In this article, we’re going to list out the 5 best pool floats for babies in 2019. The results of this list have been compiled through thorough research, and after vetting dozens of popular pool floats out there.
Most parents worry about their kids struggling in pools or not being able to stay afloat. This is a perfectly rational fear considering children under the age of 6 are the most likely to die from drowning in home pools, when compared with all other demographics.
However, you shouldn’t let that fear keep you away from pools entirely. Babies love to go to swimming pool because it’s a lot of fun and it helps them cool down during hot days. It’s only the parents who turn into a bundle of nerves during these pool days. However, with the right pool floats for babies, you can say goodbye to all of your concerns!
Pool floats for babies can help them stay above water. It can prevent their heads from going down, and it can make them easier to manage. Some pool floats are also designed so as to protect the kid from the sun, and some are also ideal for learning how to swim.
You can read on for a detailed overview of the 5 best pool floats for babies in the market.
- SwimWays Baby Float
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★★★★★
Our rating - Price: see Here
- SwimWays Baby Spring Float
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★★★★★
Our rating - Price: see Here
- SwimWays Infant Spring Float
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★★★★★
Our rating - Price: see Here
Table of Contents
5 Best Pool Floats For Babies
1. SwimWays Baby Spring Float
The SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center with Canopy is the Editor’s Choice amongst all the pool floats for babies. That’s because not only is it the most comfortable and safe baby pool float in the market, it’s also the most entertaining.
Product Highlights
- Detachable canopy with mesh sides.
- Dual inflation chambers.
- Patented inner spring technology for added stability.
- A play station in the center with several free toys.
- Can be folded into a carry case.
Suitable For
A pool float for babies that will make sure they remain entertained with toys while they’re in the pool.
Furthermore, it also comes with dual inflation chambers that can add to the float’s buoyancy. This helps ensure that the baby pool float stays upright and over water. The risk of your baby’s head going underwater is next to nothing.
The premium fabric used for the material is water-proof and remains good as new even after several days in the pool. However, this level of safety and durability doesn’t come at the cost of comfort either as the material is smooth and doesn’t cause any irritation.
As the name suggests, the SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center with Canopy comes with a detachable canopy! The canopy provides UPF 50+ sun protection and has mesh on the sides so the baby can still see through it.
The canopy can easily be detached and it can also be moved around. Changing the angle helps position the mesh in a way to block the direct rays of the sun, coming from any angle.
Now that we’ve discussed the stability, durability, and safety of the baby pool float, let’s discuss the entertainment factor! This is where this baby pool float comes way ahead of its competitors.
SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center with Canopy is designed in a manner so as to engage the baby’s interest and make pool day as fun as possible! At the center of the pool float lies an interactive Octopus head. This octopus head can either be removed, or it can be turned around 360 degrees.
Kids love playing with this and making it look in different directions. Additionally, there are various other complementary toys included as well, such as a squeaker fish, stacking rings, fish teether, and others.
Once you’re done with the pool day, you can easily roll it up, put it into the carry case, and travel with it.
Product Highlights
- Detachable canopy with mesh sides.
- Dual inflation chambers.
- Patented inner spring technology for added stability.
- A play station in the center with several free toys.
- Can be folded into a carry case.
The Good
This is the most fun pool float for babies. Little kids can’t get enough of the octopus head which they like to keep turning round and round. Furthermore, the octopus holds on to different toys under its many legs. As such, kids can have a fun time trying to detach the toys from the octopus.
The Bad
While most parents and reviewers have been in love with the canopy, some had a minor concern. Some reviewers stated that sun could come through the mesh sides sometimes.
- Durable fabric
- The canopy provides complete protection from the sun
- Extremely fun because of the toys and the octopus
- Expensive
2. SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy
The SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy is our best value pool float for babies. We’ve chosen this as a Best Value product by taking into consideration all of its features and setting that up against its price range. We’ve compared this to other baby pool floats in the same price range and their respective features.
Product Highlights
- Comes with a removable canopy.
- Has a low center of gravity to prevent tipping.
- Inner spring technology.
- Soft mesh fabric for the seat with leg holes.
- Dual inflation chambers.
Suitable For
This baby pool float is ideal for kids between the ages of 9 and 24 months, and for hot summer days. The canopy can protect the baby from heat strokes from long days in the pool.
This pool float is also made from a highly durable material that you don’t have to worry about getting torn.
It goes without saying that babies aren’t the most careful with their products and toys, which is why they get torn easily. But this baby pool float is made of premium waterproof fabric, leaving it both scratch and water resistant.
The Inner Spring Technology and the Dual Inflation Chambers provide stability to the whole design. Stability is important so that the kid’s head doesn’t go under water even if they get restless and move around a lot.
The patented inner spring is installed on the outer edges, and the dual air chambers are positioned around the seat. The baby can be comfortable and safe in the center.
Comfort
One of its best aspects is that it comes with a netted detachable canopy. This canopy is designed such that it provides 50+ UPF sun protection, and can be easily snapped off the baby pool float if not necessary.
The center of the baby pool float is made of a soft mesh fabric that the child can comfortably sit on. The seat also has leg holes through which the child can gleefully splash around in the water below.
While the child’s comfort is the most important, the momma’s comfort should not go unnoticed! This pool float can easily be folded up, making it effortless to carry around!
Aesthetics
It is designed in an extremely simple and minimalist style. The seat is made of a circular green color with a large green partially-mesh canopy overhead.
The Good
The feature that has all the parents raving is the Canopy. The canopy can easily be detached much like a visor. All customers agree that it floats on its own, without any aid from the parent. And it can also be moved at different angles to protect the baby from direct sun regardless of where the sun may be.
The Bad
A lot of the customers are complaining that the air starts leaking out soon and the baby pool float deflates pretty quickly.
- Soft mesh seat is extremely comfortable
- The fabric is extremely resistant to both scratches and water damage
- Low center of gravity helps keep the baby stable in the center
- At 34 inches, the baby pool float is spacious
- Can be folded up
- Difficult to inflate and no pump is available
3. SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float
The SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float is our Budget Pick for this review because it has some of the most innovative and unique features, while still being reasonable.
Product Highlights
- Comes in 3 colors.
- Detachable canopy.
- 3-point harness system with a seat cradle.
- Dual inflation air chambers.
- Patented inner spring technology.
- Handles on the outer surface to lift and handle the float.
Suitable For
Taking the baby out for a relaxing day on the pool in the safety of the pool float’s harness.
To enhance stability and prevent the baby from falling off, it comes with a 3-point harness, securing the baby at all points.
This pool float uses patented inner spring technology on the outer edges to enhance the stability. The dual inflation chambers makes the pool float really light and allows it to remain afloat for hours at a stretch.
Comfort
The most important feature of this pool float is the removable canopy. Unlike some of the other pool floats, this one has a very wide canopy that can be rotated. It keeps the sun out from any angle.
The mesh around the sides also provides visibility. The canopy is shaped like a visor and held together with simple clasps so it can easily be detached.
The seat of the baby pool float is made of premium waterproof fabric for ultimate comfort. Not only is it durable but it’s smooth so it provides no irritation to the child.
For the comfort of the mommy and papa, the float comes with side handles so you can easily inflate it and then carry it to the pool.
The handles can also be used to steer the baby around while you're in the pool. Once you’re done, you can also twist and fold it back into its original package to be carried easily.
Aesthetics
Unlike some of the other baby pool floats, this baby float comes in a range of colors.
The Good
Parents loved the seat cradle with the harness system as they felt it provided ultimate security. It prevented the baby from moving around too much or getting wet, and it even helped them fall asleep.
The Bad
Some customers complained that the sun shield was limited so they had to turn the float around constantly to prevent the baby from catching the sun rays.
Even then the baby’s legs or arms would meet the sun a little. The canopy doesn’t seem to provide complete protection.
- Cradle holds the baby perfectly
- Material is extremely durable
- Handles are really convenient for parents
- Canopy can easily be attached or detached
- Canopy leaves areas uncovered by shade
4. Punada Baby Pool Float with Canopy
The punada Baby Pool Float with Canopy is widely being considered to be one of the cutest pool floats for babies in the market.
Product Highlights
- Handles for parents to navigate.
- Wheels and horns provided.
- Inflatable and detachable sun canopy.
Suitable For
An entertaining little pool float for babies that want to feel like they’re driving a boat on water.
It’s small enough that it can fit into a suitcase when you deflate it. Furthermore, the body of the float is made of eco-friendly PVC and non-toxic materials and ink. However, one major complaint against this baby pool float is that it comes with a single air chamber.
Product Highlights
- Handles for parents to navigate.
- Wheels and horns provided.
- Inflatable and detachable sun canopy.
The Good
Best aspect of the punada Baby Pool Float with Canopy is how fun it is! The bright yellow color is unisex and can be used by either genders and it’s also easy to detect from a distance. Furthermore, the wheel and the horn are sure to entertain all babies.
The Bad
Several reviewers complained that everything about this float is perfect except the quality. Sometimes the canopy falls off, sometimes the tube deflates, and other problems also arise.
- Extremely fun
- Easily deflated and highly portable
- Sun canopy provides protection
- Bad material
- Single air chamber means a simple puncture will deflate the float almost immediately
5. PFLOAT Baby Pool Float With Sun Canopy
The PFLOAT Baby Pool Float With Sun Canopy is one of the most extensively featured baby pool floats in the market. It comes packed with a number of important features and it also provides the baby with a number of fun toys to play with. The only drawback here is that it’s also one of the most expensive pool floats in this list.
Product Highlights
- 5x bigger air valves than other floats.
- Detachable sun canopy.
- Several complementary toys, a wheel, and a horn available.
- Eco-friendly PVC material used
Suitable For
Kids who love driving cars and playing with toys while also swimming in the pool.
This pool float’s material is beyond reproach. It’s made of 0.3mm eco-friendly PVC material, and the prints and designs on the float are non-toxic. The float is leak-proof and can withstand scratches as well.
Its air chambers and valves are about 5 times larger than those in other baby pool floats. This means it takes longer to inflate and deflate this float, but it stays afloat a lot longer and better. This makes it one of the most stable pool floats out there.
Comfort
The canopy is inflatable, can be detached easily, and provides UPF 50+ sun protection.
The seats have also been upgraded to be soft and bouncy so that the baby’s bottoms don’t experience any discomfort.
Aesthetics
In terms of aesthetic and entertainment value, this pool float is way ahead of the other floats. It comes with a steering wheel that can be turned around, and a horn that can be honked. You also get three complementary bath toys as well, such as a frog, a tortoise, and a plant. These little accessories keep the baby happy and distracted on the pool.
The Good
This is the most adorable baby pool float with the most extensive set of features. Kids will love to play with all the bath toys and honk the horn as if he’s actually driving a boat!
The Bad
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the product. It has received no 1, 2, or even 3 star reviews, only 4s and 5s.
- Extremely fun for kids
- Detachable sun canopy to provide protection
- Extremely safe and durable due to enhanced valves
- Expensive
Final Thoughts
Now you know all about the best pool floats for babies. Our personal recommendation is to use the SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center with Canopy because it’s the most fun and the safest pool float in the market. However, it’s also quite expensive.
If you’re on a budget, you can get the SwimWays Baby Spring Float Sun Canopy. This pool float was chosen as our Value Pick because it has all the essential features at a very low price range. Having said that, the other pool floats also come with their unique sets of pros and cons.
So now that you’re armed with the knowledge you need, go ahead and enjoy a glorious pool day with your precious baby!
People also ask
How important is it to use the Canopy on a baby pool float?
It’s extremely important for you to buy a baby pool float with a sun canopy and then use it. According to Skin Cancer Foundation, babies from 6 to 12 months have extremely sensitive skins. As such, it’s crucial for them to wear sunscreen.
However, they should still be covered at all times, especially during the hottest hours of the day. Incidentally, the hottest hours are when people go swimming. As such, it’s important to use the Sun Canopy to prevent them from burning up or falling sick.
Which is the best brand for pool floats for babies?
All of the baby pool floats mentioned in this article have been made by reputable brands such as SwimWays, punada, and PFLOAT. However, it must be said that SwimWays seems to almost have a monopoly in the market of baby pool floats with some of the best products around.
If the baby pool float is completely safe and stable, can the parents step out of the pool briefly?
NO! No matter how safe and stable the pool float may be, accidents can happen at any time. And when they do, the parents must be around because babies are not capable of self-preservation! As such, you should never be any more than an arm’s distance away from the baby pool float. And you should ideally not take your eyes off your baby either.
