What flotation device do you use for a 6 month old?

Arm floaty thingies (I don't know whjat they're called)? We got him a blow-up exersaucer-type thing for our pool, but what about if we go to the beach?

Re: What flotation device do you use for a 6 month old?

Honestly? At 6 months *I* was the flotation device!

When they were small my kids were in my arms and another adult was always nearby if we wanted to go in a pool. I am just a really paranoid kind of mom! At the beach they never went in water beyond their ankles when they were bitty.

But if you really want something to be ON the baby - armies are kind of useless for infants. They support the arms but not the head. They are for bigger kids.

My sons had zip up life vests.

Like this: http://www.waterskiworld.com/vests/Infant_Life_Vests/infant_life_vests.html

Re: What flotation device do you use for a 6 month old?

I used to teach swimming to 3-5 year olds, and I personally hate the arm thingies. They can slide off if they jump in the water, it also prevents them from learning how to swim correctly. The zip up vest is good, or the bubble that goes on the back (for an older child). Sorry JMO.

Re: What flotation device do you use for a 6 month old?

I bought her this:



It has a handle on top of the floatie so that I can hold on to it, which I think is safer than not having the floatie since she obviously won't be in the water without me.

I got it at BRU for $9.99.

Re: What flotation device do you use for a 6 month old?

Posted by rojerono

Honestly? At 6 months *I* was the flotation device!

When they were small my kids were in my arms and another adult was always nearby if we wanted to go in a pool. I am just a really paranoid kind of mom! At the beach they never went in water beyond their ankles when they were bitty.

But if you really want something to be ON the baby - armies are kind of useless for infants. They support the arms but not the head. They are for bigger kids.

My sons had zip up life vests.

Like this: http://www.waterskiworld.com/vests/Infant_Life_Vests/infant_life_vests.html

Message edited 3/30/2008 8:38:15 PM.

Re: What flotation device do you use for a 6 month old?

At 6 months old I wouldnt spend the money on a float. I would NOT put swimmies on them, they don't know enough to keep their faces out of the water and would just topple over. One of the Swimways rings that collapses MAY be good but if he is anything like my 3 the idea of being in the water without being right up against someone will be frightening.

ETA: an infant life vest would put them on their backs. They will not bob. It will be like a perpetual backfloat.

Message edited 3/30/2008 8:43:24 PM.

Re: What flotation device do you use for a 6 month old?

Posted by lu235

ha ha! I wasn't planning on throwing him into the gulf on his own And we won't go in very deep, I just want something as added protection. The life vest looks like a great option. Thanks!

Message edited 3/31/2008 8:33:03 AM.