The fully inflatable design also has a detachable and retractable sun canopy for helpful sun protection. The canopy is inflatable too, so it’s a bit more cumbersome to move, and we hear it doesn’t always stay upright when you want it to. Instead of age, think about your baby’s developmental stage when deciding if they can use a pool float, and always speak with your doctor if you have any questions. “A baby should have good control of their head and trunk before using a baby float,” advises Dr. Denny. Some parents might like the reliability of a non-inflatable baby pool float. While this option does cost more and take up more space than other baby pool floats on our list, there’s no risk of the float deflating while the baby is in the pool—or of finding a hole in it right before your pool fun begins. Made of sealed pearl foam, the float is available in three colorways. No matter the color, they all come with a three-point harness strap, a removable sun canopy, and a removable footrest.

There are many types of pool floats on the market, but the first thing you should know is that there’s a difference between a recreational pool device and a personal flotation device. “A recreational pool device includes different pool floats that are usually inflatable and designed for recreation and not specifically to prevent drowning,” Dr. Watson warns. Do not rely on a baby pool float to serve as a personal floatation device. But Take Note: This float is recommended only for babies 3 to 9 months old, so they’ll need a different one soon. With that in mind, it’s up to you to choose between fully inflatable floats and those made with other floating materials such as foam. Some baby floats come with harnesses, while others just have holes into which you slip the baby’s legs to keep them upright. You can also choose all sorts of fun shapes, including flamingos, cars, spaceships, and even sharks. For added fun, this float has two attached water toys to entertain babies just a little more. If you’ve got twins, there’s even a version of this baby pool float with two seats for babies and one spot for an adult, though that version doesn’t have a sun canopy. Learning to swim is a crucial life skill and getting your kids on board sooner rather than later gives them a considerable head start in life. Babies take to waters naturally, but there is a lot you can do to make them feel safer and more comfortable in the beginning stages, with the right baby swimming aidsor toddler swimming aids.Why We Like It: Built-in handles provide parents or caregivers with an easy way to hold on at all times. Baby floats are not water safety equipment and should only be used with constant, capable adult supervision, within arm's reach of the child,” says Dr. Denny, who is the lead author of the AAP Policy Statement and Technical Report on Prevention of Drowning.

Heading to the pool, or truly anywhere, with young kids always requires lots of extra stuff. You’ll love that this super-portable pool float folds flat and fits into the included carry bag. The bag has a long shoulder strap, so it’s easy to tote this lightweight float to and from the pool. We love that this float has both inner and outer rings that get inflated, plus there’s a spring inside to keep it all steady. Affordable, safe, secure, and well-reviewed, this baby pool float is suitable for babies from 9 to 24 months old, one of the widest age ranges on this list. To use this device, an adult must inflate the inner and outer rings, which are connected via a mesh liner. The popular float has been updated with a special valve that will inflate up to three times faster than previous iterations of the same product. You’ll be in the water soon and save your breath!If you choose an inflatable float, think about how difficult it will be to blow up, and whether you need a pump to help you out. Once it’s ready for the pool, you’ll also want to be sure it’s easy to get your baby in and out of the float without a lot of fussing. Our float rings are transparent, so your child can see the water from their baby rubber ring and get comfortable with the pool. Give your baby the driver's seat as they hold onto the two ergonomic handles, splash around, and explore the world of swimming. Baby Swim Seat