Why choose an arm float for your 24-month-old baby?
The age of 2 marks the growth of a toddler. To ensure they develop easily while having fun, it is recommended to introduce them to activities like baby swimming or swimming lessons. Filled with benefits, these activities help the young swimmer gain energy, develop motor skills, and build self-confidence. However, to ensure your 24-month-old can swim safely, you need to choose a high-quality arm float.
Today, there are countless models of arm floats for 2-year-olds. To help you select the right one for your little one, we've highlighted the best options currently available. Continue reading to discover them and to learn more about arm floats.
Precautions to take when swimming with your 2-year-old baby
While an arm float is equipment that ensures your 24-month-old's protection in water, you still need to take precautions for them to swim safely.
At 2 years old, your child is not yet entirely comfortable with the aquatic environment. Because of this, you should keep a close eye on them when they're in the water. It's even recommended to spend a few minutes with them in the water, not exceeding more than 30 minutes, as they could get cold.
Also, make sure to have some sunscreen, sunglasses, and a nice hat to protect your little one from the sun's rays. To ensure a smooth swimming introduction, it's recommended to feed the young swimmer between swims. Finally, after the swimming session, shower your little one, dry them off, and then warm them up.
TOP 5 best arm floats for 2-year-olds
Today, the market offers a wide variety of arm floats for 24-month-olds. The numerous models available today have particular characteristics. Before discovering this top 5, you might also want to read our article dedicated to arm floats for 1-year-olds and the one on arm floats for 18 months old.
Here are the 5 best arm floats for children 24 months and older.
1 - Arm float with a belly float
A protective equipment primarily for swimming learning, this arm float with a belly float allows young swimmers to build more confidence. Designed with PearlFoam technology, it is robust and durable. In fact, the arm float with a belly float is made of reinforced waterproof PVC of excellent quality.
Offering great freedom of movement to children, the arm float with a belly float is stable and safe. It allows learning to swim safely by kicking arms and legs in the water.
2 - Disney and other cartoon arm floats
Is your little one a big fan of cartoons? Make them happy by giving them Disney and other cartoon arm floats. For instance, you can make them happy by giving them arm floats featuring the magical world of Mickey Mouse or Cars. Suitable for all water activities, it offers excellent buoyancy and allows your little one to enjoy the sun and all water games peacefully.
Besides this model, you can choose an arm float featuring the Cars character Flash McQueen. Is your little one a fan of Spiderman? Give them a chance to transform into their favorite superhero by giving them a Spiderman swim arm float.
Perfect for swimming, an arm float on the theme of the most popular video game in the world will also delight your little one. Opt for a Super Mario arm float to introduce them to the Mushroom Kingdom.
3 - Pool belt and arm float set
Practical for all water activities, this model is one of the most popular among toddlers. The pool belt and arm float set ensures the swimmer's buoyancy with its two arm floats and a belt.
This lets children enjoy the water since it features a colorful design with very cute animals. The pool belt and arm float set also helps fight aquaphobia.
4 - Round arm float for babies
Just like a life ring, the round arm float for babies floats very well in the water. It allows your child to keep their head above water during their swim sessions. Ensuring a safe swimming experience, this model has unique features:
- PVC material
- Easy to inflate and deflate
- Suitable for both boys and girls
- Good buoyancy
- An alternative to a float and a life jacket
5 - Intex arm float for children
To ensure your baby enjoys water activities safely, whether at the public swimming pool or beach, choose an Intex arm float. With this equipment, they’ll feel like a fish in water. Easy to inflate and deflate, this arm float allows for comfortable and unrestricted swimming.
What are the alternatives to arm floats for 2-year-old children?
If you can't protect your 2-year-old with an arm float, you can equip them with other safety gear. To enhance the young swimmer's safety, you could, for example, opt for an inflatable float for a 2-year-old, a swim vest, or a floating swimsuit.
The inflatable float
Ensuring protection for children of all ages, the inflatable float comes in two types. The first is the neck float. Worn around the neck, this device helps the little swimmer keep their head above water while allowing them to move their legs and arms freely.
In addition to the neck float, there's the seat float available. Very popular and appreciated by the parents of young swimmers, it is easy to use and very safe, as it often has an integrated harness system. The seat float keeps the child swimmer sitting to allow for comfortable swimming.
The life jacket
Usually made of foam or inflatable, the life jacket is similar to a float. It is worn like a vest and is intended for beginner swimmers who feel comfortable in the water. Like other swimming equipment, it has several advantages.
First, it allows children to gain autonomy. Very useful for swimming sessions, learning to swim, and water games, the life jacket contributes to your baby's physical development. With excellent buoyancy, it supports the child during swimming lessons.
The float swimsuit
Among the essentials for learning to swim, the float swimsuit comes with an integrated float. When combined with an arm float, it ensures the young swimmer’s stability in the water. Although there are several swimwear types in the market, the one with polystyrene floats is the most effective. It keeps your baby safe under all circumstances, as it stays closely attached to their skin even when they’re out of the water.
What should you check before buying a swim arm float?
To ensure your baby can swim safely, it's crucial to check a few key factors before purchasing swim arm floats. First, verify that the swim gear meets U.S. safety standards, such as ASTM or CPSIA compliance. This certification ensures the arm floats are designed and tested for safe use.
Additionally, you should check for any defects by inspecting the arm float to ensure it isn't punctured anywhere. To do this, you might, for example, inflate it or submerge it in water to check for air leaks. It’s also recommended to choose an arm float equipped with a universal valve that allows rapid inflation using an electric inflator.
