https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 27 Apr 2026 19:16:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use/page/2#post-2574623 Fri, 24 Jun 2016 11:50:09 +0000 JenGirl 2574623@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: No worries. The puddle jumper website is a bit misleading because it just says that they're coast guard approved, without explaining the different types. And states vary in what is legal, which further complicates matters. </p> <p>I definitely think puddle jumpers have their place and we may use one in the pool when my son is bigger. There's also an argument to be made that a type V is better than no PFD, so if you're more likely to actually use a PFD when it's more comfortable, then type Vs could be better because your kid is more likely to actually use it. We'll likely stick with Type IIs for boating until he gets bigger and then go to a Type III, at least until he can swim well. But we may use Type Vs, like a pj, in the pool. And Type Vs in the lake once he can swim, at least somewhat. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use/page/2#post-2573271 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 09:52:06 +0000 regberadaisy 2573271@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: I agree with your sentiment about using PJs for swimming. We have a pool and our daughter uses a PJ. In two days time she has learned to "swim". She can move herself from one end of the shallow end to the other of the shallow end. Every single time were in there we reiterate that she is still very new at this. She does not go into the pool without daddy or mommy, even with her Pj on. Even with a PJ in she can still get hurt in the pool. We don't turn our back to her. She knows not to go past where our pools drop to the deep end. She's not there yet in her abilities.</p> <p>I think the positive of the PJ is it gives them a little extra confidence in the water. It's up to us as parents to teach them that it's not the same as swimming without one. Heck, I think anyone, child or adult, should know that just because you know how to swim, doesn't mean you can't drown. </p> <p>We know there's going to come a time where she will have a water scare. We're trying to prep her on what to do when that happens. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2573041 Thu, 23 Jun 2016 08:18:50 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2573041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JenGirl: Well it appears to be against the law so yeah definitely I agree! We didn't go boating with ours until he was over the weight minimum so that part wasn't something we had to think about. The funny thing is we actually have a regular lifejacket for him, but I was so certain the class fives are OK when worn that I just chose not to bring it. :bummed: :shocked: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2572626 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 18:11:48 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2572626@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: so cute! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2572588 Wed, 22 Jun 2016 17:31:09 +0000 JenGirl 2572588@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: According to the Puddle Jumper website, they're only approved for kids 30-50 lbs and my son is only 20 lbs. </p> <p>There are several classes of PFDs. The one we used is a type II, so it's a vest with a head piece to help make the wearer float face up (though, as I said, this isn't perfect). Puddle jumpers are a Type V (<a href="http://www.watersafety.com/store/facility-equipment/puddle-jumpers.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.watersafety.com/store/facility-equipment/puddle-jumpers.html</a> and <a href="http://www.pfdma.org/choosing/rightpfd.aspx)" rel="nofollow">http://www.pfdma.org/choosing/rightpfd.aspx)</a>.</p> <p>My understanding is that the type IIs are safer for a baby that can't swim but provide limited range of motion. Type Vs require closer supervision, because they don't flip a kid onto their back if they fall in, but they have better range of motion, so they're better if your kid is trying to learn to swim. We might get a puddle jumper for the pool, in the future, but I don't think I'd use them for boating, or in deep water, for a baby/child that can't swim. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571688 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 21:21:46 +0000 Maysprout 2571688@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: it was just on a small lake. The guy I talked to might have been wrong too bc looking up the state we were in, it does seem like a pj would count. But he gave a long explanation about how there's no under the butt strap and panicking kids act differently when they fall in. It was enough to convince me that even walking in the river we do life jackets for the kids. Our city only has the life jacket rule when it gets high, so the majority of the time the kids don't legally need anything.<br /> Here's a website that describes diff state laws. <a href="http://www.boatus.org/life-jacket-loaner/staterequirements.asp" rel="nofollow">http://www.boatus.org/life-jacket-loaner/staterequirements.asp</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571658 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 20:17:28 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2571658@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: That is definitely news to me-- I just thought that they had full CG approval as long as they were worn. We haven't taken LO kayaking on the river before, we just take him in the lake. Doesn't make a difference in terms of the law, but would explain why we hadn't encountered any resistance. But we have taken him boating in just a PJ! And he has definitely gone swimming in rivers and in the intercoastal just in a PJ, which I'm assuming is still legal? GA law seems only to refer to boating and not swimming from the shore...? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571641 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 19:55:22 +0000 Maysprout 2571641@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: it prob depends on the state. I know in my parents state kids I think under 5 have to be in a life vest type I, II or iii ( I think pj is type v) while on any kind of boat. In our state I'm not sure what the rule is but I know we went to rent a kayak and asked if she could stay in her pj and bring the life vests and they said it was against the law. Our river entrances also say specifically life vests - no pjs when river is listed at so many feet high </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571636 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 19:48:38 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2571636@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: I thought the PJ was ok as long as it was worn, and not just hanging around on the boat? I know regular life vests are rated even if not worn. Like for example, you can't throw a PJ into the water, but you can throw a life vest into the water. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571625 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 19:34:19 +0000 Maysprout 2571625@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: you might want to check your state laws. Here a pj doesn't meet the min requirements for boating or kayaking for kids, they're not even allowed in the river in the city access points if it's a certain height in a pj. There's different levels of coast guard rating and a pj has the least stringent standards. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571621 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 19:17:38 +0000 JerricaBenton 2571621@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lo is 3.5. She has a puddle jumper but she prefers nothing. She's in swimming lessons and now we just let her practice and also use a kickboard. One of us (or swim coach) always gets in with her but we'd do that even with the puddle jumper until she's really swimming. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571609 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 19:02:38 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2571609@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@JenGirl: I think that's one of the reasons why people gravitate toward the PJ. Because it is just so much more comfortable and puts them upright. FWIW we also do some boating (we have a kayak and my parents have a boat in FL) and I would rather my kid have on a PJ than a regular life vest because both are CG approved and he's so comfortable with the PJ that I really believe he could help himself in the event of an emergency. I totally understand why people choose not to use a PJ for regular pool swimming, but for boating I still think the PJ beats a regular life vest. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571596 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 18:31:38 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2571596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: @Mrs. Lion: I both agree and disagree. My son is 3.5 and with a PJ can swim in the deep end, jump in the deep end, etc. And he has learned to hold his breath by jumping in and has learned to kick and paddle in order to get around. He can also kayak safely with the PJ. He's used it in rivers with water above his head, the ocean, the intercoastal, and it has allowed us to do so much more as a family. However on the flip side I do swim lessons with him every year without floats specifically to increase his competence, and usually spend some of every swim day without floats because I know it makes him feel invincible. Just last week he started swimming under water. We haven't done official swim lessons yet this summer so I'm hoping he will develop a lot this summer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571483 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 15:16:25 +0000 Cherrybee 2571483@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Armbands. </p> [attach=2581/16/o951nd.337x600.WP_20160511_12_25_54_Pro.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571481 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 15:08:30 +0000 mrsbubbletea 2571481@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Miss Ariel: @Mrs. Lion: @Truth Bombs: I agree with you guys but i recently got a puddle jumper for my 18mo because he already thinks he can float and be free by himself in the pool. What I mean is, the last time I took him, he was getting so bored of the usual walking around while holding him thing we have done so far at baby drop in swim. He was trying to get out of my arms and wiggling all over the place. I got the puddle jumper so I could Hold him a bit less tightly and just manage how he floats. Didn't leave him in the pool for a second further than arms reach with hands on him since he tends to go face first constantly! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2571467 Tue, 21 Jun 2016 14:44:29 +0000 JenGirl 2571467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son's only 9 months, but we've been swimming dozens of times. When in the water, somebody just holds him the whole time. I've always heard that kids learn to swim better when they don't have floaties to rely on. I do have a water ring sling that we've used sometimes, if there is a need to be hands free.</p> <p>Last weekend, we went to the lake for the first time and we used a coast guard approved PFD (personal flotation device) while boating. We tested it is shallow water and he mostly happily floats, face-up in the PFD. However, at one point we were holding him by the handle, so he was leaning forward, and when we let go, he went in the water face first and didn't flip right side up. I think if we'd left him for a bit longer, the PFD would have flipped him, but I was worried he would have swallowed water by then, so we didn't wait long enough to see. Just goes to show that even the highest rated flotation devices aren't fool proof. </p> [attach=5988/16/o95065.330x600.In-PFD.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570983 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 20:36:40 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2570983@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our almost 4 year old has a puddle jumper. We have him play around with it on (adults are always in the pool with him), but we've taken it off a few times so that he can feel what it's like to not always float in the water (for exactly the reason @Truth Bombs: mentioned). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570939 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:51:35 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2570939@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: :shocked: </p> <p>For what it's worth I totally agree with you. I definitely can see why parents would want to use a device that holds the kids up, but I want my kids to know what their body feels like in the water and learn to trust their abilities naturally. I do take both of mine (3.5 and 1.5) to the pool together, but my son is only waist deep and my daughter can also stand. And there is a life guard, should I be at one end of the pool holding the 1.5 year old and not be able to get to the 3.5 year old fast enough. Last year I couldn't be away from my son for even a second...it's amazing how much more confident we both are at 3.5 than we were at 2.5! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570936 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:44:42 +0000 Truth Bombs 2570936@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@rattles: even though our baby isn't mobile yet I still don't/won't take them swimming by myself. I'm only comfortable with a 1:1 adult to child ratio around bodies of water until the children are confident swimmers. I'm not scared of water (I swam competitively until I was 18 and spent all my summers growing up at the beach) but I have a very healthy respect for it. My biggest fear with puddle jumpers is my daughter thinking "when I jump in a pool, I float" and then doing it without a puddle jumper on. </p> <p>@Miss Ariel: I feel you on the in laws. My in laws have a pool and last summer when my daughter was 2.5 one of my husband's cousins legitimately made fun of me for "watching her like a hawk" when she was in the pool. Uuuhh, yeah, because I love her and don't want her to drown? This same cousin's 5 year old jumped out a second story window in their house when they weren't watching him so I'll take his parenting advice with a grain of salt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570933 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:40:35 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2570933@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nothing unless we are at the lake and need a lifejacket in a boat. We just stick to water they can stand in. Once DS takes swimming lessons this summer I hope he can get in the big pool, but I am really in no hurry. The toddler pools are so much more fun for them at this age. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570932 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:34:47 +0000 MrsSRS 2570932@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about something like this<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013Z8F6HA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1466465427&#038;sr=8-2&#038;pi=SX200_QL40&#038;keywords=infant+life+vest+under+20+lbs&#038;dpPl=1&#038;dpID=41G6uXqb7BL&#038;ref=plSrch" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B013Z8F6HA/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1466465427&#038;sr=8-2&#038;pi=SX200_QL40&#038;keywords=infant+life+vest+under+20+lbs&#038;dpPl=1&#038;dpID=41G6uXqb7BL&#038;ref=plSrch</a><br /> FWIW my 1yo and 3yo both wear puddle jumpers. The 1yo is 20 lbs and it inhibits her mobility because it covers her elbows, but it's adequate with a parent very near. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570898 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 16:38:03 +0000 PinkElephant 2570898@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>At that age and a similar weight, we had a Konfidence suit (sized down). It wasn't tight, because it's not a PFD, but rather a learn-to-swim aid....but it was t so loose shed fall out of it, since it's built into a tank suit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570882 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 15:48:23 +0000 skipra 2570882@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Mine are 3.5 and 2 and both prefer noodles wrapped around them and secured with a diving ring. They can both swim across the pool independently but I would think you younger LO might need help. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570783 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 13:49:00 +0000 Miss Ariel 2570783@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: I feel the same way. Although dd is only 18 months old and has only been in a pool once so it hasn't been an issue either way. We are going on a beach vacation next week but I'm not planning on getting anything, except maybe a float for her to hang out in. I'd imagine in the years to come it will be somewhat of a thing with my inlaws though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570699 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 12:53:48 +0000 twodoghouse 2570699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Puddle jumpers for both.</p> <p>@sorrycharlie: @Aandmklover: For what it's worth, Alice is 22 lbs and fits in her puddle jumper fine with it tightened all the way. She has less mobility in it (like her arms aren't as free as Blake's are, if that makes sense) because it's still big on her. But with a parent with her, she does fine in it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570672 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 12:38:49 +0000 FaithFertility 2570672@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: I know exactly what you are talking about from target :(</p> <p>She wants to be held or try to swim.... lol<br /> She won't sit in her float or wear a vest<br /> I think I'm going to teach her soon </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570663 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 12:29:25 +0000 Mamaof2 2570663@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>puddle jumper</p> <p>wings are not allowed in the public pool since they are not coast guard approved </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570660 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 12:27:21 +0000 regberadaisy 2570660@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Maysprout: thanks for the PJ versus wing comparison! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570658 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 12:25:05 +0000 Maysprout 2570658@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids both wore water wings at a year and could get around on their own (there was a small learning curve since they were so small). I even put them on my LO when she was like 8 or 9 months (before she could walk) and they let her be able to walk around the baby pool unassisted (but with me hovering right next to her). Still had to be right there and watch them like a hawk since their lil arms could start slipping out. With my oldest she was very resistant to swimming without them even when she had shown us plenty of times she could swim so we just slowly deflated them till it got to a point where she's like alright guys I get your trick. The pool this year doesn't allow water wings anymore and we have a puddle jumper but it's not great for letting them learn to swim so I've been thinking about getting one of those back floaters. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-type-of-floatswim-device-does-your-lo-use#post-2570656 Mon, 20 Jun 2016 12:23:31 +0000 rattles 2570656@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: that's a perk of only having one that's mobile :silly: </p> <p>Mine are both in puddle jumpers unless DH is there too or we're in a small enough pool where I can reach them both. It's clearly giant on my 1.5 year old, but she's on the bigger side, and it buys me two seconds to get to her if I need it. </p>