Letting you baby splash in the water is fun, and also beneficial for their development! While still discovering who they are, water can give them a boost in confidence from a very early age. Swimming baby floats can create a fun and safe way for your little one to enjoy the water. They come in all colours, shapes and sizes, but it is important to check all the features of the baby float you choose to ensure maximum comfort and safety for your baby.
What to look for when buying a baby float
- Sun protection – Your baby’s skin is very delicate, so you might consider a baby float with a canopy for that extra sun protection. Please keep in mind though, that these types of floats are unsafe sometimes, as they can topple over with wind. Which is why I only included the Mummy & Me canopy floats, as an adult’s weight can balance the float and keep in steady. Still, to be on the safe side, remove the canopy in windy situations, and always stay close to your baby. Other tips to help with sun protection: For babies 6 months or over, apply sunscreen generously and reapply every 2 hours or more (please note that most creams are not advised for babies under six months, although there are some that have been specifically formulated for newborns). Also, avoid exposing your baby to the sun at peak hours (10am – 4pm) and dress your baby in protective clothing, a hat with a brim and sunglasses.
- Safety features – The purpose of baby floats is to, first and foremost, keep your baby safe in the water. So this is the most important thing to check before purchasing a baby float. Check for safety features like leakages, seat straps, and safety valves which keep the float stable in water. Always secure the baby comfortably in the float before lowering it in the pool for complete safety. Please keep in mind, even with the safest baby float, accidents can happen. Always stay within arm’s reach of your baby, and closely supervise at all times.
- Price – Baby float price range from €10 – €30 defending on the features and brand. As there are many baby floats on the market, look at the safety features first, then make your decision.
- Size – Baby floats come in many sizes because they’re made for different ages. So before buying, make sure to check the weight and age recommendations of the baby float. Some baby floats are also designed to grow with your baby!
Here are the top 10 baby floats
1. Poolmaster Mummy And Me Float
For the ultimate parent and baby pool bonding experience, the Poolmaster Learn To Swim provides an open ring for adults to steer, and a drop seat with ample paddling room for your baby. This baby float has a canopy for sun protection and two inflatable toys.
- Age recommendation – 8 months-2 years
- Adjustable and removable canopy
- Made of durable vinyl
- Cost – €16 from Amazon
2. The JoJo Maman Bébé Baby Float
This baby float offers ample support for your little one’s back, neck and chest. It’s perfect for getting your baby used to being in the water and encourages swimming development! This float has two interconnecting inflatable rings for extra stability and safety.
- Age recommendation – 0-12 months & 12-24 months
- Has 2 safety valves
- Cost – €22 from Bump & Me (Malta)
3. Pool Float For Twins!
A pool float designed for twins, or sibling close in age! This makes it so easy for parents to have two children in the water at the same time! The float remains stable even with 2 children different in age and weight, or when used with only 1 child. This float also comes with with 5 fun coloured balls to play with in the central splash area.
- Age recommendation – 6 months-3 years
- Cost – €34 from eBay
4. Zoggs Baby Float
This float comes with a back pillow for comfort and a stable, secure seat for confidence. It comes in three colours: Pink, blue and orange.
- Age recommendation – 3-18 months
- Made of heavy duty Vylux
- Has dual air chambers with separate safety valves
- Cost – €18 from Amazon
5. Mummy And Me Baby Float
A fun boat shaped float, complete with a steering and horn, and it was designed with mummy/daddy in mind too! This float has an open ring for the adults to steer, and a canopy for sun protection. It also had 2 handholds for your little one to hold on to for safety.
- Age recommendation – 6 months-3 years
- Removable canopy
- Eco-friendly PVC
- Cost – €17.50 from Amazon
6. SwimSchool Lil’ Skipper Baby Float
This float comes with an adjustable backrest for extra comfort and support, and has a triple layered seat for added safety! Apart from that, it has a cute pirate themed design too!
- Age recommendation – 6-18 months
- Cost – €7.50 from Amazon
7. SwimSchool Grow With Me Float
This float’s 4-in-1 design starts off as a boat to introduce your little one to the water, then converts into a cruiser, a kick float, and a kick board as your child advances. It comes with two security handles for extra safety and a three ply vinyl baby seat with reinforced web core to securely hold your little one.
- Age recommendation – 18 months-3 years
- Made of heavy duty Vylux
- Cost – €13 from Amazon
8. Intex My Baby Float
Intex is a popular brand, known for being reliable and having good quality products. This float has two rings for extra stability and safety, and has a pillow headrest to support your little one. It is one of the cheapest and safest ways to introduce your baby to the water.
- Age recommendation – 6 months-2 years
- Made of durable vinyl
- Has 4 air chambers
- Cost – €6 from eBay
9.The Original Konfidence Children’s Swim Jacket
This easy-to-use float system aids swimming development by allowing buoyancy to be tailored to the wearer’s needs as they grow and develop water confidence. It provides ultimate sun protection, with the covered areas having 100% UV protection! This swim jacket also has a bright yellow back providing high visibility for parents
- Age recommendation – 18 months-3 years, 4-5 years & 6-7 years
- Made of top quality neoprene and soft Lycra binding
- Cost – €29 from Amazon
10. The JoJo Maman Bébé Toddler Float
This float is a brilliant buoyancy aid to help get your toddler used to being in the water and encourage swimming development, while also offering support to the back, neck and chest. This float has two interconnecting inflatable rings for extra stability and safety.
- Age recommendation – 2-3 years
- Has 2 safety valves
- Cost – €23 from Bump & Me (Malta)
The market is flooded with baby floats, so I hope I helped make your decision a bit easier. Always keep in mind, it is very important that you keep a close eye on your little one when in the water, and make sure to be within arm’s reach to prevent any accidents.
As you can see, I didn’t include baby neck floats in this list. After some research I have found that these floats aren’t safe at all!
