using a double safety clasp, crotch strap, and zipper. There is no flipping over or slipping through with this device.
It’s made of durable BPA-free materials. You can use it in a bathtub or pool and it’s ideal for babies ages 4 to 24 months.
11. Rainbow Twin Baby Pool Float
Something for the Twins
This adorable and vibrantly-colored float is a great way to keep your twins or multiple babies in one place. You can use it in a public pool or your family pool to help your babies become confident in the water.
It is ideal for babies and toddlers from 6 to 36 months old, as long as they don’t exceed the maximum combined weight of 55 pounds. You can have your babies’ favorite toys in the middle to make that trip to the pool even more fun.
Speaking of fun, your babies can sit in four different directions. They can face inwards, outwards, or to the left or right. The float is made of thick PVC material and is fitted with large valves to make it easy for you to inflate and deflate.
12. SwimSchool Lil' Skipper
A Grow With Me Option
Recommended for babies ages 6 to 18 months, this grow-with-me baby float comes in a blue and red design. It is an excellent way to introduce your baby to water.
It comes with an adjustable backrest that can be inflated as your baby grows to create the perfect fit. Plus, the three-ply seat provides comfort and keeps your baby in an upright position. This allows them to kick around the water or play with their toys.
An extra bonus of this float is its ease of use and portability, maximizing fun times for you and your baby.
13. Sunnylife Kids Inflatable
Yummy Melon, Anyone?
This delicious-looking float is a great gift for your baby. It features a headrest and soft leg supports to keep your baby cozy as they splash around. It is made from PVC so you can expect it to last a long time.
Ideal for babies ages 8 to 24 months, it can hold a maximum of 44 pounds. It’s easy to use and has great buoyancy, which further adds to your baby’s safety.
The package comes with a repair patch which will come in handy in case of a puncture — not that we expect any! Other eye-catching designs available include a toucan, pineapple, giraffe, and more.
Let’s Make a Splash
Several baby floats offer great value and safety. My favorite, though, is the Baby Shark pool float. Not only does it look adorable but it provides comfort, entertainment, fun, and security.
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