Choosing the Best Swim Toys for Babies and Children

Whether you’re shopping for a baby discovering water for the first time or a confident child who loves pool play, here’s your guide to choosing the best Splash About toys for every age. Each toy has been designed to make swimming fun while helping children develop confidence and essential water skills.

Why Choose Swim Toys?

Swim toys do so much more than keep little ones entertained. They:

• Encourage
  water confidence and enjoyment from an early age
• Support
  physical development through kicking, reaching and grasping
• Stimulate
  sensory learning with texture, movement and splash
• Help
  create positive associations with water, making swim lessons and pool time
  more enjoyable

At Splash About, our toys are specially designed for babies, toddlers and children, all following our ethos of safe, enjoyable water play.

Age 0–2 Years (Babies & Young Toddlers)

What to Look For

For babies and young toddlers, focus on simple, safe and sensory toys that build confidence in the water. Look for:

• Bright colours and easy-to-grip shapes made for little hands
• Floating toys that stay near the surface, so babies feel safe and comfortable
• Toys suitable for shallow pools or bath time, always with adult supervision

Why They’re Great

• Builds comfort and confidence in water from the start
• Encourages sensory and motor development
• Turns water play into an enjoyable, bonding experience

Age 3–5 Years (Pre-School & Early School)

What to Look For

At this stage, young children are full of energy and imagination. Ideal toys should:

• Encourage movement across the pool (like floating rings or balls)
• Introduce gentle challenges—chasing, fetching or small competitions
• Be made from durable, pool-safe materials for regular use
  
  
  
  

Why They're Great

• Develops coordination through throwing, catching and chasing
• Boosts swimming confidence and independence
• Encourages social play and group fun in the pool

Age 6+ (School-Age Children)

What to Look For

Older children are ready for more active play and swim skill development. Look for:

• Toys that challenge movement and coordination, like dive toys or water balls
• Training accessories that support swim
  technique, such as kickboards

Why They’re Great

• Encourages active play and endurance
• Develops key swim skills like kicking and breath control
• Promotes independence and confidence in the pool

Summary

Choosing the right swim toy or accessory from Splash About helps your child, whatever their age, feel confident, capable and excited to be in the water.

At a glance:

• Babies & Toddlers: Simple, sensory, floating toys
• Pre-School: Movement-based toys and outdoor accessories
• School-Age: Active play and swim training gear

Explore the full range at Splash About Toys & Accessories