Question about toddler flotation devices...

ebb7

We want to get DD some sort of flotation device for the pool/beach for our Maui trip. We don't really want a raft type and an actual lifevest seems a little extreme. Every other type of thing I've found - like those flotation bathing suits, etc. - say that they are intended only for ages 2 and up. However, the weight ranges start at 15 pounds (and what 2 year old is only 15 pounds?). I know that it's probably some sort of liability reason why they are for 2 and up, but do you think it would be safe to put DD in something like that if we're going to be with her and holding on to her at all times (obviously)?

ebb7

This is the type of thing I was thinking of:

https://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1366&cmSource=Search

https://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=535727&cmSource=Search

mbtortor

We have the bathing suit flotation thingy and don't really use it.  You still have to hold on to her in the pool.  Its kind of hard for her to walk with and clumsy in the water.  i thought I wanted it so she could walk around the pool and I wouldnt have to worry.  In actuality she is always right near us when we are around the pool and we always hold on to her in the water.  Don't get anything.

TheMalleys

We got this for DD.

 https://www.target.com/Swimways-Swim-Vest/dp/B000MUWDIK/sr=1-12/qid=1247499580/ref=sr_1_12/180-8045231-0568403?ie=UTF8&search-alias=tgt-index&frombrowse=0&index=target&rh=k%3Aswim%20ways&page=1

With a little practice, she is able to hold herself up and float and swim with it on. If you DD doesn't know how to swim you could just hold onto her with the swim vest on.

mrsmikey

We don't use anything at the beach, I just don't see much point.  DS only gets in the ocean up to his ankles, and we are of course right there with him.  So I don't feel the need.

For the pool he just wears water wings.  But we have a baby pool.  He does really well with them, it only took him a day to figure out how to keep his face out of the water.  We rarely go in the big pool, and when we do we just hold onto him.  He doesn't really like the big pool, except playing on the stairs.  So water wings are sufficient, I feel like a life jacket would be overkill.

Otherwise a float would be good for the pool, if she'll sit in it.  We got a spring float and it's really nice, but DS won't sit in it.