OT Best float for toddler

[newddmommie]

Our DD will be two in August. She loves going to the pool however last night she tried (and almost succeeded) in tipping over her float. She keeps trying to stick her face in the water and "swim" like a big girl. It makes me a little nervous to say the least (and yes my dh and i are in the pool with her). So what float and/or floatation device to yall recommened that will make everyone happy? By the way, it's hard for me to hold her in the water as she ways almost 30 lbs and it over half my height (i'm a little on the short side ). Thanks.

 

[stella27]

My 21 month old loves his arm floaties. Of ocurse I am right there with him, but he can still maneuver around in the water and kick his feet and try to swim. He's a little waterbug.

 

[puffkin]

Have you considered signing her up for swim lessons? If she is that willing, now may be the right time to do it before she develops the "fear" of water (usually around 3).

The swimming center I take DS too is all about noodles. They position them in various ways to help the kids learn to swim but to have that extra support in the water. They do not recommend arm floaties or swim vests.

 

[katied]

For DS, a Swimsweater from Swimways has worked very well. It's targeted for ages 2 - 4. I think you can see some info on their website, swimways.com, and it's part of the SwimSteps series. The key if you get this is to have the kid step into it, and pull it up over their shoulders (don't try to put over their head). Also, it is not a blow the air in type thing, so you need a bike pump or gas station to fill it up, so we travel with it inflated.

But - it works great, helps keep DS's head above water, and make it much eaiser for my DMIL to keep up with DS (age 2) in the water.

 

[newddmommie]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Puffkin thanks for the advice. My dh suggested that we try mommy and me swim lessions (if nothing else, i'll be more comfortable with her in the water. ) Keep them coming.

 

[Manda]

I've had my DS in a life jacket at the pool since he was 1. I don't trust any type of floaty or anything like that. He can stick his head under water or jump off the edge or whatever and his head always bobs up to the surface. Look for something that's coast guard approved. We have the same type of vest that they use at the Disney pools and water parks.

 

[phins_jazy]

My 4 year old has a swim vest that she uses anytime she's in the water. My 2 year old has floaties built into her swimsuit. I think I got them both either at walmart or target.

 

[alloyd1170]

That's great that she's eager to swim. Don't hold her back. Swim lessons are a good idea (our YMCA only charges $20 a session for members). A swim vest is my opinion of the best device. I used one with my son at by 18 mos he was able to swim with no floatation. He was going off diving boards and waterslides. People couldn't believe it. The one I used was a Swimways. It has a front and back with straps on the sides. As the child progresses, you take out thin foam pads from the front and back until they are able to swim on their own. I remember Toys R Us and Walmart had them.

I hate the arm bands as they hinder arm movement in the water. Some pools won't allow them either (when I was a lifeguard we didn't allow them after mom left her kid alone and one band deflated).

 

[brergnat]

I really don't get why certain places "ban" or don't recommend swim vests? (I'm talking about swim schools here).

We use a neoprene Speedo swim vest (available at Target and also Amazon). I've been using it with my boys since they were 2. My oldest is now almost 5 and currently taking swim lessons to really learn to swim properly, but the vest was a HUGE help for that time when he was not ready for the lessons yet, but had the desire to be independent in the water. I have two kids, 20 months apart, and it was just not always possible for me to hold them both in the water.

I use the swim vest for my 3 year old now. He loves it. I can put it on him and he jumps into the pool from the side, goes under, and then bobs right back up and paddles all around the pool. He can even pull himself out of the side of the pool and jump right back in. I'm always nearby, but I don't have to hold him. I am currently now constantly with my older one, as he is not using any flotation devices as he's practicing his new swim skills, but is not water safe yet.

I don't recommend arm floaties for a 2 year old. They don't keep the head up out of water safely. The swim vests are much better for that, and they are easy to pack. Plus, the arm floats can and DO deflate, which is why they are not highly recommended. Get something that does NOT depend on air for floatation...

 

[mom_2_K'Lynn]

Ever since my DD has taken swim lessons at our local YMCA we bought her the "swim trainer" from them. It only cost us $8 and is the same one they use to teach kids to swim. It is almost like a styrofoam (something similar, not air). You attach it to their back and it easily kept my DD afloat. And she loved that it gave her free movement and made it really easy for her to learn to swim. Here is a website with a picture of something that has the same idea and concept.... It is the one called the "child swim trainer."

http://www.poolcenter.com/pooltoys_childrens_swimming_aids.htm

Hope this helps as we and DD love it. I trust it 100% as we had it for a few years and it has held up perfectly.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

This is the BEST thing EVER!

http://www.shopping.com/-stearns+puddle+jumpers+safety

 

[woodkins]

I also recommend the neoprene Speedo brand swim vest. I bought mine from Target. They are comfortable for the child, they are able to move their arms and legs to swim well. We had brought ours to Disney as well.

 

[LWatson]

has anyone ever tried those swim suits w/ the floaties build in???

 

[DISNEYNV]

I also recommend the neoprene Speedo brand swim vest. I bought mine from Target. They are comfortable for the child, they are able to move their arms and legs to swim well. We had brought ours to Disney as well.

Yes I bought these for my kids (1 and 5) and they are great! My large I year olds vest is a little big and he isn't too comfortable in it though, someke sure it fits properly before you buy. Also get a good set of the water wings too.

 

[karliebug]

has anyone ever tried those swim suits w/ the floaties build in???

Yes- they work great! you don't have to worry about your child taking it off or the buckles getting caught on anything. It does make your little one look a little like a barrel but I highly recommend it over floaties because floaties can deflate or fall off and kids sometimes take swim vests off. when it is built right in the suit they don't even seem to notice it. My DD jumped off diving boards with it on and it popped her right back up to the surface. i also think it really helped her learn to swim on her own and I really had no worries when she wore it.

 

[monorailsilver]

My kids have always used swimmies on their arms with out any mishaps.

I tried the tube that comes over like a bathing suit & that didn't work for my kids.

When they were smaller (my youngest is now 3) they used the blow up raft that their feet go in but my youngest decided she wanted to swim like the rest so she was about 15-16 months & was using swimmies for the first time.

I don't doubt she will want them off this year since my ds can finally swim with out them as can my oldest (this is assuming it will stop raining & we will get some sun).

It might be a trial & error.

As for the person who said they wouldn't let the kids at the pool use the arm floaties I have been there. We went to this gymnastics place for a party when my dd was about 4. She always swam with swimmies on her arms with out problems.

The life guard gave me a hard time & wanted her to use the long thing that looks like what the life guards carry. Well she tried it & went under. She came out of the pool & threw up & wouldn't go back in again.

So that is why I say you have to try & see what works best.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

That is what is great about the float/floaties I reccommended. It is Coast Guard approved so because of that waterparks/ pools will let my son use it. They would not let him use regular floaties.

 

[newddmommie]

That is what is great about the float/floaties I reccommended. It is Coast Guard approved so because of that waterparks/ pools will let my son use it. They would not let him use regular floaties.

Thanks dvcnewgirl. I think we'll try the puddle jumper for her. You guys had great suggestions. Thanks for the help.

 

[stella27]

The puddle jumpers look great. My child is below the weight limit, though.
I have tried the speedo vests from target and really loved them for my older 2children when they were babies. But I couldn't find them this year, and after trying the flotation suit (baby wouldn't tolerate it) and several other baby flotation devices, I went back to the arm floaties. Also from Target, made by Speedo, each device has 2 chambers, and I think they are well-designed. I know he can't really learn to swim with them, but they are working really well for us right now. I am also assuming that OP isn't leaving her baby unattended in the water. I know that when we swim, I am never more than 12 inches away from the baby, and in fact, I am usually holding him.

 

[newddmommie]

The puddle jumpers look great. My child is below the weight limit, though.
I have tried the speedo vests from target and really loved them for my older 2children when they were babies. But I couldn't find them this year, and after trying the flotation suit (baby wouldn't tolerate it) and several other baby flotation devices, I went back to the arm floaties. Also from Target, made by Speedo, each device has 2 chambers, and I think they are well-designed. I know he can't really learn to swim with them, but they are working really well for us right now. I am also assuming that OP isn't leaving her baby unattended in the water. I know that when we swim, I am never more than 12 inches away from the baby, and in fact, I am usually holding him.

Stella27: I never leaver her unattended in the water. I'm a bit of a hovering mom and my hands are always on her or my dh has her. It's just hard for me to hold on to her and her float when she's trying to get out of it. I'm just looking for a floatation to make us all more comfortable (or really just me )