Are Baby Neck Floats Dangerous?

The neck float is a very popular model in the field of baby flotation accessories despite the controversy it generates. The truth is that the baby neck float is not as dangerous as one might imagine.

Discover the reasons behind the controversy on baby neck floats, our counterarguments on the subject, and other alternatives to a baby neck float.

What is a baby neck float?

A baby neck float is a donut-shaped flotation accessory placed around a baby’s neck. The float makes the baby float vertically from their neck. This specific point defines the originality of a neck float compared to a conventional float.

Traditional floats are placed around the waist. They make the baby float from their waist, with the upper part out of the water and the lower part submerged. The baby wears the float like a diaper and moves it forward with their feet.

This concept is practical if your only aim is for the baby to float on the water and have fun. However, it tends to restrict their movements in aquatic activities. This limitation of movement is particularly evident with traditional round floats.

The baby neck float keeps the baby's head above water. The rest of their body is submerged, giving them more freedom of movement for water activities. The idea seems clever, yet it still raises controversy among some health experts.

Discover our other popular articles on floats for babies:

• Baby Pool Float: Which One to Choose by Age?
• TOP 6 Best Baby Pool Floats
• Which Pool Float to Choose for an Infant?

Why is the baby neck float controversial?

The controversy raised by some experts regarding the baby neck float is based on two arguments:

An obstacle to cephalo-caudal development

The neck float supports the baby vertically through their head using an inflatable structure or semi-rigid foam. This concept seems problematic for babies under 5 months. The neck vertebrae of such young babies are indeed delicate and still forming. We will later see that this is not as evident as it seems.

An infant is described as having cephalo-caudal development. This means that the body develops from the head to the toes. The neck vertebrae start this development cycle in an infant.

It is important that their vertebrae be spared any form of compression during the cephalo-caudal development cycle. Some health experts believe that the neck float could exert compression on the baby’s neck, hindering proper body development.

Health experts also suggest that the vertical support provided by the float creates excessive tension on the baby's muscles, potentially causing deformations in their limbs.

The neck float hinders the acquisition of motor skills

Health specialists suggest that the neck float interferes with the nerve pathways related to the head-righting reflex.

The neck float forces the baby to exert excessive muscular effort to maintain an upright position in the water. Their desire to stand up should come from a natural reflex. Neck floats are thus unfavorable to the normal learning of sitting positions in babies.

The ability to sit is one of the most essential and primitive reflexes in a baby’s development. It is in the sitting position that they begin working on their posture, laying the foundation for other motor skills they will acquire as they grow.

Using a neck float seems to contradict this process. The vertical position in which the neck float holds the child compels them to put more effort into standing before they even know how to sit.

Our opinion on the baby neck float: good or bad idea?

The neck float is no more dangerous than other baby floats. This stance has been supported by many perinatal specialists, but precautions should be taken.

What do perinatal specialists think?

Many agree that using a neck float can be beneficial for a baby. The benefit mainly lies in the development of self-confidence through baby swimming sessions.

The fear of drowning and of water is alleviated by the ability to float and move forward in the water. Overcoming the fear of drowning provides the baby with a solid foundation for personality development. They can then learn to swim safely.

Alexandra Goldstaub, a physiotherapist specializing in perinatal care and founder of Symbiosis (therapeutic spa), uses the neck float to introduce the virtues of baby swimming

Less risk of drowning

Since the baby’s body is fully submerged (unlike a reclined baby float or a seat baby float), it is impossible for them to drown by turning over. These models are suitable for very young children.

Of course, learning to swim is a risky activity. It must be done under the supervision of an adult.

False beliefs about neck compression and tension

Neck floats for babies do not compress the infant's neck because the interior circumference of the float is larger than the baby's neck. Neck compression is, therefore, impossible.

Regarding tension, the float is used in an aquatic environment and the baby is thus supported by the water due to Archimedes’ principle. Studies have shown that it takes about 68 kg of traction force to compress a baby’s vertebrae. A neck float cannot exert such a traction force. It can be used from eight weeks of age, but always under the close supervision of an adult.

The neck float provides buoyancy from the neck without hindering the baby’s movements and makes them feel that they can float on their own in water. 

Neck floats are also basic accessories for hydrotherapy performed in a jacuzzi with the neck float. It allows babies with early mobility issues to recreate essential neurological connections for movement.

Precautions to take when using a baby neck float

Obviously, the baby neck float does not provide absolute security for aquatic activities. Its use does not exclude the necessity of constant adult supervision. The person monitoring the child should remain close at all times while the child plays with the float in the water, like a lifeguard.

Particular attention should be paid to the float’s covering. It is ideal to choose a model made from TPU, which is flexible, durable, and softer to the touch, making it suitable for a baby’s delicate skin.

It is also recommended to choose a padded neck float filled with foam beads, providing buoyancy similar to compressed air but less prone to puncture.

Alternatives to baby neck floats

You may choose not to purchase a neck float despite the counterarguments against their potential dangers. This isn't really a problem as there are several other types of floats for babies and parents.

• The baby swimmer float. Ideal for your baby's first swimming lessons. Baby swimmer floats feature a slightly contoured design and additional air buoys, facilitating swimming learning in a prone position for the baby. 
• The swimming armband. It wraps around each arm, with a strap connected to a belt float. The remaining part of the child’s body can be held by the accompanying adult during swimming sessions. A swimming vest may also be suitable for slightly older children.
• The seat float. Perfect for relaxing afternoons at the pool. It is a buoyancy accessory in which your baby can sit and is often offered in a novelty design.

Conclusion…

The neck float is often presented as a danger to babies due to two reasons:

1. It obstructs cephalo-caudal development
2. It hinders the acquisition of motor skills

No studies, however, have confirmed the validity of these arguments. And numerous relevant counterarguments make the neck float interesting.

Many perinatal experts even argue that the neck float is beneficial to babies, provided that adequate precautions are taken. More generally, improving swimming skills during school holidays is an excellent way for a child to relax.

If you do not believe in the legitimacy of a neck float, you can always opt for baby swimmer floats, armbands, or baby seat floats.