Flotation Device for 18 month old?

[HLAuburn]

We just moved to Florida and our neighborhood has a waterpark, so we plan on spending a lot of time in the water. They don't allow "water wings", so I'm looking for some recommendations for what we can use for an 18 month old. She's pretty fearless and loves the water, but obviously needs to have something on while in the water.

We've tried the float "suits" before, but I wasn't much of a fan because it was so hard to get on and off. I did see one with a zipper up the back, but I'm not sure if she's old enough for that yet.

Any other ideas? Thanks!

 

[golfgal]

Water wings are not really flotation devices-if your baby falls over in the water she won't be able to get up. I would just get her a real life jacket.

 

[left210]

Well we just went through testing tons of swim aides, suits, jackets, and the regular life jackets for our 2 yr old. He is 28 lbs. We tested each one and let go of him quickly to see if they truly kept his face out of the water and the only one that truly worked with a Stearns life jacket with the head flap that went up to 30 lbs. We needed something for our boat and the swimming pool and the Stearns was the only one I felt comfortable with for him on the boat. Now we will probably still use the Speedo jacket in the pool while we are right there holding him but if he jumps in it doesnt keep his face out of the water when he pops up. If you have any questions on the different ones we tried just let me know.

 

[daughtersrus]

We just moved to Florida and our neighborhood has a waterpark, so we plan on spending a lot of time in the water. They don't allow "water wings", so I'm looking for some recommendations for what we can use for an 18 month old. She's pretty fearless and loves the water, but obviously needs to have something on while in the water.

We've tried the float "suits" before, but I wasn't much of a fan because it was so hard to get on and off. I did see one with a zipper up the back, but I'm not sure if she's old enough for that yet.

Any other ideas? Thanks!

Check what their rules are. If they don't allow water wings, chances are that they only allow Coast Guard approved flotation devices.

 

[jodifla]

We just moved to Florida and our neighborhood has a waterpark, so we plan on spending a lot of time in the water. They don't allow "water wings", so I'm looking for some recommendations for what we can use for an 18 month old. She's pretty fearless and loves the water, but obviously needs to have something on while in the water.

We've tried the float "suits" before, but I wasn't much of a fan because it was so hard to get on and off. I did see one with a zipper up the back, but I'm not sure if she's old enough for that yet.

Any other ideas? Thanks!

What I suggest, beyond a Coast Guard approved life jacket, is swim lessons.

I started my son at about 14 months in Florida. And every time we went in the water, I had him go in with me or his father, and work on his swimming if we weren't in the baby pool.

When he was 2.5, he fell in a pool while we were vacationing in Mexico. He was chasing after me and slipped and fell in. All the parents jumped, but he did exactly as he was taught, he paddled to the side, grabbed it and pulled himself out.

Now at 8, swimming is one of his favorite things in the world. He can spend all day in the pool making up games to dive down to the bottom, etc.

 

[minkydog]

I second, third,and fourth a Coast Guard approved life jacket. I never trusted floaties and my kids never wore them. Until they were swimming strongly I made them where their life jackets. Christian still wears his. He can swim a little, but he can't tread water long enough to suit me. Sorry kid. Gotta wear that big blue jacket.

 

[SunshineOR]

We have a backyard pool and I've used the Speedo zip-up life jackets on all my kids. I always see them at Target. They paddle around the pool and jump off the steps and are very happy and comfortable. I supervise them closely, but we've never had a problem. I highly recommend it. The only concern I've had is I worry about them unzipping them, even though none of my kids have. I've seen them with zippers in the back now and would really recommend that version of the jacket if you can find it.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

We just moved to Florida and our neighborhood has a waterpark, so we plan on spending a lot of time in the water. They don't allow "water wings", so I'm looking for some recommendations for what we can use for an 18 month old. She's pretty fearless and loves the water, but obviously needs to have something on while in the water.

Is she your only child?

To me, a child that age should never be in or around the water without an adult within arms reach. If you're managing multiple kids too young to swim, then I think a floatation device makes sense, but if you're not then I think the best floatation device is parents arms. Putting a floatation device on a kid (in this circumstance, if we were talking about a boat or running around a dock, I'd be 100% in favor of one), does one of two things -- one is that it communicates to your child that the water is scary, or it lets them stay "fearless". On the other hand, simply taking them in the water, carrying them letting them paddle a little, letting them jump to you etc . . . is what builds a healthy respect without fear, and skills.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I don't think the need for a floatation device is "obvious", spoken as someone whose child was swimming at 2, without a floatation device, a lesson, or even any structured coaching from me, just playing in the water.

Enjoy your new home!

 

[Dr.Girlfriend]

PUDDLE JUMPERS!!!!

They're at Target and about $20 a piece. Awesome item. My son loves his.

Completely terrible pic of my son, but this is what it looks like:

 

[HLAuburn]

Is she your only child?

To me, a child that age should never be in or around the water without an adult within arms reach. If you're managing multiple kids too young to swim, then I think a floatation device makes sense, but if you're not then I think the best floatation device is parents arms. Putting a floatation device on a kid (in this circumstance, if we were talking about a boat or running around a dock, I'd be 100% in favor of one), does one of two things -- one is that it communicates to your child that the water is scary, or it lets them stay "fearless". On the other hand, simply taking them in the water, carrying them letting them paddle a little, letting them jump to you etc . . . is what builds a healthy respect without fear, and skills.

I'm not saying you're wrong, but I don't think the need for a floatation device is "obvious", spoken as someone whose child was swimming at 2, without a floatation device, a lesson, or even any structured coaching from me, just playing in the water.

Enjoy your new home!

No, she's not my only one. I also have a 5 year old who is pretty confident in the water, but sometimes needs a quick "rescue" if she gets stuck in deeper water. She starts swim lessons again on Friday, and I expect her to be fully independent after a few lessons, but in the meantime, I would like to know the baby will float if I turn my head for 5 seconds!

The 18 month old likes to get out of the water and walk around the edge of the pool. If I can't get out fast enough or can't get to her in time, I'd like her to have something on in case she falls in. She also likes to walk around the kids' area of the waterpark, but in some areas it is up to her waist, and it's a little hard for her to walk, so if she falls over, it could be over her head.

So I guess I should have been clearer...for the most part, she goes in the water with DH or myself without anything on, but there are going to be some situations where I need her in something. I think I will start Mommy and Me swim lessons after my older daughter starts school, but again, I don't anticipate my 18 month old being able to swim well enough that she won't need some assistance. Just looking for some recommendations on what has worked best for other people's children....

 

[HLAuburn]

PUDDLE JUMPERS!!!!

They're at Target and about $20 a piece. Awesome item. My son loves his.

Completely terrible pic of my son, but this is what it looks like:

Thank you! That's what I was looking for!

He's a cutie!

 

[zachnsamsmommy]

PUDDLE JUMPERS!!!!

They're at Target and about $20 a piece. Awesome item. My son loves his.

Completely terrible pic of my son, but this is what it looks like:

We have this too! It is awesome, and is a coast guard approved flotation device (has the classification on the lable). So...it is safe!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Do the Puddle Jumpers allow for a lot of arm movement? It's so hard to tell just by looking at it. I'm not a fan of the arm floaties, and so I've been a little hesitant to buy this. So they really work?