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Original poster

Swimming Flotation things for a 4yr old

14 replies

DHsPoorBack · 17/04/2023 13:21

DTwins haven't been swimming since babies when they used proper rubber rings to sit in.

They've only been in shallow pools etc so haven't ever had the issue of not being able to stand up in deeper water.

I got them a couple of zoggs swimvest things, and whilst they are flotation aids, they don't actually keep them at the surface. I tried to put arm bands on them, but they weren't having any of it.

We go on hols in a couple of months, and need something they can wear, that will keep them completely afloat. The pool is deeper than they are tall. Basically, so I can be in the water with both, but not having to hold either up.

What do you recommend please?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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TakeMe2Insanity · 17/04/2023 13:22

Highly recommend the shark finns, they force you to move your arms and legs.

HJ40 · 17/04/2023 13:30

I've used Puddle Jumpers with both of ours when little. They allow them to move their arms more freely than traditional arm bands and also have the chest buoyancy that keeps their heads fully above water.

But by four years old, we just used a swim vest. Are you sure the ones you've been using were the right size for the DC's weight? IME they should keep them with heads above the surface.

dementedpixie · 17/04/2023 13:35

Inflatable rings or pool noodles

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ImNotAsThinkAsYouDrunkIAm · 17/04/2023 13:38

We used aquaplanes, they strap to their backs and keep them afloat, we called them a ‘rocket’ which meant our dc were more than happy to wear them.

CatOnTheChair · 17/04/2023 13:47

I think you will struggle to find anything that will keep a child afloat without any effort on their behalf. You will need to have them attempting some form of swimming or have an arm for them most of the time.
Are there 2 adults going on holiday?

dementedpixie · 17/04/2023 13:54

I would use a ring like this or a flexible pool noodle

Swimming Flotation things for a 4yr old
Original poster
DHsPoorBack · 17/04/2023 14:32

HJ40 · 17/04/2023 13:30

I've used Puddle Jumpers with both of ours when little. They allow them to move their arms more freely than traditional arm bands and also have the chest buoyancy that keeps their heads fully above water.

But by four years old, we just used a swim vest. Are you sure the ones you've been using were the right size for the DC's weight? IME they should keep them with heads above the surface.

I'll have a look at puddle jumpers...

DTwins are just turned 3, but massive. The zogg things were age 2-3 and when we were in DM's pool (one of those above ground paddling pool things you can swim in) they just sank. They helped keep them level, but not enough that if one fell in for example, that they wouldn't be underwater. I have to keep a hand under each ones backside.

These things....

Swimming Flotation things for a 4yr old
OP posts:
Original poster
DHsPoorBack · 17/04/2023 14:33

I basically want a little life jacket. Like what would keep you afloat if you fell off a jet ski.

OP posts:
PuttingDownRoots · 17/04/2023 14:38

You need to weigh them and go to an outdoor shop like Decathlon or Go Outdoors if you want proper buoyancy aids.

DDs used jackets with removable floats. They could jump in and kick around in them while we played in the pool (we lived in the Mediterranean then). We removed the floats as they got better swimmers. I wouldn't of checked them off a boat with just them though.

dementedpixie · 17/04/2023 14:44

Maybe you were just using the wrong size as they are weight based. Zoggs do a swim jacket and have an age 4-5 that might be a better fit

Swimming Flotation things for a 4yr old
Original poster
DHsPoorBack · 17/04/2023 14:51

dementedpixie · 17/04/2023 14:44

Maybe you were just using the wrong size as they are weight based. Zoggs do a swim jacket and have an age 4-5 that might be a better fit

So this is supposed to keep the child above water, not just an assistant to a child that can half swim?

Also, I should have said more clearly in OP, it must be wearable because I can't have DTwins around a pool, whilst also carrying a rubber ring for each, or a pool noodle. I need both hands in case one of DTwins starts to wander off etc.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 17/04/2023 14:56

@DHsPoorBack the ones you showed are on the website too and say they are best being used alongside swimming lessons and the floats are in the sleeves/shoulders

The ones I linked to have floats in the main body so should keep them more buoyant

NannyR · 17/04/2023 15:07

dementedpixie · 17/04/2023 14:44

Maybe you were just using the wrong size as they are weight based. Zoggs do a swim jacket and have an age 4-5 that might be a better fit

I've used these with three year olds and they do rely on the child being able to kick. They will keep them buoyant to some extent, but not necessarily on their back with their head out of the water. If the children are total non-swimmers and there is a risk they might get into the water on their own, then you would need proper life jackets, designed to keep them on their back and head out of the water, rather than buoyancy aids.

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