10 Reviews: Best Floats for Toddlers (Apr 2024)

Look at this one, the design is very unique for your little boy with a “turtle-like” shape that will remind him of the character of a ninja turtle. The front panel has a six-pack appearance to help improve mobility as they learn to swim. In this way, your child feels like wearing a costume to the pool which makes swimming lessons fun.

We bought these for vacation and they worked great! I have a 3 and a 5 year old and these fit them perfectly! It didn't restrict their movement at all and we felt very comfortable with both of them in the water at the same time.. what's best is that they're coast guard approved so we can use them at the community pools as well

by Jilliann Elliott

Zerlar’s Floatation Swimsuit is purposely designed to teach your child to swim without making her feel like she’s wearing safety. It is ideal for girls from ages 1 to 10 years old. The polyester material makes it soft to skin and comfortable to wear. Plus, it comes in adorable color options that don’t fade easily.

I purchased the red polka dot and it's so cute. I did order a size up and while it is a little big on my girl, there's plenty of space for her to grow into it by the end of summer. I like the option of removing the foam floats in the swimsuit and we are trying to teach her how to swim. The arm floaties that came with it are a good bonus to have. After using in a chlorine and salt water pool, the suit still looks great. No painful red marks were left after she was done using it so very happy parents on this end.

by Ronny Acosta

This backpack-like float is useful for teaching children how to swim horizontally. This toddler floatie features an adjustable strap for easy adjustment and a perfect fit for your little one’s body. The vibrant color makes it easy to spot. Ideal for children weighing under 55 pounds.

This really helped my 4 year old lear how to swim. She hates the puddle jumper life jacket. It always leaves rashes on her. So I thought I'd try this. And oh my, am I glad I did. She LOVES IT! It gives her the freedom of not having a life jacket, or being in a float. She can swim freely with ease. It's a great buy. She has almost mastered swimming, and it's only been a month and a half.

by Ashton Finley

The Stearns Puddle Jumper Deluxe Life Jacket presents a product with the flexibility of armbands and life jacket safety so that children can still have fun in the water safely. This is the perfect gear for teaching children to swim. Plus, this puddle has been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for personal use.

We have a daughter who loves water. She is able to swim around safely using her "elephant" as we call it, every single time we go to a pool/lake. She has the freedom she wants all while learning how to swim and maneuver herself. It took her a few times using it to understand how her movements put her into different positions in the water. Now, at 2, she's a pro!

by Kara

Get your toddler into the water safely with this SwimWays Baby Pool Float. It combines three features from floatie, boat, and sun shade, what a complete package. To reduce children’s nervousness towards the water, this float is equipped with various toys ranging from a squeaker fish, stacking rings, a fish teether, and an octopus set-up. The size is wide so that it minimizes the risk of tip over.

I’m very happy with this for my little one! It was very easy to blow up ... We went to the beach this past week and this was perfect for the pool! Since the float is so wide, it is very safe and did not encounter one thought of “oops, he could tip over”. I am so pleased with this and would highly recommend, assuming your little one meets the weight guidelines. For reference, my little one is 12 months, 21 pounds. He has room to grow for the rest of the summer so it is perfect for us!

by LHeat

The Otter Wings arm floaties are next-level arm floaties. The wings are connected to the swim shirt so it is a smart solution so that your child cannot remove the armbands. The armbands are covered with a fabric that is comfortable for your little one’s skin and does not cause irritation or itching.

My son is four and he is wants to swim without floaties. I found that this was a great way for him to have a little more freedom, but still provides some support while he is learning to swim. I think the bonus is that the floaties attach to the shirt and my son cannot take them off.

by Jennifer Wright

By wearing these armbands, your child can confidently wade through the water as they feel safe without restricting their movements. For safety and durability, this floatie is equipped with a dual-chamber. What’s more, these armbands can hold weights up to 110 pounds.

Struggled to find something my 2 year old twins wouldn’t ask to take off as soon as they got in the water. These were it! They feel supported enough to float next to us without needing to be held. They’re exploring how to move their arms and legs without being as restricted as some other options we tried. These were so cheap I bought a couple more sets for grandparents to keep too. Highly recommend.

by kristin anderson

The Speedo Baby cruiser is must-have equipment to introduce your little one to water. That way, half of the body down can experience the water without having the whole body get wet. It is built with a canopy to protect your child from the sun which you can detach if you don’t want to use it.

LOVED this float! Perfect for my 12 month old. She is somewhat petite and I have been searching for a float that wouldn't put too much of her into the water. In some other floats she was submerged in the water too much and could put her face into the water. This float kept her out of the water and snug. She did great! I would definitely recommend and purchase again.

by Nicole Cook

Bodyglove’s Plane Motion water floats feature a vest as well as water wings to ensure your little one floats upright. On the shoulder, there is a harness to prevent children from removing the vest without parental help as well as so that the vest doesn’t slide off when worn. Plus, it is completed with fun unique graphic designs that make them even more enthusiastic about wearing it.

Very happy! This is the only swim vest I’ve found that keeps my toddlers head above water. And we’ve tried 6 different ones. Love the design. I don’t have to worry about them slipping out or getting rubbed by a strap between their legs. Far better design than the competitors. And it works great. Bought 2. They fit for my 2 and 3 year old who are 35 and 45lbs.

by Kelleo

If you’re still not completely sure about wearing a puddle jumper or life jacket on your toddler, a cruiser is the right choice. The SwimSchool Grow-With-Me Water Floatie is very versatile, you can use it as a baby boat, kid cruiser, kick float as well as kick board with just one object. The size is designed as well as possible so that it won’t tip over easily.

Was so relieved to find this float for my 2 year old who still doesn't quite care for the puddle jumper. She didn't tip to the front or sides like in most floats (even more expensive ones) and the removable boogie board type float lets her hood into that while wearing a life vest or he puddle jumper without face planting in the water. Love love love this float. I can't say enough good things!!! And she loves it as well.

by Melinda