Best swimming aid for 1 year old

[Twinkletwinklelil]

We want to let our 1 year old float free in the pool, what’s the best swimming float/ring/aid at this age?

I used an inflatable ring at this age as this allows arms to be free to do swim strokes. Arm bands can be more difficult (very slim arms so slip, for example) and does not help with keeping the child's head out of the water at this age.

I also agree that an inflatable ring is best as it supports the whole torso rather than just the arms and shoulders. It's better for the baby's neck and overall upper body.
I would also recommend getting lessons. I started taking my baby to swim lessons from 6 months and he was a strong swimmer by 2 years.

We didn't use swim aids and taught our dc to float from the start, about 12mo. We taught him to flip over and float on his back. He has swum like a fish since he was small! He was never out of arms' reach.