Spring is here, with summer arriving quickly. North Texas summers are ideal for sunny afternoons in the backyard, and it’s even better when you’ve got a glistening pool to cool off in. If you’ve got a baby, toddler or small child who’s ready to earn their water wings, it’s important to make sure fun and safety go hand-in-hand.
These days, the selection of floats, toys, and safety devices is larger than ever. Whether you’ve got a toddler who’s ready to make friends with the pool, or a young swimmer who’s wanting to fine-tune their skills, there are a lot of fun options for age-appropriate swimming pool toys.
Here is a list of floats and toys that work well with young children:
Floating Devices for Babies
Did you know that baby floats are available for children as young as 3 months old? There’s a great selection of baby float products specifically designed to keep their heads safely above water and provide adequate full-body support.
Some products keep Baby fully afloat, while others use straps and buckles to allow bottom-half submersion. Many inflatable floats even offer a hood for extra protection from the sun.
Floats and Life Jackets for Toddlers
Gone are the days of strapping flimsy arm-floats or a bulky waist-tube to your little one, just so they can safely splash around in the pool. Today’s pool accessories include stroller-like designs that allow them to sit upright and practice navigating the water without constricting their movement.
Modern life jackets can be found in an array of styles and sizes. A quick search online will show you several options, from abdominal floats built into a bathing suit, to slender yet sturdy chest-and-arm supports that slip on like a shirt.
Fun Toys for Children
If you’ve got a small child who’s had a few rounds of swimming lessons, it’s time to let them loose and help them sharpen their motor skills. Floating rings and inflatable balls are a great way to get them paddling across the pool. Styrofoam noodles are easy to find, and can help strengthen both upper- and lower-body swimming skills, depending on how they’re used.
For your more confident waterbugs, diving rings and sticks can provide hours of fun. Even with younger children, using them in shallow water will build their confidence as they use full-body strokes to retrieve them from the pool floor. You can make it a game of endurance by challenging them to get 2 or 3 rings at once while they’re under water.
A Review
- Even infants can enjoy family pool time with the right accessories. Getting your baby comfortable with water is easy if you place them in floating devices that keep them safe.
- Toddlers can enjoy freedom in the pool with today’s broad selection of float-boats and safety jackets. With the help of product designs that let them explore safely and flexibly, you can let them loose in the water without worry.
- For young explorers, there’s a variety of diving toys and floating accessories that can help them sharpen their swimming skills. Get them paddling around the pool with fun games and toys that build their strength and confidence.
With the days getting warmer, we’re here to help you make the most of family fun in your pool. Call us or come by one of our stores to explore our great selection of fun and safe pool accessories.
Check out our blog page for more great ideas on family-friendly fun in the pool.