9 cute, practical floaties and swim vests your toddler is sure to love this summer
Make a mighty splash with these adorable floaties and swim vests.
You’ve got the perfect swimwear, destination and yummy snacks in mind, but there’s one important thing missing from a successful summer’s day: the best floaties to keep your toddler secure while they frolick away in the water.
If you have a toddler, you’ll know that keeping them entertained and safe in the water can be quite the challenge. However, swimming is such a big part of Australian life, and learning how to swim is incredibly important.
In fact, according to the Royal Lifesaving Report 2023/2024, tragically 323 drowning deaths were recorded over the past 12 months which is 16% higher than the ten-year average.
Always supervise your children while they are swimming
While active supervision from a competent adult is key whenever little ones are swimming in a body of water, teaching our children how to swim and be safe in and around water is also paramount.
So what’s one of the best ways to do this? Floaties and swim vests! (in addition to proper swimming lessons, of course). By giving children the freedom to swim and play without hassle, floaties are great for building confidence in the water.
Fortunately, there’s so many different floaties on the market these days. From swimsuits containing SPF, to arm bands, back floats and everything in between, your toddler’s sure to love all the floating assistance (and super cute designs).
The best floaties and swim vests for toddlers
Zoggs Sea queen swimsure jacket,
from $49.99, Rebel Sport
The Zoggs swimsure jacket provides buoyancy and arm movement so that little ones can get used to using their arms and legs in the water.
The jacket features a safe design for extra peace of mind.
Swim vest for kids
from $19, Amazon AU
Your little one can make a splash with this swim vest for toddlers aged 2-6 years. The best features adjustable straps and secure back buckle to keep the vest snug and in place.
Sunnylife Monty the monster buddy float bands,
from $6.99 (usually $19.99) at Sunnylife
With cute 3D googly eyes and a gradient ombre print, get ready for your wildest dreams to come to life!
These bands are easy to inflate, simple to put on and super comfy on your little one’s arms.
Sunnylife Melody the Mermaid Swim Vest 2-3 in Neon Strawberry
from $69.99, at Myer
The Melody the Mermaid Swim Vest features a bright neon pink design and a cute 3D mermaid tail, making swim time extra fun!
Made from durable neoprene, it offers great buoyancy and warmth. With an adjustable safety strap between the legs and a front zipper, it ensures a comfortable and secure fit for your little swimmer.
Speedo character printed float vest
from $60 at The Iconic
Earn your swim stripes with Chima the African Penguin.
Designed to give learners a new sense of independence, as well as the buoyancy they need to start kicking and using their arms, this bright green float vest provides high visibility.
It includes foam inserts for flotation, and a zip-up front to keep little swimmers secure.
Zoggs Zoggy back-float
from $30, The Iconic
This back float is perfect for giving children more independence in the water, while keeping them afloat.
The adjustable strap goes across the chest for a secure fit, while supporting the body position and independent arm and leg movement.
Speedo Character Printed Float Suit
from $52.50 (usually $70), The Iconic
Make a mighty splash with this adorable float suit.
Float suits give learners a new sense of independence, while providing the buoyancy they need to start kicking and using their arms.
Somersault Inflatable Floatie Arm Bands
from $5, Big W
Dive down under with these super cute sea lift design arm bands!
Arm bands are the key to making little explorers feel confident in deeper water, and ready to unlock adventures beyond the shallows.
Zoggs Super star water wings float suit
from $70 at The Iconic
This float suit provides adjustable puncture proof buoyancy in an all-in-one suit, with the added benefit of UPF 50+ sun protection too.
Its unique design encourages a natural swimming position to get toddlers and kids used to swimming properly.
