Swimming pools are an absolute blast for children of all ages. If you have a younger baby at home, you may be wondering how you can safely enjoy a swimming pool when your baby isn’t yet swimming. A baby pool float is a great way to get in the water with your baby, allowing for everyone to stay cool while also enjoying some fun in the sun. Keep reading for our favorite baby pool floats.
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7 Best Baby Pool Floats for Safety and Fun in the Sun (2025 Review)
Best Baby Pool Floats
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1. LAYCOL Baby Swimming Float
(Best multi-use design — $$)
Why it’s great: This is the perfect basic baby pool float. With an included sun canopy and the ability to be used in more than one position, this pool float is practical and versatile. Choose from three different colors to suit you and your baby’s preferences. The material is safe for babies and non-toxic.
Keep in mind: This pool float is recommended for babies three months of age and up.
Good for: Early exposure to swimming pools.
![LAYCOL Baby Swimming Float]()
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2. SwimWays Inflatable Baby Octopus Float
(Best octopus design — $$)
Why it’s great: This octopus-themed baby pool float features a removable canopy and an activity center to keep babies busy and engaged. The wide base and dual air chambers make this pool float safe and secure. The included canopy offers protection from UPF 50+ so you won’t have to worry about your baby getting excessive sun exposure when playing in the water.
Keep in mind: Parents should always be near babies when floating in a pool float.
Good for: Babies up to 30 pounds in weight.
![SwimWays Inflatable Baby Octopus Float]()
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3. Punada Baby Pool Float with Canopy
(Most fun — $$)
Why it’s great: The Punada baby pool float features a large canopy as well as a steering wheel and horn that babies of all ages will love. This sturdy and durable pool float can hold babies up until they weigh 44 pounds and is made from non-toxic material. You can easily attach or detach the sunshade to fit your preferences.
Keep in mind: Always remain within arm’s reach when your baby is floating in this float.
Good for: Babies and toddlers.
![Punada Baby Pool Float with Canopy]()
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4. SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float
(Best for younger babies — $$$)
Why it’s great: This baby pool float is ideal for younger babies because it allows them to lay back without even getting in the water. The three-point harness and UPF 50 sun canopy offer safety and security for your baby. With cooling mesh material incorporated into the design and an adjustable harness, this baby pool float has everything you need to keep your baby cool and comfortable when floating in the pool.
Keep in mind: This pool float is recommended for babies over the age of 6 months.
Good for: Getting baby in the pool but allowing them to stay dry.
![SwimWays Infant Baby Spring Float]()
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5. Free Swimming Baby Inflatable Baby Swim Float
(Best for multiple ages — $$)
Why it’s great: The design of this pool float makes it ideal for helping babies familiarize themselves with the water. Babies are strapped in with the float resting under their chest, allowing them safely to practice kicking their feet in the water. This pool float is also available in three different sizes, allowing parents to find the perfect fit for their children.
Keep in mind: This pool float does not feature a sun cover like some of the other designs do.
Good for: Preparing baby for swim lessons.
![Free Swimming Baby Inflatable Baby Swim Float]()
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6. Intex My Baby Float
(Most affordable — $)
Why it’s great: The Intex baby pool float is the perfect basic pool float for babies. It features a pillow backrest, two air chambers for safety, and a 26-inch diameter. If you’re looking for a simple pool float for your baby at a reasonable price, then this would be the best one for you.
Keep in mind: This pool float is recommended for babies 12 months to 2 years of age.
Good for: Floating in the pool or ocean with your baby.
![Intex My Baby Float]()
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7. Iefoah Store Baby Pool Float with Canopy
(Most stable — $$)
Why it’s great: This flamingo-themed pool float is a fun and sturdy pool float that is safe for children ages 6 months and up. Designed with an easy-to-inflate design, this float is travel-friendly and convenient. The removable sun canopy can keep your baby shaded from the sun and the seat is designed to be comfortable and safe.
Keep in mind: It is not recommended to use high pressure to inflate this pool float.
Good for: Poolside fun at home or on vacation.
![Iefoah Store Baby Pool Float with Canopy]()
Best Overall
LAYCOL Baby Swimming Float
The LAYCOL Baby Swimming Float is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..
FAQs about Best Baby Pool Floats
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1. At what age is it safe for babies to go in the pool?
Although it is technically safe for babies to go in the water from birth, it is recommended that parents wait until babies are two months of age before taking them to a swimming pool. If you choose to take your baby in the pool at a younger age, you should pay close attention to the temperature of the water and your baby’s temperature. Young babies can’t yet regulate their temperatures, so that is why it is recommended to wait until two months old to take your baby in the swimming pool. When you do take your baby in the swimming pool for the first time, it is helpful to have them safely seated in a baby pool float. You should also remain close to your baby at all times.
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2. What pool floats are best for one-year-olds?
There are a variety of pool floats that are age-appropriate for one-year-olds. Look for something that is sturdy and durable. Always check the recommended age and weight requirements for the pool float you choose before picking one out for your child in order to ensure safety. We recommend purchasing a pool float with a removable sun canopy so that your child can be shaded when in a sunny area. Some pool floats offer fun features such as activity centers and attached toys, this can make them even more fun and stimulating for your child although these features are not at all necessary. You could also opt for a more simple pool float that simply keeps your child afloat in the water without any extra features. We recommend finding something that gives your child the freedom to move their legs around in the water to help acquaint them with moving in the water and prepare for learning to swim.
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3. How to safely take a one-year-old in the pool?
If you plan to take your one-year-old in the swimming pool, you should always make sure that they are wearing some type of floatation device. Always remain with your child, even if they are in a baby pool float. Some parents choose to enroll their children in swim lessons from a younger age. Even if your one-year-old has taken swimming lessons, they likely still have developed the strength to swim on their own for long periods of time so you should still remain close to them at all times.
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4. At what age can children take swim lessons?
You can enroll your child in swim lessons from as early as 6 months old. Some parents wait until their children are older but ultimately it is up to you to decide what is best for you and your family. If you have a swimming pool at your home or frequently spend time near one, it may be wise to get your baby enrolled in swimming lessons from a young age in order for them to learn the necessary skills to float to the surface in the event that they do fall into the water. Most infant swimming lessons are designed for this purpose, so even if your baby has been successful in swim lessons, you should still exercise plenty of caution when they are swimming in a pool and stay near to them at all times because young children still lack the physical strength to swim unattended for long periods of time.
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5. How to keep babies safe when using a pool float?
The most important step you can take to keep your baby safe when they are floating in a pool float is to remain with them in the pool at all times. You’ll always want to be at least within arm’s reach of your child so that you can quickly grab them if you need to. Always ensure that the pool float has been properly inflated and check to make sure that your child is securely seated in the float.
Conclusion
Baby pool floats are a great way to have fun on your next family vacation or during the summer if you have a pool at your home or in your neighborhood. Taking your baby in the water can be beneficial for them and a lot of fun for the parents, but it is still important to use plenty of caution even when your baby is securely strapped into a pool float. Never leave babies unattended and always remain nearby when your child is floating in a pool float.
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