1. Laycol Baby Float.Best floatie for maximum fun.
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The LAYCOL baby swimming float prioritises your baby’s fun above all else. Locked with a harness, they can move their upper body freely while letting their legs dangle in the water. They can kick away, feeling like the next Olympic world champion or simply lay back and nap (probably like their father).
It’s ideal for babies between the ages of 3 and 13 months. (If your kid is heavier than 24lbs, the floatie may be at the limit of what it can handle). A (somewhat flimsy) pump is included. If you forget the pump, you can easily inflate the floatie's 3 separate chambers with your mouth.
Parents with bigger babies have reported that the Laycol baby float can be a tad difficult to get into. There have been instances where two adults were needed to help the baby in, stressing the baby in the process.
You might also find it challenging to work the straps, as the buckles can be quite tight. The front strap specifically (one that goes over the baby’s head) has a proclivity for being stubborn.
The Laycol baby float gives your baby some independence in the water. They'll enjoy floating a lot more than being held in the water.
Keep in mind that this baby float isn't designed to be a safety device. It can (and probably will) tip over. Keep your baby within reach at all times and never leave your floating baby unsupervised.
The Laycol baby swimming float is perfect choice for helping your infant get used to the sensation of being in the water while having fun.
It's worth every penny. The price of about $24 feels like a steal when you consider the many fun use cases and the included canopy.
It's a lot cheaper than many other brands, and even though the material is of an average quality, the price/ quality ratio is just right.
2. Free Swimming Baby FloatThe cutest baby float ever.
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To be perfectly honest, this floatie is very similar to the LAYCOL baby float above. The biggest difference is the adorable bumblebee design!
This particular model recently received an upgrade to make it wider and sturdier in the water. Nonetheless, remember always keep your baby within arm's reach, as floaties can tip over with your baby still clipped in.
An included lanyard can be attached to the front of the floatie and used to pull your baby around while the super- comfortable seat keeps the baby comfortable while they're having a blast.
Like the LAYCOL floatie, the Free Swimming float allows your baby to swim in vertical AND forward position.
While this is a great feature for preventing boredom, you will find that sometimes the balls and other toys your baby is supposed to play with get trapped underneath, while they're in the forward position. You might have to reach in there periodically with your hands to free the toys and keep your baby comfortable.
The hand pump is handy but not ideal. Expect to spend 5 minutes pumping! The instruction booklet is somewhat confusing, too.
If you’re hoping your baby becomes the next Michael Phelps or Emma McKeon, you might want to give them early exposure. And the Free Swimming Baby Float is ideal for giving them the sensation of swimming.
With two different buckle methods supporting a breaststroke and a backstroke, your baby can swim on their back and belly to kick, splash and have fun in the water.
The price is about 10% higher than that of the LAYCOL floatie, but this difference is not consequential.
Get it if you love the funky design.
3. Laycol Car-Shaped FloatBest floatie for future petrolheads.
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The car-shaped baby pool float redefines pool fun for babies, especially babies fascinated by cars.
Tuck their legs in the little holes provided, so they can sit in their car comfortably before placing their hands on the wheel. Now it’s time to zoom off! The “vroom” sound from the horns completed the experience for my nephew. He couldn’t get enough of it!
While the design emphasised fun for the kids, it didn’t trade it off for quality. All parts of the float are made of durable leak-proof PVC, so you don’t have to worry about rashes on the skin.
It also has an extra-size design, giving your baby extra buoyancy and stability while cruising around in the water.
The adjustable canopy is meant to protect the baby from sunlight at all times. But it doesn’t. Sometimes with my nephew, some shades of sunlight get through the mesh at the back.
This is a similar story with baby floats, regardless of their design. I recommend that for ultimate sun protection, you invest in a wide-brimmed hat for your kid.
If “killing two birds with one stone” was a product, it’d be the LAYCOL car-shaped baby pool float with UPF50+ adjustable canopy. It serves as both a toy and a float for your baby’s ultimate swimming experience. It is one of the best pool floats to guarantee your baby has a fantastic pool experience.
I love that I got to be the “cool uncle” at the family pool party when I got this for my nephew. With two horns at our disposal - one for me and one for the toddler - we were both having a blast.
My sister-in-law’s face lit up when she saw how into this product her 9-month old son was. I think it is a brilliant gift for kids aged 3 - 36 months.
When compared with the other two best baby floats above, this one is the most expensive.
But because you're effectively buying a toy and a float, it represents great value for money.
4. Baby Float With Shark CanopyBest baby float for family entertainment.
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Apart from kicking away in the water, this float provides you with other means to bond with your baby in the water.
For example, you could riff on the shark theme and sing fun songs like the famous “shark doo, doo".
Your baby will be entertained by sitting inside the cute shark while providing you with plenty of Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. It comes with a bag for storing it after use.
The shark-shaped design is cool with most kids I’ve seen. However, I’ve also heard that some kids are terrified by the shark’s teeth.
I also think this pool float would have been better if it included a lanyard that could be attached to the front to make it easy for parents to lead their baby around the pool.
Although the maufacturer claims to have this in pink, yellow, and blue, it seems they keep running out of one colour specification or the other because they sometimes get the order wrong and deliver the wrong colours.
This shark-shaped baby pool float by Flyboo is one of the cutest, animal-themed baby floats with an adjustable and detachable canopy, storage bag and baby toys.
The canopy isn't great because it prioritises form over function, so bring a wide-brimmed hat to keep you baby protected from UV rays.
Compared to the LAYCOL Car-Shaped Float, this float is very cheap - it's almost half the price!
It sets out to give babies fun in the pool on a budget, and accomplishes the goal very well.
5. Mambobaby FloatFloat that will never leak.
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Unlike all other baby floatation devices on this list, the Mambobaby will never leak, doesn’t need a pump - and never needs to be inflated.
Made from a solid foam core construction, it’s always ready for action. You won’t have to waste time inflating and deflating with each pool session, plus you never have to worry about it accidentally deflating.
Because it’s more expensive than the others, it offers much more premium construction; the material feels much nicer and softer than that of other floaties in this review.
Because the Mambobaby doesn’t deflate it will take up more room in your car than other floats on this list. Remember to set aside dedicated space in the car for it as you won’t be able to squash it into a tiny space.
The sun shade can be tricky to fold the first time, but you’ll be fine after you do it once.
It's more expensive than the others (and you do get what you pay for), but this may put it out of reach for families on a strict budget.
The fact that you don’t have to blow it up is a game changer. You don’t have to fuss with air pumps or worry about punctures.
The Mambobaby much more stable on the water than the other baby floats, but don’t think of it as flip-proof.
No baby float is ever flip-proof! If your baby leans too far to one side, it will tip over. Always stay within arm's reach of your baby.
Yes, the Mambobaby is 2-3X more expensive than all other baby floats I reviewed.
If you're looking for a cheap, disposable option, this is not for you. This is an expensive, well-built infant floatation device that will last a couple of seasons.
6. SwimWays Green Octopus.Best floating activity center.
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The Green Octopus has the best canopy in this review - one that actually works! Large, sturdy and made from see-through-mesh, it offers UPF50 sun protection without restricting your kid's visibility.
The float is very comfortable, with mesh base acting like a mini hammock for your baby.
The blow-up toys are ideal for 4-11 month old infants; older kids will quickly outgrow them from a developmental point of view.
The toys are likely to obscure vision of the smallest infants; thankfully, they're easily removable.
While inflating the activity center is a piece of cake (a pump isn't required), deflating can be tricky.
I found that pinching the valve while sucking out the air while applying pressure the float works best. Leaving the float inflated is another workaround - particularly if you use it frequently.
The sides are quite low to the water surface, which means they can submerge and take on water. This is not ideal - particularly for squirmy babies that never sit still. Both options from Mambobaby are better in this regard.
This is an excellent product with outstanding sun protection, a carrying case for portability, and easy to set up.
If SwimWay rethinks the design for the air valves, they will have one of the best floaties on the market.
Babies love being inside the Green Octopus A tonne of value for money, ths activity center offers your baby a comfortable floatation device and a selection of fun toys.
7. Mambobaby Self-InflatableBest self-inflatable infant float.
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Infants love love love this float, as do their parents.
Inflation is easier and quicker with this baby pool float than with all the others - because it inflates all by itself! No need to bring a hand pump or blow into it with your mouth. Just open the valve and leave it - it will be fully inflated within 3 minutes. If you're like me and dislike unnecessary fuss, this is a godsend.
I also love the fact that the material is soft, so it doesn't irritate baby skin. Meanwhile the straps are wide, comfortable and snug, making it extremely easy to take the baby in and out.
While this float is well made, the sunshade is doesn't appear to be of great quality. At this price point I was hoping for something that feels less flimsy.
Some parents have reported that the shade fell apart after 2-3 months of constant use, and needed to be replaced.
Chest straps are very sturdy and comfortable, but need to be longer. If you have a baby that's tall for their age and weighs more than 30lbs you may not be able to strap them in properly.
Be careful - there are many knock-offs of the Mambobaby float. Buy directly through my links to ensure that you get the genuine item.
This float is high quality, adorable and highly practical. It's not a cheap throwaway item that you'll need to replace every year; rather it's designed to last a few seasons - and maybe handed down to your next kid.
At $49, this baby pool float is at the lower premium end of the market. It's expensive enough to ensure premium construction while being affordable enough for most families.
8. SwimWays Spring FloatBest compact baby float.
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Price
I loved the construction of this little floatation device. The seat is fabric - not plastic - so it feels nice against the baby's skin.
For something that costs about $25, it's not flimsy at all. Yes, the sunshade is a bit cheap, but that seems to be consistent across all baby floats - regardless of price.
Your baby's legs remain free, which means they'll be able to kick underneath the float, learning "baby breaststroke".
Finally, there's no need for a pump! This flat can be inflated with your mouth alone.
Design of the inflation valve could be better. The nozzle doesn't come out far enough, making it difficult to grab and pinch. This is where the design of self-inflating floaties, like the Mambobaby above, is superior.
Oh, forget about fully deflating the Spring Float in any reasonable amount of time. Some air gets trapped, and you'll spend at least 20 minutes getting it all out.
Although SwimWays indicates that the float is for infants and babies, I've seen babies from 6 months and 12 lbs to 4 years and 24lbs having a lovely time in this.
If you plan to take this float on a plane with you, set aside about 10" by 3" of space in your luggage for it.
Compared to the LAYCOL Car-Shaped Float, this float is very cheap - it's almost half the price!
It sets out to give babies fun in the pool on a budget, and accomplishes the goal very well.
9. Intex Kiddie FloatMost Instagram-worthy infant float.
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For a baby float that costs so little, the Intex kiddies float’s versatility is surprising. Yes, it is meant for water use, however, I’ve also encountered babies getting so used to it that they also get inside it on the ground.
Of course, this is when the parents and caregivers do not deflate it after using it in the pool. And believe me, most parents and caregivers do this. It's probably out of procrastination or being occupied, but the good thing is that the air doesn’t leak no matter how long you leave it inflated.
Isn’t that something? This first-time mother told me how she left it inflated for about a month, and her baby lounges in it on the grass without leaking the air. One month!
The toys are in the way of the baby’s face. I think the abundant space in this float can be put to better use rather than putting the toys in the baby’s face. Some put them in their mouth, while others can’t even see past these toys to get a view of the water.
The leg openings are cut sharply and can cause chafing after spending some time in them. This chafing is unlikely to cause any kind of rash or other skin issues. However, the discomfort might make the baby a bit restless.
The Intex Kiddie float might have parents and caregivers who dug deep into their pockets for a baby pool float questioning their choices because this float is not delivering less in terms of functionality.
I mean, what do you need in a baby pool float?
A sitting chamber for the baby, playthings, and an ability for the float to stay afloat. The Intex Kiddie float has all that and probably some more!
It’s a super inexpensive way to keep your baby entertained on a vacation.
The Intex Kiddie floatie is one of the cheapest baby pool floats out there, yet, it is also one of the best options for children that can sit up in a bouncer. It represents a value-packed bargain.
10. Finduwill Infant Float.The cheapest baby float you can buy.
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Price
As you can see in the picture, the float is built to be bulked up around the edges such that water doesn’t splash on the baby’s face. This is good for the safety of the baby, especially at times when the parent or caregiver gets a little distracted.
This feature and the vertical inflation at the back, which serves as a form of lumbar support, also give the baby great support in the water. It helps babies who’re just learning to sit upright with their posture.
For entertainment, there’s a toy steering wheel that you bet most kids will be unable to get their hands off. The whole set-up kind of sells the impression that they’re driving a car on water. You can push them around to make them feel like they’re controlling it.
While steering the wheel, they can also blow the horn as well. An enjoyable additional feature of the product for the baby was the presence of the toy mother duck and the three tiny ducklings.
The float itself can’t seem to stay inflated for long periods while not in use. Compared to the Intex kiddies floatie, it deflates very quickly.
So you might want to deflate it after use and inflate it only when you need to go in the pool with your baby.
The Inflatable Baby Pool Float by FindUWill is an excellent float for a toddler. Although you might need a little extra supervision when in the pool with your baby and some additional maintenance to keep it in use for a long time, it is a fair deal for its price.
Worth every penny!
11. Sealive Baby FloatBest infant float for bathtubs.
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The baby float is also very roomy and gives babies plenty of space to play and have fun. This room, together with a Velcro through which the sun shade is attached to the base, makes it very easy for you to get your baby into the floaties.
Another thing I discovered during my investigation is how light this raft is. I could almost lift it with just one finger. So, you most likely will find it easy to move it around during your vacation or around the pool area.
The whole point of a baby pool float is to expose the baby to water. However, apart from the baby’s legs, all other parts of the baby’s body are kept out of the water. Its almost as if you’re placing a baby in a container and then on the water.
Also, the inner lining sometimes bursts while you’re trying to inflate it. Even worse, new ones come in with one puncture or the other. And, to complicate things, it doesn’t even come with patches to mend the openings.
In terms of appearance, it is quite appealing. The blue colour rarely misses in the pool!
When compared with the other two best baby floats above, this one is the most expensive.
But because you're effectively buying a toy and a float, it represents great value for money.
Better Kids
Help kids learn to swim, develop love for the outdoors and interest in competitive sports.
More Effective Parents
Improve your ability to identify risks while providing water-based development opportunities for your child.
Stronger Families
Improve family outcomes by sharing in water-based recreational and sports activities.