Arm bands for a 5mo?

[Twinkletwinklelil]

Would you recommend any armbands or floatation devices for a 5mo?

they don't need anything, you need to keep hold of them in the water

No. You keep hold of them in the water.

That’s madness and completely unsafe. You can get one of those blow up seats/rings but you still need to be holding onto it with them right next to you.

No, they don't have the core strength to hold themselves up until they can get themselves into a sitting position. At that age you need to be holding them at all times. And don't stay in the pool too long, as they get cold due to being so small.

Armbands are suitable from about 18 months I'd say, but better from about 2.5 when they can understand to hold their arm stiff while you put them on. The vests or swimsuits with floaty things are good from about 8/9 months to toddlerhood I find.

Great thanks! Someone bought us some expecting us to use it for baby NOW.. they want to take them swimming(won’t be happening but still) and I was baffled…

There are cute bodysuits/ vests made out of wetsuit material which keep them warmer and less slippy to hold on to?

Nothing just hold them in the water. There are different ways to do it depending on age and head control. We've not used any attached floatation devices with ours and neither have their swim schools. We've gone from holding them to pool noodles and floats at age 2 to 3 to them swimming alone between the age of 3 and 4. Always within arm's reach of us or their swimming teacher at those ages.

Haha oh well. Save them for when the baby is older! Unless they are some dodgy amazon thing with no safety regulation.

Usually they have an age suggestion and weight range printed on them.

Am shivering at the thought of arm bands on a 5 mo with face flat in the water - just no

Thanks.

I wonder if anyone here has found the foam discs better? I’ve seen them rise in popularity!

No to foam discs! Obviously not at 5months but even when they’re older, anything around their arms puts them really upright, which isn’t the position you swim in. Once they’re big enough that you’re not continuously holding them, noodles are much better.

Thanks @PlanetOtter
definitely meant for when they’re older but good to know!

No because they are toys not life saving equipment and in fact I think they should be banned altogether for any age

The foam discs are fine and you can add or take away. You’re not using the floats to babysit - but using to help baby feel more secure as they experience water. At this stage it’s a weird concept for baby and they can cling on to the adult very tightly.

dont worry about the position at 5 months as you’re not teaching them to swim - but have fun in the water, get used to the water and have a good time