The long-awaited moment has arrived—your baby is 1 year old! As your little one grows rapidly, now is the perfect time to introduce activities that stimulate their development while providing fun and entertainment. Baby swimming and aquatic activities are among the top choices for 12-month-old children.
These beneficial activities not only help your little one burn off energy but also support motor skill development and build self-confidence. However, for your baby to swim safely and peacefully, close supervision is essential, along with quality swimming arm floats. This pool equipment is particularly well-suited for 1-year-olds.
With a wide variety of models available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the best option for your child. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top armbands currently available to help you make an informed decision.
Take advantage of this article to learn more about why equipping your 1-year-old with swimming armbands is a great idea!
What is the benefit of choosing a swimming arm float from the age of 1?
In the past, the arm float was a nautical rescue accessory that allowed both children and adults to float on water, thereby preventing the risk of drowning. However, today, the arm float is no longer just a rescue device.
Indeed, the swimming arm float is a true performance tool that contributes to the development of young children, particularly those who are one year old. Unlike a float, which keeps your little one in an upright position, it allows them to experiment with the horizontal position from an early age.
Furthermore, swimming armbands allow your child to make their first breaststroke movements with the help of their legs and arms. Free from these movements, your baby can move easily and develop their psychomotor skills. It thus contributes to your baby's swimming and physical awakening. It is also a swimming learning tool.
Moreover, the ease of use and practicality of the swimming arm float are among the main reasons why you should adopt it. Thanks to its small volume, it can be quickly inflated by mouth. Once swimming is finished, you can deflate it in a flash, dry it with a towel, and store it in your bag.
Before presenting you the best swimming arm floats for 1-year-old babies, check out our complete collection of baby arm floats.
Additionally, it is essential that you are aware of the precautions you need to take before your baby's swimming session.
Precautions to take before your child's swimming session
Equipping your child with a swimming arm float alone is not enough to ensure they can swim safely. Indeed, in addition to this, you need to take certain precautions. First, it is essential that you supervise your baby during their swimming sessions to ensure their safety as well as your peace of mind.
Moreover, you must protect your baby from the sun. Before going into the water, it is essential that you protect them with sunscreen. Sunglasses are also necessary to protect the baby's little eyes.
The best arm floats for 1-year-old babies
There are a variety of models of arm floats for 1-year-old babies available on the market. Each of them has specific, very appealing features. Moreover, you can check our article dedicated to choosing the arm float for babies of 20lbs and above, or even our specific article on arm floats for 2-year-old babies.
Discover below the best models of armbands available in our online store.
1 - Round armband for 1-year-old babies
As reliable as a lifebuoy, the round armband for 1-year-old babies has a high buoyancy that allows the baby to keep their head above water. This model ensures your child can swim safely. This pool equipment is suitable for all young children, starting at a minimum weight of 12 lbs. Its features are quite attractive:
- Style: colorful, orange, or blue
- Material: PVC
- For boys and girls
- Easy to inflate and deflate
2 - Tummy float with Mambobaby arm float
Essential for learning to swim and for developing the self-confidence of 1-year-old children, the tummy float with Mambobaby arm float is designed with PearlFoam technology. It is robust and durable because it is made of reinforced waterproof PVC of high quality.
This model offers great freedom of movement to young swimmers. Furthermore, the tummy float with armband is stable and safe. It will allow your child to learn to swim by kicking and splashing in the water, with safety at its utmost. Visit this site to get an idea of its selling price.
3 - Armband belt for swimming pools
Suitable for all aquatic activities, the armband pool belt is a favorite among toddlers. This model ensures buoyancy through the two armbands and the belt. Featuring a colorful design with cute animals, it allows babies to enjoy themselves in the water.
Feel free to order these swimming arm floats to allow your child to have fun during the next school holidays. Also, discover our article on the arm float for 18-month-old babies.
Alternatives to swimming arm floats
If the swimming armband doesn't convince you, you might opt for other types of pool equipment. Here are some options.
Neck float for 1-year-old babies
Typically intended for first swims, the neck float for 1-year-old babies is placed around the neck. It promotes child development and presents many advantages:
- It fully immerses the baby's body in the water and prevents them from flipping over. As a result, the neck float for 1-year-old babies reduces the risk of drowning.
- There are several models of non-inflatable neck floats and "puncture-proof" neck floats. You can usually find them on online shopping sites. We also have them in our online store.
- It provides unparalleled stability and buoyancy.
If you're not opting for a neck float for a 12-month-old baby, you can protect your child with a seat float. Available in various shapes, this float allows the baby to maintain a sitting position during swimming sessions. Some models of 1-year-old baby seat floats are sold with a sunshade to effectively protect against UV rays.
Swimsuits with floatation
Equipped with built-in flotation, the floating swimsuit is perfect for learning to swim and for initial movements. It is particularly recommended to pair it with arm floats to ensure the child is well-balanced in the water. You can opt for a swimsuit with integrated polystyrene floats. The latter remains on the baby even when they exit the water.
Essential Rules for Choosing a Quality Swim Arm Float
When selecting a swimming arm float for your child, it’s important to ensure it meets safety standards such as ASTM or CPSC compliance in the United States. These certifications guarantee that the product is reliable and safe for use in water.
Additionally, follow these tips to ensure the arm float is in excellent condition before use:
- Inspect the arm float for any damage, such as holes or tears.
- Inflate it while dry or submerge it in a sink to check for air leaks.
- Opt for arm floats with universal valves that can be quickly inflated using a hand or electric pump.
With these precautions in mind, you're ready to introduce your baby to the joys of water safely. Explore our collection of swim armbands to make their aquatic adventures both fun and secure! 👶🏻