What have you used for fun floatation devices for babies/toddlers?

[Fall1]

With the warm wearther coming up, we're trying to figure out what we can use for our toddlers this summer for floatation and to help them enjoy swimming in the pool. I obviously wouldn't take my hands or eyes off them, but an wondering what others have used for toddlers in the pool?

Thanks!

 

[luckey-lasvegas]

Back when my DD was around three we got one of those swim suits with the foam sewn into it at Sams Club. It was great ! It was certified by the red cross and the coast guard the suit would not allow her to be face down in the water. She swam all over the pool by herself ( meaning I wasn't holding onto her) , then we would let her practice swimming with out it. By the end of the summer she could swim with out the suit.

 

[Grand Canyon]

mommy

 

[snubie]

http://www.swimways.com/teachmetoswim/products.asp
We have been using this line of products. My father is in the Coast Guard and he is the one who found/bought these for DD. She still uses Step 2 now at 2 3/4 years old.

 

[Fall1]

Snubie - thanks so much.....we just bought the Step 1 for our children for this summer, but weren't sure about them....this helps alot! Thanks!

 

[snubie]

We really like the Swimways line. Lauren loves her "swimmy coat". Easy to use, seems well made.

The toypedo is also a really cool pool toy for older kids. My older nephews love to play with that thing.
http://www.swimways.com/category-detail.asp?cid=1

My mother uses a SwimFloat thingy to lounge in the pool and it is incredibly comfortable.
http://www.swimways.com/springfloat...roductid=AE625314-E65F-4E76-B095-AAC3BDA2E19C

 

[Minniemouse07]

Dd H A T E D those suits w/ the built in floats in them. They kept riding up and floating up near her neck.

She used a back float that they use at the YMCA swim classes she goes to (for the younger kids). It has 4 "layers" of foam that can be removed as the child becomes more comfortable in the water.

It really worked out great for her... and she had more than one suit she could wear all summer! By 4.5yo she was swimming the length (50yds) of the pool without flotation and at 5.5yo she was swimming the length doing backstroke, freestyle or breaststroke! She still needs help w/ rhythmic breathing but otherwise she's a fish!

I highly recommend the multi-layered back float!

 

[Disneylush]

Sterns life jacket with sleeves for sunburn. It doesn't ride up at all

 

[Aliceacc]

My daughter turned 5 yesterday.

We have a 4 foot pool in the yard. Up until now, the rule has been that if the pool is open (the ladder down) she wears a life jacket in the yard. That's right-- the orange boating life jacket. She doesn't even question it. That way, if one of my other two falls off a bike and needs stitches, I can take my attention from Kira for a second or two without a tragedy.

I'm not counting on it to watch her for me, merely to buy me a few seconds of inattention. Thankfully, it's never been necessary, knock wood.

When her dad or I are in the pool with her, she can go without it, or use a noodle or some lesser floatation device.