Why We Like It: The float, canopy, and octopus activity center all fold flat and fit in the small carry bag. Wrapped around the chest, kids can use the buoyancy of the noodle to learn body positioning and balance, a great way to boost the learning curve. Not to mention, a great and safe way to have some pool noodle sword fighting!

Stand out in style with this splurge-worthy pink convertible car-shaped pool float! Sure to be noticed, the float measures 42 inches long, so make sure you’ve not only got room in the pool for this one but enough air in your lungs to blow it up. It will take some time (or help from an electric air pump) to get this car ready for the pool. Safe for kids from ages 1 to 2 years old, this car has a 33-pound weight limit. But Take Note: This float is recommended only for babies 3 to 9 months old, so they’ll need a different one soon.Babies under one cannot wear armbands; however, many toddlers prefer them because they give the fiercely independent tots some freedom. If your toddler is learning to swim, armbands can restrict movement. It is a good idea to bring a baby swimming ring or float for smaller babies.

There are also plenty of swimming programmes in leisure centres or indoor pools available, especially for babies all around the country. Here are a few programmes to look into: Having the kids in the pool for the first time could be a little daunting, but learning to swim is one of the joys of childhood. Make it more enjoyable for them by providing some simple swimming aids which will help them feel even more comfortable in the water with some must-have swimming accessories. Swimming Float 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.Our range of foam armbands is a great starter swimming accessory for your soon-to-be swimmer. Easy to get on and off, these armbands are for toddlers between the ages of 2 to 6. Our Decathlon swimming armband range is made out of durable material, fitted with two inflatable chambers and is easy to inflate and deflate when needed, making them compact and easy to transport. Pool Noodle As any parent knows, toting a baby to a new place or entering a new season likely requires a new piece of gear. So when you’re planning a vacation or the weather heats up, it’s time to look up the best baby pool floats—a helpful, safe way to introduce your baby to the joys of swimming. It’s very convenient if your baby’s float comes with a built-in, adjustable canopy to shield their skin and eyes from the sun. But not all floats come with that option, and some canopies only work when the sun is at specific heights in the sky. That’s OK, though, according to May. Most babies love to be in the water, but to help them feel safe and confident, it's worth investing in some baby swimming aids. If you want to test the waters before taking them to a public swimming pool, there's always the option of a paddling pool at home, or if you're heading on a staycation, to a house with a pool.

According to the NHS, 'You can take your baby swimming at any age, both before and after they have been vaccinated. It does not matter if they have not yet completed their course of vaccinations.' So really, the choice is yours to make. 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.

Does a baby need arm bands or aids for swimming?

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.

Most baby swimming classes won't take you if your baby hasn't had their jabs, but to be honest, you don't need to go to a class the first few times, as you're only in the pool for about 10 minutes." What to take to baby swimming lessons? No matter what type of pool float you choose, there are general swimming safety guidelines that parents should always follow and be mindful of for themselves, their baby, and any other children. “Caregivers must always stay arm’s distance from any child in a float, and remain attentive to the well-being of the child. Never leave a child alone in a float. Never leave a float, or any toys in the pool which can act as a lure for a child to enter a pool unsupervised,” shares Jennifer May, certified lifeguard and member of the United States Swim School Association, one of the experts who helped us choose baby pool floats for this list. 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. 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.Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington shares her tips with us on taking your baby swimming with the help of her experience from when her daughter Summer was a baby.