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Forbes
20-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
The Best Baby Pool Floats To Keep Them Safe And Shaded
If you're planning on heading to the pool with baby in tow this summer, a baby pool float is a must for many families. Experienced parents know that holding a baby in your arms the entire time in the pool can be tiring and you still have to worry about protecting their sensitive skin from a sunburn. The best baby pool floats alleviate all that by offering floatation, safety and shade in one compact package, like our top overall pick, the Mambobaby Self-Inflating Baby Pool Float. The best baby floats are safe, easy to use and provide shade. Despite the convenience of baby pool floats, parents need to always be vigilant when they're in the water. 'A pool float can offer support, but it should never replace adult supervision,' says Tom Dolan, a two-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer and president of Big Blue Swim School. 'Baby floats are one part of a broader safety approach, but an adult must always be within arm's reach of a child.' We've found the best baby pool floats to keep them safe and comfortable while splashing around. Amazon Recommended age: 3 to 24 months | Weight limit: 13 to 40 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 5 inches Our best overall pick has a ton of useful details that really add up: It's self-inflating, meaning parents won't have to huff and puff at the pool to get it ready and, most importantly, it has an adjustable five-point seatbelt, similar to the one in their car seat, that keeps your baby extra secure. The belt also has a covered lock to prevent little hands from accidentally unbuckling themselves. There are two different positions your baby can be in depending on which way they prefer—it can hold them in backstroke style (lounging on their backs) or breaststroke position (on their tummies). Parents can also stretch and clip the bottom fabric panel to the removable tail portion to create a full-on bed-type floating lounger they can be strapped into. At least one of my babies didn't enjoy being upright in more traditional baby floats, and having alternative options would've been nice to have. The detachable UPF 50+ canopy has mesh sides to help with both ventilation and visibility. The baby float also compresses down fairly compactly—you simply squeeze all the air out and roll it up to stuff it back in its carry bag. Amazon Recommended age: 9 to 24 months| Weight limit: 33 pounds | Dimensions: 34 x 30 x 20.5 inches I've used—and packed—this baby pool float through multiple kids for various trips. The clever spring mechanism allows it to fold into a flat, compact circle that can easily be tossed into your trunk or suitcase without taking up much space. When you're ready to use it, simply pop it back open and attach the canopy. Their proprietary Hyper-Flate valve makes blowing it up (and deflating it) esier and quicker, while the soft mesh bottom is comfortable around the baby's legs and easy to get them in and out of. I appreciate that the mesh UPF 50+ sun canopy is adjustable so you can position it to best protect their faces. Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear writer Alicia Betz also used this float with all three of her kids. 'I like that it has a canopy to help keep them shaded and that they can play and splash in the water,' she says. She also used it frequently for travel and says it was convenient to pack. Amazon Recommended age: 3 to 24 months | Weight limit: 13 to 40 pounds | Dimensions: 19 x 19 x 5 inches The pros of a non-inflatable baby pool float means no more endless blowing to inflate it—or worrying about holes and leaks. Made of a soft pearl foam material, the Mambobaby non-inflatable pool float is as cute as it is packed with features. Both the generously-sized UPF 50 canopy and tail are removable so you can adjust the float to your baby's preference. They can float in it in two positions: on their backs or on their chest as if they're doing tummy time in the water. Like the other Mambobaby float on our list, it also has an adjustable five-point harness with a covered safety-lock to ensure a secure and comfortable fit even as they grow. There's an ergonomically placed cushy head (or chin) rest and the cover zips off for easy cleaning. A higher weight limit means even larger toddlers should be comfortable in it. Parents should note that since it doesn't inflate, it also doesn't deflate, so you'll need to consider if you have the space to store it at home or in your car. Amazon Recommended age: 3+ | Weight limit: 20 to 40 pounds | Dimensions: 25 x 25 inches Toddlers are fickle and might start resisting going into a traditional baby float. Something more interactive might engage them again like this bright car inflatable pool float. It has a high weight limit of up to 40 pounds, so most toddlers should be able to use it. A thick and cushy seat with leg holes keeps them comfy while they 'drive' around the pool using the attached steering wheel that actually spins and has a working beeping horn (which may or may not be a good thing for caregivers.) It comes with an attachable 120-degree adjustable UPF 50 canopy. It's available in four colors to suit every color preference. Just keep in mind it's recommended for older toddlers who are at least 20 pounds, and remember, even when they're older, an adult must always be within arm's reach and watching them closely. Walmart Recommended age: 8 to 24 months | Weight limit: N/A | Dimensions: 37 x 33 x 23.5 inches Instead of just standing (or treading water) next to your baby to make sure you're always within reach, float with them instead. Baby can sit comfortably in the drop-seat, while a detachable sun shade helps keep their sensitive skin protected. The adult can float right across from them in the split tube and rest their forearms on that half. There are two inflatable toys attached to entertain little ones as well. If you've got multiples, or two close in age, Poolmaster also offers a twin pool float that carries two babies and a caregiver. 'The Poolmaster swim float was my favorite to use when my twins were babies,' says Betz. 'Taking care of twins at the pool can be stressful, but this made it easier so I could keep an eye—and hand—on both of them.' Amazon Recommended age: 12 to 24 months | Weight limit: 33 pounds | Dimensions: 26.5-inch diameter If you're just looking for a one-time use baby float for a special trip, the value of the no-frills Intex My Baby pool float can't be beat. I actually used this one with two of my babies and found it quick to inflate and easy to get the babies in and out of. At under $10, it's a fantastic option you won't feel bad about accidentally leaving behind. It has a smaller ring inside of the larger tube for added stability and deep cross-shaped straps to cradle the baby's body. A pillowy backrest gives their heads something to lean back on. The float has two air chambers for extra peace of mind and safety. The major downside is it doesn't have a built-in shade like pricier options, but I just kept my babies in long-sleeved swimsuits and sun hats. As parents ourselves, the baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted is dedicated to helping parents find the best products to keep their babies safe. We've spent countless hours testing and researching products, including products parents might want to stock up on for summer fun near the water like the best infant life jackets and the best water shoes for kids. To find the best baby pool floats, we conducted a deep-dive in product research, consulted expert insights and drew upon our own experience using baby pool floats with our kids. 'Infant floats are typically designed for a specific age group,' says Dolan. Parents should pay close attention to the manufacturer's age and weight limits before purchasing a baby float. Depending on the age of your child, you should also note how the float is designed to keep your baby in the seat whether it's with leg holes only or straps. Dolan says, 'Your child should feel snug in the float's seat.' He also recommends looking for features 'such as seat straps, extra-wide designs for increased stability, reinforced seams and bright colors for increased visibility, as these will all make a difference in your experience.' Since babies have more sensitive skin, having built-in sun protection while floating around at the pool is super convenient. Many floats have attached or detachable UPF sun canopies (all the ones with canopies on our list are UPF 50) and some even let you adjust the angle, which is ideal since a fixed shade sometimes won't actually protect their faces too much depending on which way the sun is. Regardless, always protect their skin with UPF-protective baby swimwear, sun hats and baby-safe sunscreen. The best baby pool float is the kind you'll use correctly each time. Inflatable pool floats take a lot of physical blowing to get it to full capacity, but a non-inflatable version may be more cumbersome for you to store or take while traveling. Consider how easy the design is to get your infant in and out of as well. Are the straps easy to adjust and get on the baby's body? Are the leg holes wide enough to comfortably and quickly place them in? You don't want to be struggling in the water while holding a flailing baby trying to get them in a pool float. According to Dolan, the safest pool float for babies is the one that fits them correctly and that parents can get them safely in and out of. 'It is important to note that these are not safety devices,' he says, and can cause 'a false sense of security.' He reminds parents that a baby pool float 'is just one part of a multi-layer safety approach,' including close adult supervision, reducing water hazards and early swim lessons among other things. 'A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is the safest flotation option for babies and young children, when used appropriately,' says Dolan. 'Most baby floats are designed and marketed for use starting around 3 to 6 months, when the baby has enough neck support to hold up their head,' says Dolan. 'Even then, any time spent in the water should be brief, closely supervised and include direct parent involvement. Parents can explore swim lessons starting as young as 3 months for their babies, which help build the foundational skills your child needs for a lifetime of swimming safety.'
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shoppes at North Brunswick welcomes another kid-friendly venue
Big Blue Swim School is opening its third New Jersey location in North Brunswick on April 7. Husband-and-wife owners Julia and Jamey Holmes are committed to swim safety and share Big Blue's mission to empower kids to build confidence in the water through developing essential skills, according to a press release. Julia Holmes is a Rutgers University graduate, and she and her husband have lived in Central Jersey with their family for more than eight years. 'We're so excited to introduce Big Blue to the North Brunswick area and begin promoting water safety and healthy habits,' said Julia Holmes in the press release. 'Our goal is to spread Big Blue's mission of providing children with a top-tier swim education that promotes confidence, safety and fun, in and out of the water.' Big Blue North Brunswick, located in the Shoppes at North Brunswick at 781 Shoppes Blvd., will host a Family Fun Day event, where guests can get a first look at the new state-of-the-art swim school, from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. The event is free and open to the public. Big Blue Swim School North Brunswick will offer weekly, year-round, 30- to 45-minute swim lessons for children beginning at just 3 months old, seven days a week. Level-appropriate, engaging lessons are led by professional instructors. More: Indoor playground for kids opening first NJ location in North Brunswick Big Blue offers 90-degree, ultra-clean water; a viewing area to keep an eye on swimmers; private changing rooms; fall-proof, anti-microbial flooring throughout the facility; free Wi-Fi and parking. The Big Blue's mobile app gives parents the ability to conveniently schedule and coordinate classes for multiple kids simultaneously and track their swimming progress. Hours of operation will be: 3:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; closed Fridays. For more information visit Brad Wadlow is a staff writer for This article originally appeared on Big Blue Swim School in North Brunswick NJ opening April 7
Associated Press
31-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Big Blue Swim School Partners with Swim Angelfish to Offer Adaptive Swim Lessons
Big Blue Swim School announces its partnership with Swim Angelfish, whose specialized training equips Big Blue instructors with the skills to provide adaptive swim lessons at participating locations. Adaptive swim lessons are designed to make swim lessons accessible for children of all abilities, including those with physical, cognitive, and sensory needs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recent Vital Signs study, pediatric drowning rates have been on the rise in recent years, and the Red Cross notes that children with autism are more likely to drown than neurotypical children. By offering these adaptive lessons, Big Blue aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to learn how to swim, improve their swimming skills, and gain water safety awareness. 'We truly believe that every child should have access to swim lessons,' says Chris DeJong, Founder and President of Big Blue Swim School, and five-time U.S. National Champion swimmer. 'As we embrace all that Autism Acceptance Month teaches us, to accept, celebrate and foster inclusivity, we're proud to offer adaptive swim lessons designed to meet each child's specific needs so they can learn in a way that is comfortable and safe for them.' Big Blue Swim School's adaptive swim lesson instructors have been trained in Swim Angelfish's Swim Whisperers® method, specially designed to cater to children of all abilities, including those with sensory differences, challenges with motor skills, difficulty processing information, attention deficits, or any other condition that might physically or psychologically impede the process of learning to swim. If you are looking for a trusted partner to build your child's confidence in the water and would like to learn more about Adaptive swim lessons, visit About Big Blue Swim School Big Blue Swim School offers an unparalleled swim lesson experience made easier and more effective by professional instructors, proprietary technology and curriculum, and family-friendly facilities. Big Blue creates and celebrates Big Moments in the pool which leads to kids learning they can achieve anything in life. Founded in 2009 by national champion swimmer Chris DeJong, Big Blue now has 45 pools and counting across the U.S. To learn more, visit The Swim Whisperers® Certification is provided by Swim Angelfish®, experts in Adaptive Aquatics. This certification program equips swim instructors with specialized skills to teach individuals with ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome or any type of emotional, physical or sensory challenge. These skills enable swim instructors to assess and identify challenges obstructing swim success, and teaches them how to tailor lessons to meet the specific needs of each individual. The Swim Whisperers® program empowers swim instructors to create a supportive learning environment for individuals with special needs to gain essential water safety and swim skills. To learn more visit Trevelino/Keller [email protected] SOURCE: Big Blue Swim School Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 03/31/2025 07:45 AM/DISC: 03/31/2025 07:46 AM
