DD is 20 months old and weighs 22 lbs. I'm planning on taking both kids to the pool a lot this summer and am trying to figure out what type of flotation device to get her.
We got the puddle jumper for DS around the same age, but he was within the 30-50 lb weight range. There are a couple of other threads where people said their toddlers were 20-25 lbs and fit in them just fine. Both kids are in swim lessons and I obviously don't plan on letting her swim completely on her own, I'm just looking for something to give her a little independence. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'm open to anything! Thanks.
Re: Flotation device for small toddler?
My only advise is to find one that is approved by the USCG----US Coast Guard. Otherwise, as told to me by my childrens swim teacher when they were infants, if they tip upside down they could get stuck underwater. I realize she will always be within arms reach, but it was just advise I always remembered.
She actually recommends going to a boating store and buying as USCG approved life vest for little ones.
Puddle Jumpers are USCG approved.
I would not stray from the limits by that much, though. My DD, G, is still just 26 lbs at 2.5 and I would not even use it now....within 1-2 lbs, maybe, but not 8. You can find USCG approved life vests at Walmart/Target/Meijer/etc...just look for the seal - it will be on the vest, and there will be an additional tag along with the brand/pricing tags.
We had this one for DD. She was small too. It allowed her to swim around without chafing. You do have to watch, as they can still tip over, but it allowed her to get the motion of swimming and move around independently more safely.
https://www.thelifeguardstore.com/productcart/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=1916&idcategory=156&gclid=CIXI1oH6mK8CFeJe7Aod1TV30A
DD2 is about 29 lbs now, and we just started trying out the puddle jumper with her at the pool. I think because she's on the smaller side of the weight range, it tends to try to flip her on her back. The arms still fall down sometimes, and we end up tightening it almost all the way once it's wet.
DD1 was 3 yo the first time she used one, and it worked perfectly for her right away.
Since you already have one, I don't think it would hurt to try it and see if it might work. I wonder if you could buy the bubble belts that they use for swimming lessons. That combined with swimmies might help. They're so squirmy at this age that I know it's nice to have something holding them up if they squirm out of your hands.
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