Baby Swimming

Are Swim Aids Safe for Babies? Expert Safety Advice

Parenting editor and writer

Written by Janetta Wills

24 May, 2024

4 min. Read

Plenty of baby swim aids are available, but their use is not universally recommended. We spoke to Ali Beckman, Head Teacher and Technical Director at Puddle Ducks, a nationwide baby and child swim school, to find out why her school doesn't recommend them and how to keep your baby safe in the pool.

Should my baby wear armbands?

There are plenty of swimming aids for babies and young children, but Puddle Ducks does not recommend them for two key reasons: safety and swimming technique.

Swim aids can increase the risk of flipping in the water

Using swim aids such as inflatables, buoyancy seats and neck floats can increase the likelihood of your child flipping in the water. Not only is this uncomfortable for your little one, but the float may also land on top of them, making it difficult for them to reach the surface.

"We would never recommend the use of inflatables or buoyancy seats. These can flip toddlers over into the water and even land on top of them, making it difficult for them to surface."

- Ali Beckman, Head Teacher and Technical Director at Puddle Ducks

They prevent your child developing their swimming technique

Puddle Ducks sessions don't use armbands or water wings, as teaching swimming and water safety as life skills is the priority. They also believe a good swimming technique is hindered by wearing armbands.

Armbands require an adult to deflate them, removing the child's independence, something Puddle Ducks focuses on throughout lessons.
If your child fell into open water, they would not have armbands on, so lessons need to be as realistic as possible.
Avoiding armbands allows their swimming experience to be as realistic as possible.

- Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks

However, some parents do find baby inflatables a useful addition to their swimming kit, if only to give their arms a break for a short time. Just make sure your baby is always under close supervision and within easy reach.

"Water safety is a core building block in our lesson plans and everything your child learns will, unbeknown to them, be teaching them vital life-saving skills."

-Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks

Are baby neck floats safe?

According to the experts we contacted, the use of neck floats is not generally recommended.

Seams splitting or sudden deflation of baby inflatables makes them a potentially serious hazard.
They may put undue strain on a baby's neck and impede movement.
They deprive babies of skin-to-skin contact with their parent or carer and its emotional benefits.

For a comprehensive look at the drawbacks, see the statement The Hidden Risks of Floating Neck Rings for Babies by Francoise Freedman, Founder of Birthlight, and Shawn Tomlinson, Birthlight and Swimming Teachers' Association Baby Swimming Tutor.

When should I use baby inflatables and floats?

Baby inflatables and floats are not a substitute for proper supervision. Always have close contact with your baby in the water and keep them within easy reach. With that in mind, you can use floating devices to sprinkle some fun on your swimming sessions, especially under the guidance of professionals.

"We encourage children to use non-fitted buoyancy aids if they need to, including floats and toggles, as these allow children to push away from them when they are ready to be independent."

- Ali Beckman, Puddle Ducks

As always, when using any kind of flotation device, make sure it conforms to British Safety Standards and is age appropriate.

What equipment should I take to help my baby swim?

Make sure you have everything you need for a comfortable swim.

Swimsuit
Trunks or wetsuit for yourself and your child
Towels (poncho towels are great for babies and kids)
Spare clothes
Nappies
Drinks and snacks (for after)

For more tips, check out our guide to the baby swim bag essentials you should always pack. Swim nappies are top of the list and most pools will not allow babies and young toddlers in the water without them. Huggies® Little Swimmers® swim pants come in a range of sizes with a unique absorbent material that won't swell on contact with water, stretchy side panels for freedom of movement, and leak guards that protect against accidents.

Take a dive into your next big parenting adventure

Find a wealth of learning, playtime and adventure content to help your little one's journey. Use our expert opinions to make every trip to the pool a magic one, get advice on what to pack and how to make the journey tear free.

Looking for some great deals, baby?

Find out about Little Swimmers® Swim Pants

View product

Janetta Wills

Parenting editor and writer

Kimberly-Clark makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or other health professional advice.

FAQs on Baby Floating Advice Are Baby Swim Aids Safe

Many are not generally recommended. Experts like Puddle Ducks do not recommend inflatables, buoyancy seats or neck floats because they can increase the risk of a child flipping in the water and can hinder swimming technique. If used, babies must always be closely supervised and within easy reach.

No, Puddle Ducks does not recommend armbands. They require an adult to deflate them, which removes the child's independence, and they hinder developing a good swimming technique. If a child fell into open water they would not have armbands on, so lessons should be as realistic as possible.

Because they can tip a child over. Inflatables, buoyancy seats and neck floats can increase the likelihood of your child flipping in the water, and the float may land on top of them, making it difficult for them to reach the surface.

No, their use is not generally recommended. Seams splitting or sudden deflation makes them a potentially serious hazard, they may strain a baby's neck and impede movement, and they deprive babies of beneficial skin-to-skin contact with their parent or carer.

Only with close supervision and never as a substitute. Floats are not a substitute for proper supervision, so always keep close contact and your baby within easy reach. You can use them to add fun to swimming sessions, ideally under professional guidance, and ensure they meet British Safety Standards and are age appropriate.

Pack the basics for a comfortable swim. Bring a swimsuit, trunks or a wetsuit for you and your child, towels, spare clothes, nappies, and drinks and snacks for after. Swim nappies are essential as most pools won't allow babies in the water without them.