Your little water baby has grown into a water toddler! So, of course, that means they’ve grown out of all their baby wetsuits and swim wraps. Are there any other pieces of equipment young children need on their swimming journey?

At this point, your toddler shouldn’t need swim nappies, so get them age-appropriate trunks or swimsuits. But you should also look at what floatation devices children can use to make swimming a fun experience. Remember, though, that floatation equipment is not a substitute for swimming lessons, and you should keep your child within arm’s length of you even when they’re floating.

What equipment does my toddler/preschooler need?

Here are our tips and guidelines for choosing swim equipment for your toddler.

Armbands. Armbands have been around for years because they’re so useful. They slip into your child’s arms and allow them to float around whilst keeping their legs free.

Swim rings. Swim rings are lots of fun for toddlers up to 3 years old. You can get them to jump into the ring from the poolside if they’re a bit scared. They’ll feel safe and secure in the middle of a swim ring! You can also use swim seats if they find it more comfortable.

Back floats. Back floats are strapped to your child’s back to allow them to practice basic swimming skills. Some floats even come with adjustable layers which you can remove as their confidence grows!

Float suits. Whilst you can use float suits for babies, that doesn’t mean you have to leave them behind as they become toddlers. They’ll still get all the benefits from the adjustable floats, as well as improved confidence.

Float jackets. These are slimmer than a float suit, whilst also being more freeing. They also fit snugly into a suitcase if you’re travelling on holiday. Float jackets also make sure your little one’s arms and legs are free when they’re in the water.

Kickboards. Kickboards are great for developing leg skills in the water and helping children learn to swim. These are amazing at building confidence in the water and are so versatile for learning many different swimming skills.

Pool noodles. Always a classic, pool noodles are lots of fun for budding swimmers! Not only can children ride them, but they can also be wrapped around the back to relax in the water. Just make sure nobody’s getting whacked with them!

What swim equipment do toddlers and preschoolers need?

Unii looks at what to buy your little ones for the pool.