Your complete Guide to Floatsuits for Toddlers and Kids
·
·
Thehuge variety of flotation aids now available for children means you’re no longer limited to putting armbands on your child before they go into the pool.
One of the most popular swimming aids
on the market, floatsuits are ideal for helping little ones gain confidence in water while being supported by the suits’ integrated
floats.
In this guide:
- What are floatsuits?
- Comparing floatsuits & float jackets
- Best floatsuits
- How to care for floatsuits
- Floatsuits vs armbands
- Floatsuit FAQs
-
What are floatsuits?
Floatsuits are swimming costumes with integrated floats to help children stay buoyant in water and position them correctly when they are learning to swim.
The suits feature foam floats that are inserted into pockets around the tummy and back. You can remove these individual floats in pairs, gradually, as your child becomes more confident in the water.
Floatsuits are available as a classic swimming costume style Floatsuit, or in designs with fabric to protect arms and legs from the sun, like our Sleeved Floatsuit.
-
At what age can children wear floatsuits?
Children can wear flotation suits from
one year old, right up to the age of six. Younger babies may not be able to balance themselves or have the strength to keep their body above water, meaning they may tip forwards or backwards when wearing a
floatsuit. You should always ensure that you hold baby’s hands until they find their balance and remove floats one at a time until they are held stable under the water with just the tops of their shoulders and above, out of the water. When choosing the right size of suit for your child, don’t go by their age. Instead, measure their chest circumference, body length and weight, to ensure the best fit possible.If you’re looking for a buoyancy aid for your child, you can purchase a Kickboard flotation device or see our section on babies and floatsuit alternatives.
-
Benefits of floatsuits
Floatsuits are essentially a swimsuit and swimming aid in one. Using them means you don’t need to worry about
getting your child to wear armbands or rely on them to hold on to floats when they are in the water.Foam floats are integrated into the
swimming costume, so you can adjust the buoyancy as your child becomes more confident in the water and as their swimming abilities improve. It also means your child can’t easily remove the floats, which is a
potential hazard with armbands.The floats go around the child’s torso, leaving their arms unrestricted. This helps them develop a more natural swimming position in the pool, rather than lifting them upright out of the water, like armbands do.
A further bonus is that some suits
feature UPF 50+ fabric that covers arms and legs, making them ideal for
swimming outdoors in warmer weather.
Comparing Floatsuits, Float Jackets and Swim Vests
 |
 |
 |
|
| Floatsuit | Go Splash Float Jacket | Go Splash Swim Vest | |
| Descripton |
|
|
|
| Sizes Available | 1-6 Years | 1-6 Years | 1-6 Years |
| Colours | Range of designs | Range of designs | Range of designs |
| Gender |
Floatsuit - Girls |
Unisex | Unisex |
| UPF 50+ Sun Protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 16 Adjustable Floats System? | Yes | 8-piece adjustable float system | Floats are non-removable |
| Price | From £24.99 | From £22.99 | From £22.00 |
