Best Baby Floats and Floaties

Review & Comparison, Last Update September 5, 2024
Baby floats offer fun and a great time when you hit the water with your little one. Be it a pool, lake, river, or sea, a good floatie ...Read more
PROS

It comes complete with a manual pump to inflate the float in a maximum quick and easy manner. Meanwhile, an air valve prevents air leaks and keeps the floatie inflated for quite a while.

CONS

The buckle might slip off during active movements. 

OUR VERDICT

If your baby can't swim yet but you'd like to get them engaged in water activities, this baby float from LACOY is hands down the best option. Made of premium and leak-proof PVC material and complaint with the strictest CPC standards, the model is safe to use and doesn't cause skin reactions. 

detailed parameters
Suitable For

3 - 36 months (size "L")

Other sizes also available

Max Load

Up to 36 lbs (size "L")

Material

PVC

Extras

Double-layered air chamber, Sun protection canopy (removable), 5-point harness, Bottom support, 2 marine toys and a manual pump included

Dimensions

18.8" x 19.9" x 25" (with a canopy)

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

The octopus turns 360 degrees, holding toys to attract your little fidgets and entertain them. The canopy prevents UVA and UVB rays and can be removed when you don't need it.

CONS

The supplied toys fall off quite easily.

OUR VERDICT

SwimWays Octopus Baby Float is created for 9 to 24-month infants to keep them entertained for longer. At the same time, it's made with safety in mind: fitted with dual air chambers and a robust inner spring, the float will stand stable keeping your child safe inside.

detailed parameters
Suitable For

9 - 24 months

Max Load

Up to 30 lbs

Material

Vynil

Extras

Dual air chambers and a patented inner spring for greater stability, Inflated Octopus head with 6 toys, Sun protection canopy (removable), Carry case included

Dimensions

34" x 30" x 20.5" (with a canopy)

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

Thanks to a 5-point harness, your baby will be secured in the floatie, with no risk of falling out. The bottom support ensures correct body positioning at a 40° angle for fatigue-free floating.

CONS

It will take you some effort to get the baby in it. 

OUR VERDICT

Available in a wide range of sizes, the float from Free Swimming Baby can accommodate different kid ages and is a perfect choice for pool and open water. Promoting kicking and swimming, it can also function as a swimming trainer allowing your child to improve their lung capacity and enhance immunity.


detailed parameters
Suitable For

3 - 72 months (size "L")

Other sizes also available

Max Load

Up to 40 lbs (size "L")

Material

PVC

Extras

Double-layered air chamber, 5-point harness, Bottom support, Built-in sounding bells

Dimensions

18.9" x 21.2" x 5"

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

Ergonomic side handles will provide added hand grip for maximum kid's stability and easy item handling. And a practical patch kit will let you repair punctures without a hassle. 

CONS

It doesn't hold air very long. 

OUR VERDICT

This float from Peradix stands out for its wear resistance qualities. Made of heavy-duty thickened PVC material, chances are, it will serve your little one for several seasons in a row. Plus, you get a complete set with a repair kit, two toys, and even a sun hat.

detailed parameters
Suitable For

3 - 36 months

Max Load

Up to 45 lbs

Material

PVC

Extras

Sun protection canopy (inflatable, removable), Backrest and reinforced seat, Safety hand grips, Sun hat, Repair patch and 2 marine toys included

Dimensions

25.2" x 28.7" x 25.2" (with a canopy)

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

PROS

Smooth leg holes make fitting the child into the float much easier, causing no irritation to the sensitive baby's skin. A handlebar with 3 play balls will entertain your child, keeping them from getting bored too soon.

CONS

The sunshade is not removable. 

OUR VERDICT

Being a true leader when it comes to inflatable items, in this model, Intex combines exceptional quality with the ultimate functionality. Made of durable materials, the model is not prone to damages while a bright vivid design will grab your baby's attention and induce them to swim.

detailed parameters
Suitable For

12 - 24 months

Max Load

Up to 33 lbs

Material

Vinyl

Extras

Double-layered air chamber, Sun protection canopy (inflatable), Smooth leg holes, Handlebar with 3 play balls

Dimensions

32" x 26" x 30"

Warranty

Amazon's 30-day return policy

Thought-out to the Last Detail

Introducing a baby to water in a proper way is the key to your little one’s rather enjoying than fearing it and quickly developing swimming skills as a result. And the right float like this one from Laycol can surely help you with that.

What makes this model stand out from many other models on the market is that, due to its 5-point harness and bottom support, it can be used for infants from the age of 3 months and can comfortably accommodate children in two positions. A backstroke swim is a preferable position for smaller kids who are not able to sit upright and need support to lean his or her back against the float. In this position, your little one will not only have the correct head and back support but also will be able to enjoy themselves splashing water and moving legs. A breaststroke position, in turn, is the best option for kids over 6 months. It keeps the child at an ergonomic angle and promotes swimming reflexes.

When it comes to safety, the LAYCOL floatie is CPC certified and meets the strictest safety standards and requirements, though leaving children without adult supervision is not allowed. The double-layered air chamber, combined with a thick PVC material and a tight closing air valve, makes the model entirely leakproof, while the removable canopy that features UPF50+ protection creates a shadow, keeping the child from the direct sunlight. Other handy additions you will also appreciate include a manual pump to inflate the floatie in a quick and effortless manner and two lovely rubber toys to let your little one play in the water.

Summing up, the LAYCOL floatie is a great way to introduce your baby to water. It offers two positions for smaller and bigger kids, it is made of high-quality and strong materials, and it can help promote swimming reflexes. All this makes it a perfect choice for both first swimming sessions and more experienced little swimmers.

Last updated price $29.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B083W788TN

Engaging and Entertaining Babies

The SwimWays Octopus Baby Float is cute. It is also surprisingly functional. First, though, the product's been designed with babies, infants, and toddlers (9 - 24 months) in mind, which is reflected in its size (measuring 34" x 30" x 20.5") and maximum load that the float is able to support (30 lbs).

Babies get bored quite easily and demand to be engaged. The float will be able to sometimes do that for you though. The adorable octopus that's built into the product is able to turn 360 degrees around the child's face. The octopus' arms hold toys that babies can touch and activate, including this little squeaker, rattle, stacking rings, and one soft-touch star.

The somewhat upsetting factor here is that these pool toys fall off the float quite easily but that's understandable and not something you can fix without making the entire device impractical. Apart from that, the dual air chambers and the company's patented inner spring enable enhanced stability, providing the necessary peace of mind to the parents. Better yet, the float comes equipped with a removable canopy that boasts UPF 50+ sun protection and mesh sides to make sure the canopy does not obstruct the view.

In short, with SwimWays, you'll get the ultimately safe and engaging baby float capable of functioning as a mini activity centre to keep your kiddie engaged and entertained for longer.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $26.96
Stock In stock
ASIN B000WQZD9U

A Swimming Exerciser

Swimming in undoubtedly good for babies and the earlier you introduce your kiddo to water, the better. Once they get into the water, infants start kicking around and splashing. So, if you want to help your little one develop those reflective movements into solid swimming skills, you’ll hit the spot with this float from Free Swimming Baby.

First and foremost, unlike other floats for the smallest that mostly keep babies in a vertical position, this model is designed to ensure an optimal swim posture by supporting the child at a 40° to stimulate kicking and swimming in a horizontal position. This became possible thanks to a special supportive construction with a 5-point harness and a non-inflatable sponge chest pad. Further on, a soft crotch strap will hold the baby from the bottom to prevent sliding out while a raised front part and wider sides work to avoid overturning. All together these features make the child feel more confident and secure in the water. Meanwhile, the built-in sounding bells will stimulate the kiddie to move and stay in the water for longer.

The only thing missing in this model is a sun canopy. While not an issue for indoor pools, it might need some added sun protection like a sun hat, for example, when swimming outdoors on hotter days.

To resume, the Free Swimming Baby float is a quality swimming accessory that can function as a swimming exerciser to help kids from 3 to 72 months learn to swim.

Last updated price $19.70
Stock In stock
ASIN B072N2J366

A Versatile and Complete Swim Kit

What you'll get with Peradix is a complete swim kit that will keep your little one entertained on the water, providing you with the peace of mind.

First and foremost, unlike models with a sling-like safety system, this floatie is rather an accessory for fun than a proper model for learning to swim, which can make introducing to water safe and more enjoyable for smaller children. It has a wide outer circumference, which offers excellent stability, and comes with a wide ample seat with a brackrest to support your kid, making it a suitable option even for 3-month-old babies. At the same time, it doesn't restrict your child's movements, so they will be able to enjoy their water rides to the fullest, kicking legs, splashing water, and turning the steering wheel.

Along with the super-stable design, the floatie features some other conveniences making its use more comfortable for kids. These include handles for a kid to hold when inside the float, a safety valve to prevent air leakage, thick three-layer PVC construction to avoid punctures, and a retractable UF50+ canopy to lend solid sun protection. On top of that, the float package comes complete with two cute sand molds for added fun on the beach, a practical repair patch kit to handle damages if any, and even a size-adjustable sun hat that will further contribute to your baby’s sun protection.

Overall, the Peradix is a durable quality float ideal for anyone under 3 years of age that will serve your kiddo for several seasons in a row.

Last updated price $21.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B083QCB89L

The Branded Quality

When it comes to high-quality and long-lasting inflatable products, Intex that has more than 40 years of experience behind their back is an indisputable leader. Regularly testing their products for quality and safety, the manufacturer is by far the most trusted in the industry. All their products meet the strictest quality standards and the same is true for their baby float with a sunshade.

Straight off the reel, this model is not intended for small babies. It is meant for 1 year old infants and can serve toddlers up to 2 years, so keep this in mind when considering it for your child. For the mentioned age category, though, it works like a treat. Thanks to a deep seat that this float incorporates, your child will be able to reach out and kick in the water, while a little roller in the front part with three colored balls in it will keep them engaged and prevent your kiddie from getting bored too soon. Actually, the seat is designed in such a way that even older toddlers won't be able to stand up in it and climb out.

As far as the float's design is concerned, the construction has high walls with wide edges, which contribute to the stability of the float and make it tip-proof. A strong vinyl metal the item is made of is puncture-resistant and is safe for the baby's skin, eliminating any side reactions after use. And a double-layered air chamber securely prevents air leaks. The sunshade is also included. It is big in size and easy to attach with velcros. The leg holes are smooth and of the right size for little legs to easily slide in without chafing delicate skin. That way, fitting your kid into the float will be a real snap.

Summing up, if you need a reliable and quality float for an older infant, you can’t go wrong with this model from Intex.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $11.75
Stock In stock
ASIN B006JOKQBO

What Are Baby Floats and Floaties?

From the very birth, children grow their muscle and brain through movement and activity. That said, swimming and floating is an easy way to engage your babies body and improve mobility even when your little one is still unable to walk, not to mention it’s fun for babies and parents alike. And baby floats and floaties are specifically created to keep infants and toddlers safe on the water and let them enjoy their swim time to the fullest. Besides, floats and floaties also help induce kids to learn to swim through balance and coordination improvement.

When choosing a float for the smallest, the most important things to consider are the size, safety, and sun protection. Made for babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages, baby floaties come in an impressively wide size range. Picking the right size depends solely on your kid’s age and weight. When it comes to safety, there can be no compromises, hence such features as added straps, supportive backrests, safety valves, and anti-leakage design, which work to keep the baby upright and prevent the little one from falling out. Meanwhile, an added canopy or sunshade will provide extra sun protection for the hot summer days.

We'd also like you to take a look at our selections of baby sunglasses and inflatable pools - a few more kid-related products appropriate for summertime.

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