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Best Toddler Floaties | Get the Best of Summer Swimming!

by Blake Lawrence
best toddler floaties

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Do you want your kids to have the best summer, just like you? Do you want them to explore and play in the water? Of course, you do! No summer is complete without a family diving in the water and playing water games. 

But like any parent, you’re worried about your tiny toddler’s safety in the water. You want to have a good family time but you are also going to keep a vigilant eye on them to ensure they’re okay.

As a parent, you want to give your children the best time in the water but also a safe one. A handful of safety tips and the best toddler floaties for safe play is all you need to make your baby confident in the water. 

We’ve gathered a list of the best toddler floaties that will give added support and assistance to your toddler in the water. They are safe and fun, and your toddlers will love the adorable designs!

How We Choose The Best Floaties For Your Toddler

When choosing toddler floaties for your little one, there are many important things to consider, such as how much weight the floaty can carry and the age range. 

This will help your baby to fit in the floaty safely. 

Younger toddlers are more comfortable in a sit-in floaty. These floaties have a seat attached to them and often have a sun canopy. Such floaties have dual benefits: safe fun in the water and protection from direct sunlight. 

Meanwhile, older babies like to play around and move their bodies to be more comfortable in arm floaties. They are safe and give your little one to play and move as much as they want!

So, it’s important to find the perfect floaty for your little swimmer!

We have compiled the list of best baby pool floats considering the following criteria:

  • Child safety valves
  • Sun protection
  • Detachable canopy
  • Convenience for travel
  • Smooth leg holes
  • Leak-proof VC material

Considering all these features for younger and older toddlers, we have gathered 5 best floaties to give your toddlers free, safe, and fun water play in the summer.

SwimWays Toddler Spring Float

SwimWays-Toddler-Spring-Float

Why We Love It

SwimWays Toddler Spring Float has unique and sophisticated features that provide safety and fun to your little toddler.

What makes it so great is that the design is comfortable, safe, and portable to use. 

The float’s ring and seat are bound to keep your baby’s face up and out of the water. 

This gives them the ability to float and also the ability to use their arms and legs to practice swimming. It also allows them to relax without the possibility of flipping over.

The best feature of this product is that it comes with a retractable sun canopy, so you can make sure that your child is protected from direct sunlight. 

Direct sunlight can harm your baby’s skin, so adding a sun canopy gives you a bonus benefit.

A toddler of 2 years or more can sit comfortably in the soft mesh seat. Moreover, the center doesn’t restrict the toddler; they have the freedom to move their legs around however they want.

What You Should Know

This toddler spring float is an inflatable floaty with fabric-covered inflation, making it durable and long-lasting. 

Another benefit is that whenever the summer season ends, you can simply let out the air and fold them up for minimal storage in your cupboards, keeping its condition clean and safe. Inflate the floaty again when the season starts.

The product has a soft mesh seat with cutouts for arms to help your toddler to begin developing those paddling movements.

Its broad base, safety valves, and dual air chambers ensure your baby’s optimal security and safety. 

SwimWays Toddler Spring Float can be folded into three tight circles and is a reusable, portable carry bag. It is an excellent choice for traveling and trips.

Premium Pick
SwimWays-Toddler-Spring-Float

SwimWays Toddler Spring Float

  • Soft and comfortable
  • Portable and versatile
  • For children 2-3 years
  • Weighs 1.62 pounds

MoKo Swim Armbands for Kids

MoKo-Swim-Armbands-for-Kids

Why We Love It

With beautiful pink seashells on both arms, your little one is definitely going to feel like a mermaid!

Not only that, you can pick from a range of designs. There are crabs, flamingos, whales and even our favorite Nemo!

If your baby is learning to swim or wants to roam freely in the pool, these MoKo armbands are best for your toddlers.

Unlike the spring floats with a base, these armbands just go on your kids’ arms and let them explore the waters by themselves.

This can help your kids pick up valuable water safety habits they can use for life. 

It is made of high-quality and environment-friendly material, providing safety to your toddler’s experience.

They adapt nicely to babies’ arms and help them build confidence. In addition, it is lightweight, and your toddler will love them.

What You Should Know

These durable and comfortable armbands are made up of eco-friendly, PVC material. They are non-toxic and odorless, which provides ultimate protection to your toddler. 

The soft fabric provides a comfortable experience. It can be used for children as old as 3-6 years. 

They are easy to use and portable, and you can inflate and deflate them whenever you want them. They save up your space, and you can easily carry them during your travels. 

The package comes with two arm floats, providing full floatation support for your toddler to free movement around the water. 

A child who is entirely new to water is not recommended to use these armbands. Still, if your toddler is already familiar with water, it can help them build confidence. 

Budget Pick
MoKo-Swim-Arm-Bands-for-Kids

MoKo Swim Armbands for Kids

  • Eco-friendly and PVC material
  • Portable and easy-to-use
  • Provides confidence to your child
  • Snugly designs
  • Suitable for children 3-6 years
  • Weighs 0.19 pounds

Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Floaties

Gogokids-Kids-Swim-Vest-Floaties

Why We Love It

If you’re looking for a fun family getaway, then this swim vest will ensure that your child has the time of his life!

Gogokids Swim Vest is a convenient and ideal addition to safety measures regarding water play. 

Its sophisticated features allow maximum benefits and safety for your child. It comes with an adjustable strap which means that your child won’t be able to wear it without your help.

It allows your child to build more confidence with the armbands and vest. Your child can play around or even learn to swim freely with your help and supervision. 

It is made of excellent material, making it durable and long-lasting. 

Because they can be immediately used, you don’t have to worry about inflating and deflating it every season. So they can also be stored easily without taking up much space in the cupboard. 

This is an excellent alternative to a bulker swim vest as it covers both arms and the front. In this way, your child can have more freedom when splashing around.

What You Should Know

This vest is made up of 100% polyester. It is EN standard verified and made up of durable and solid material.

The product is heavily stitched and won’t rip apart, ensuring your child has a great summer all season. 

This swim vest has arm wings; it is secured with a safety buckle at the back so the child cannot open and close it on their own, making it safe to use. 

The adjustable strap fits all sizes from 30-50 lbs (14-23 kgs). This can be used for kids aged from 2-6 years. 

It is ready to use and requires no inflation, and you can pull it over your arms and buckle up. The product is comfortable and safe and demands little space in your cupboard. 

It is also a type III life vest which means it is extra comfortable and safe to use, but it should not be mistaken for a life jacket. 

Also, it comes in 5 different designs and colors, so your child will absolutely love it!

It is portable and can be used anywhere, whether in swimming pools, beaches, boats, or by the lakeside. 

Our Pick
Gogokids-Kids-Swim-Vest-Floaties-for-Toddler

Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Floaties

  • Fits sizes between 30-50 pounds
  • For ages around 2-6 years old
  • Adjustable shoulder straps on the back
  • Weighs 0.44 pounds

Ā SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy

SwimWays-Baby-Spring-Float-Sun-Canopy

Why We Love It

Another infant pool float by SwimWays on our list! Excuse us, but the products are just so good that we can’t help ourselves!

SwimWays Baby Spring float is designed to introduce your baby to the comfortable and secure water experience.

It has distinct and new features like a sun canopy and innerspring to bring more comfort and stability to your child’s experience. 

It has a removable sun canopy, so it can be used whenever there is direct sunlight in the pool, so the baby’s sensitive skin doesn’t get any harm from the damaging sun rays. 

Your baby will get so comfy in there that he may fall asleep on the front padded part. This is the kind of experience this infant pool float offers!

It is compact and portable. You can easily carry it on your travels, requiring space in your cupboard or travel bags because it can be easily folded.

What You Should Know

Its features include a soft mesh seat with secure leg holes so that your baby can fit in comfortably and kick freely underwater.

The pool float has safety valves, dual air chambers, and a patented inner spring around the outside edge to provide further stability and security in water.

Also, it has a removable sun canopy with mesh sides and UPF 50+ sun protection. It includes meshing play space for splashing and playing with toys. 

The pool float is portable. You can carry it anywhere, in pools, beaches, or lakes. It easily folds into three tight circles for storage and transport. 

The product includes a baby spring float sun canopy and carry tote. It is recommended for ages 9-24 months. 

Best Value
SwimWays-Baby-Spring-Float-Sun-Canopy

SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy

  • Compact and easily foldable
  • Weighs 1.7 poundsĀ 
  • Recommended for ages 9-24 months
  • Sun canopy with UPF 50+

SwimSchool Deluxe Baby Pool Float

SwimSchool-Deluxe-Baby-Pool-Float

Why We Love It

The SwimSchool Deluxe Baby Pool Float is made explicitly for tiny babies. This floaty is a great way to introduce your baby to the swimming pool.

It just works like a tiny boat, with the sunshade at the top and toys within easy reach as well!

The sunshade protects the baby from harmful sun rays and keeps them cool. 

This baby float is perfect for babies as they can aim to move their legs around to create swimming motion while protecting the float. 

The play center and open mesh play area make it super engaging and fun for the babies giving them the best time of their summer. 

What You Should Know

The product features a multi-point adjustable safety seat, dual inflation chambers, and child safety valves for security.

It weighs 1.1 pounds and is recommended for ages 6-24 months.

The infant pool float includes a multiposition canopy which is removable and adjustable. Moreover, the canopy has a multi-position plastic hinge. It allows sun protection and a 120-degree range.

The SwimSchool Deluxe Baby Pool Float has a safe adjustable seat and an open mesh play area. This allows your child to have fun, engaging time and slowly build confidence in the pool.

It is portable and can be easily stored in your cupboard or traveling bag. You can inflate and deflate it according to your needs. 

Our Pick
SwimSchool-Deluxe-Baby-Pool-Float-with-Adjustable-Canopy

SwimSchool Deluxe Baby Pool Float

  • Safety air valves, dual air pillow rings
  • Patented design
  • Removable/adjustable sun canopy
  • Weighs 1.1 pounds
  • For ages 6-24 months
  • Adjustable sun shade

Best Toddler Floaties FAQs

It can be hard to choose the perfect floaties for your baby due to the wide variety of designs. There are pool floats, armbands, and then come the swim vests.

Various options are available on the market depending on your baby’s weight and age. 

If you’re still wondering which floaty is the best option for your child, we have gathered a list of questions most parents ask during their hunt.

These FAQs will clear out any confusion you might have regarding the best floaties for toddlers.

What is a type III floatation device?

Type III floatation devices are suitable for calm inland water and provide comfort to the baby. They are designed to be inflated upon entering the water.

How do you choose a pool float?

It is essential to check the materials of the floaties. Pool floats are made up of vinyl or foam. Pool floats filled with vinyl do not provide freedom of movement with safety, but foam-filled or inflated floats are a great option to give your kids a safe and fun pool party.

Having pool floats with safety valves, dual air chambers, inner springs, or sun canopy are also essential features of pool floaties. 

Do arm floaties help kids stay afloat?

Arm floaties are great at helping children stay afloat. However, they can sometimes trick toddlers into thinking they can swim, so they require parental supervision and should not be left alone.

At what age can you use arm floaties?

Any little swimmer aged from 1-12 years old can use arm floaties. They offer support to children weighing up to 110 pounds.

How long do kids need floaties?

Most floaties are designed for ages 2-4 years old, but some are also made for children as young as 6 months old. It is best to check the height and weight restrictions on a floaty before you buy it. 

Why is an inflatable floater important?

Inflatable floaters provide your kid with freedom of movement. They move around their legs and arms however they want, and the floaters stay on the arm, so the kids get to move around unhampered.

Do floaties delay learning to swim?

Floaties can delay a child’s ability to swim if they are used too frequently.

What age are armbands suitable for?

They are suitable for ages 2-6 years.

Should toddlers swim with floaties?

Floaties are safe for toddlers to move around in the pool and have fun, but they need to be safer for toddlers to swim in. Also, using floaties does require parental supervision.

What is better: floaties or life jackets?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, floaties are not a substitute for life jackets. They can give a false sense of security to the parents. Floaties are best with supervision.

Best Floaties for your Toddler

By now, you might have gathered enough information about how you need to choose the best floaties for your toddler. 

In this list, we have mentioned the best floaties available in every budget range and a wide variety of designs.

If you still want to explore other options, you can refer to this YouTube video.

Our Top Picks

  • Premium Pick

    SwimWays Toddler Spring Float

    SwimWays-Toddler-Spring-Float
    • Soft and comfortable
    • Portable and versatile
    • For children 2-3 years
    • Weighs 1.62 pounds
  • Budget Pick

    MoKo Swim Armbands for Kids

    moko-swim-arm-bands
    • Eco-friendly and PVC material
    • Portable and easy-to-use
    • Suitable for children 3-6 years
    • Weighs 0.19 pounds
  • Best Value

    SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy

    • Compact and easily foldable
    • Weighs 1.7 poundsĀ 
    • Recommended for ages 9-24 months
    • Sun canopy with UPF 50+

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