9 Best Swimming Aids for Toddlers and Kids

Michael Butler
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Choosing the best swimming aids for your kid can be a tough choice. They can be expensive too. Do you go for big and sturdy, but heavy? Or, do you go for the super lightweight, but also quite flimsy?

Hopefully, I can help you make the right choice by sharing my experiences with these 9 swimming aids for toddlers and kids.

When a product is being sold as a swimming aid, that usually means they are for kids. Therefore, I’ve set out to find these 9 products, to see if they are actually any good.

Here’s what I will cover for you.

NameCategoryProduct
Zoggs Batman DC Comics Junior Kids Inflatable Swimming Armbands 2-6 YearsBest OverallZoggs Batman DC Comics Junior Kids Inflatable Swimming Armbands 2-6 Years
SwimSchool Original Deluxe TOT Swim TrainerBudget PickSwimSchool Original Deluxe TOT Swim Trainer
Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50Upgrade PickSpeedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50

1. Zoggs Batman DC Comics Junior Kids Inflatable Swimming Armbands 2-6 Years

Our rating: 9 / 10

Zoggs Batman DC Comics Junior Kids Inflatable Swimming Armbands 2-6 Years

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Swimming aids for toddlers
  • Comfortable
  • Water wings for children
  • Easy to fit
  • Provide good upper body support
  • Promotes confidence for learning to swim
  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Offers protection from sun burn
  • Provides a relaxing break of the pool for parents

With Batman DC Comics Junior Kids Inflatable Swimming Armbands 2-6 Years your child will have the most fun swimmimg with the one and only Batman. These soft paded water wings are comfortable for kids to wear and do not restrict their movements.

They provide good upper body support and promote confidence for learning to swim. The minor is easy to put on and take off, soft and durable and can bring a lot of fun swimming in the pool.

2. Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50

Our rating: 9 / 10

Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Great for use in pools and on lakes
  • The smiley face is fun for the kids
  • A vest designed with female anatomy in mind

Cons:

  • Only good for children 30lbs or less
  • You must have a strap to adjust it around your child

If the Speedo is not what you are looking for then the Völklinger company also makes a great flotation vest available in different colors. It is an inflatable vest that is available in multiple sizes.

This life vest has a specially designed buoyancy so that the swimmer can move in the water more easily. This vest provides enough flotation to allow your child to swim while he is wearing it without straining, and it also helps to keep his head above the water line.

The build quality is great, and the pictures of the shark and dolphin help to hype them up before getting into the water. It fits securely on your child, and it is very easy to adjust into place. Plus, your child can easily jump into the water with the help of this vest.

3. Zoggs Kids' Dc Super Heroes Wonder Woman Swimming Kickboard Float

Our rating: 9 / 10

Zoggs Kids' Dc Super Heroes Wonder Woman Swimming Kickboard Float

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Pros:

  • Inspires the young swimmer to practice swimming
  • Helps build motor skills and improves quality of swimming
  • Offers positive feedback to the child
  • You get the excellent quality from the reputable brand

Cons:

  • The handle may irritate the child if it is not soft
  • The size of this water toy is too small for some children

Wonder Woman is one of the top superheroes out there. You know you can get some quality superhero products if you are able to secure the license for Wonder Woman.

This is an excellent swimming aid for your child to try out. The Zoggs, as with most of their products, are extremely high quality.

4. Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50

Our rating: 9 / 10

Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Great for use in pools and on lakes
  • The smiley face is fun for the kids
  • A vest designed with female anatomy in mind

Cons:

  • Only good for children 30lbs or less
  • You must have a strap to adjust it around your child

If the Speedo is not what you are looking for then the Völklinger company also makes a great flotation vest available in different colors. It is an inflatable vest that is available in multiple sizes.

This life vest has a specially designed buoyancy so that the swimmer can move in the water more easily. This vest provides enough flotation to allow your child to swim while he is wearing it without straining, and it also helps to keep his head above the water line.

The build quality is great, and the pictures of the shark and dolphin help to hype them up before getting into the water. It fits securely on your child, and it is very easy to adjust into place. Plus, your child can easily jump into the water with the help of this vest.

5. Zoggs Kids' Dc Super Heroes Superman Swimming Kickboard Float

Our rating: 8 / 10

Zoggs Kids' Dc Super Heroes Superman Swimming Kickboard Float

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • The guard line around the perimeter helps your child find it if it gets away
  • The float is designed with deep ridges to help aid in circulation, which may prevent arm cramps
  • The product is made with quality materials
  • The product comes with a two year warranty

Cons:

  • The product does not come with instructions
  • The product does not float on it's own

Angelfish is one of the best swim aids for beginning swimmers because of its versatility. Raising your child to swim is very important, which is where the Angelfish Paddler from Swimline comes in.

This paddle can be used with a kickboard or simply by itself. Children will enjoy using this product to strengthen their core muscles. A young child can practice kicking out their legs to move the paddle in the water, or they can put the paddle in between their feet so that they move forward and kick.

The Angelfish Paddler comes in three different colors, is durable enough to resist chipping or peeling, and is made from sturdy plastic. This product is a great way to start your child out on the swim team!

6. Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50

Our rating: 8 / 10

Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Great for use in pools and on lakes
  • The smiley face is fun for the kids
  • A vest designed with female anatomy in mind

Cons:

  • Only good for children 30lbs or less
  • You must have a strap to adjust it around your child

If the Speedo is not what you are looking for then the Völklinger company also makes a great flotation vest available in different colors. It is an inflatable vest that is available in multiple sizes.

This life vest has a specially designed buoyancy so that the swimmer can move in the water more easily. This vest provides enough flotation to allow your child to swim while he is wearing it without straining, and it also helps to keep his head above the water line.

The build quality is great, and the pictures of the shark and dolphin help to hype them up before getting into the water. It fits securely on your child, and it is very easy to adjust into place. Plus, your child can easily jump into the water with the help of this vest.

7. BigMouth Inc. Gigantic Unicorn Pool Float

Our rating: 8 / 10

BigMouth Inc. Gigantic Unicorn Pool Float

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Great for keeping kids occupied in the pool
  • Great for all ages and genders – my birthday was a huge hit with my three-year-old nephew
  • Easy to Supervise & Safe From My Pool Deck
  • Room for Friends
  • Affordable
  • Fun for Swimming Lessons

If you're looking for a way to make visiting the pool a little more enjoyable for your child, look no further than these pool floats from BigMouth Inc.

It's common after you've been swimming for a while to get a little bored, and for kids, this can lead to unruly behavior that can sometimes disrupt your swimming pool experience for everyone else. One person suggests bringing things into the pool that can keep kids occupied. That way, if your child gets bored you'll have a few games and toys on hand to help them keep occupied.

One of the best toys that keep kids happy in the swimming pool are the BigMouth Inc. pool floats. Children 42 to 85 pounds can fit comfortably inside the inflatable fun house. It includes an inflatable unicorn, happily shouting "I'm a unicorn!", which puts smiles on children's faces while they're in the pool.

8. SwimSchool Original Deluxe TOT Swim Trainer

Our rating: 7 / 10

SwimSchool Original Deluxe TOT Swim Trainer

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • High quality product
  • Easy to put on and take off
  • Highly visible

Cons:

  • Not very comfortable
  • More suited to outdoor swimming

The SwimSchool Original is a great choice for a toddler and is especially good for indoor use.

The SwimSchool has a lifeguard approved design and is made from heavy-duty strong material. It comes with a 3-year guarantee.

It is designed to fit toddlers who can walk upright. The SwimSchool is adjustable and features velcro fasteners.

9. Zoggs Kids' Dc Super Heroes Wonder Woman Inflatable Swimming Armbands,

Our rating: 6 / 10

Zoggs Kids' Dc Super Heroes Wonder Woman Inflatable Swimming Armbands,

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Available in different characters
  • Tubeless design great for kids who may be rough on their swimming aids
  • Ideal for helping kids learn to swim

Cons:

  • Rise in cost with each consecutive size up.

(check out the video below for more information and user reviews)

Axleaddict has provided this fantastic video review on these swimming aids. Browse the video and read the description below for further details.

When it comes to learning to swim, a key factor is developing a good technique to help keep balance. The Zoggs Dc Super Heroes Wonder Woman Inflatable Swimming Armbands do just that. With a tubeless design that is guaranteed to fit your child, these swimming armbands are sure to help with strokes, kicks and just about everything else!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the best swimming aids for toddlers?

Special swimming aids for toddlers are just a wonderful way to help your little one learn how to swim. The simple designs of flotation devices are only there to keep your child safe and they are not intended to help them learn how to swim. However, there is a chance that the young age and pure excitement of the swimming will fuel your toddler to try and utilize the flotation devices. Make sure that you are paying close attention to their use of the aid because at best, it will make them feel safe while engaging in swimming activities.

As far as swimming aids go, using a flotation device is the safest option. However, many parents say that, if used correctly, these aids can also increase learning and the motivation for practicing swimming.

Here are a few types of swimming aids you can choose from:

What is the safest flotation device for toddlers?

You want to make sure you choose a device that will fit snugly around the arms and chest of your toddler. If it is too loose, your toddler may not be able to swim freely enough. On the other hand, if it is too tight, it will impede your child’s movement and breathing.

Your toddler will begin to learn how to regulate their breathing as they swim more with the aid of the flotation device. You want to make sure that they are comfortable and able to move freely. If the flotation device is too tight, they may panic and become frightened of the water.

It is best if your toddler wears their flotation device as they grow and learn to swim without the device. As your toddler continues to develop a swimming technique, they can learn how to regulate their breathing patterns more proficiently.

What should my 2 year old wear for swimming?

You will need to decide on the perfect swimsuit for your toddler. Check out the suits from our top picks on our reviews.

You should know that most girls wear swimsuits that are an inch above their belly button until they hit puberty. ”

For boys, it can be tricky. Most trunks for toddlers and older kids go down to their knees. You can always find them in the beach. A lot of stores have them by July.

If one of your child has a long torso, he or she will probably prefer a ¨bottoms only¨ style suit. That is usually a lot cheaper, and it can be good for your toddler toddlers.

Something to keep in mind is sunblock for little kids. If your kids will be at the beach a lot this summer, you can give them an SPF 15 children sunblock. It comes in different products. Your children will love it.

What is the best float for a 2 year old?

For parents, a 2 year old is often on the cusp of potty training and the consideration of swim lessons. Many pools will not let young kids in the water without a floatation device or some sort of flotation that keeps them afloat.

Those two issues are the main needs for most parents when searching for a float for a 2 year old.

Water wings do just that, while also promoting the comfort of a familiar colorful ring.

However, they present a few other concerns. First, kids often leave them on once they have reached the pool steps, which can be dangerous. Second, if they do float out into the water, they can be hard to spot and retrieve.

They are also made of a plastic material that is not very durable and may cause a few injuries if they are bumped into rocks or sharp corners. Last, they are designed more like angel wings, which can cause mild muscle strains if used repeatedly in the water.

Conclusion

So many new options for baby swimming products are introduced each year. They all seem to have such clever features and can definitely make your child’s learning experience easier. In case, you’re wondering which are the best swimming aids for your toddler, then you’ve come to the right place as we go through nine of the top products available online for your convenience.

Our Recommendation

NameCategoryProduct
Zoggs Batman DC Comics Junior Kids Inflatable Swimming Armbands 2-6 YearsBest OverallZoggs Batman DC Comics Junior Kids Inflatable Swimming Armbands 2-6 Years
SwimSchool Original Deluxe TOT Swim TrainerBudget PickSwimSchool Original Deluxe TOT Swim Trainer
Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50Upgrade PickSpeedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50