A guide to swimming aids
As a parent, choosing the right swim aid for your child can be a challenge. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which product is best suited based on your child’s age. That’s why we’ve created this simple guide to help you choose the right swim gear for every stage of development.
0–1 years: baby floats and armbands
For the littlest ones, from birth up to around one year, baby floats and armbands are ideal. These products are designed to help babies float in the water under close adult supervision. They offer a safe and comfortable experience for both baby and parent.
At Swim Essentials, we have a wide selection of baby floats for both boys and girls, with bright, fun designs. Boys can float around in prints like the whale or green leopard, while girls can enjoy the lilac leopard or rose gold leopard print. We also have stylish unisex options, including the new Sand Check print and the 2023 bestseller: Sea Stars print.
1–2 years: armbands for ages 0–2
If your child is between one and two years old, armbands are still a great option. They offer extra buoyancy and help your child get used to the water while also encouraging them to move more independently.
Swim Essentials offers a wide range of unique armbands for both boys and girls. For boys, we have playful prints like the circus design. For girls, you can choose from beige leopard, blossom, or flower hearts. We also have fun unisex options, such as the yellow and white striped print.
2–6 years: puddle jumpers and armbands for ages 2–6
For toddlers and young children aged two to six, puddle jumpers and larger armbands are specially designed for safety and learning. Puddle jumpers are particularly popular because they combine armbands with a float around the chest, offering stability and comfort while your child learns to swim.
At Swim Essentials, you’ll find puddle jumpers in a wide variety of prints for boys and girls. For boys, we have designs like the lion, shark, and whale. For girls, you’ll find lovely prints like the pink leopard, lilac hearts, and beige leopard. We also offer unisex designs, including the newest puddle jumpers for 2026: crab and sea animals print.
3–6 years: swim vests
If your child is between three and six years old and is gaining confidence in the water, a swim vest can be a great next step. Swim vests offer buoyancy around the chest and back, helping children feel more secure and free to move as they continue learning.
At Swim Essentials, we offer swim vests for both boys and girls. For boys, there are bold designs like abstract or sea stars, while girls can enjoy the lilac leopard or tropical fruit leopard print. Of course, we also offer fun unisex designs, including the bright orange print.
Adult supervision is always required
No matter which swim aid you choose, it’s essential that children are always supervised by an adult while in the water. Swim aids are a helpful support, but they are not a substitute for supervision or swimming lessons.
Make sure your child can enjoy safe, fun water play with the right swim aid and plenty of care.
