When shopping for a baby float, you'll often see labels like "CE certified" or references to the EN 13138 standard. But what do these certifications actually mean? Do they guarantee total safety? And what should you concretely check? Here's everything a parent needs to know before buying a baby float. 👶
The CE Marking: What It Really Means
The CE marking (Conformité Européenne) is placed on products that comply with the essential safety requirements defined by applicable European directives. For children's toys and swim accessories, it indicates that the product:
- Contains no dangerous chemical substances (phthalates, BPA, heavy metals)
- Passes mechanical strength and pull-force tests
- Is suited to its declared use (age and weight range)
- Comes with safety instructions in the appropriate language
Important: the CE marking is not a quality label awarded by an independent body. It is self-declared by the manufacturer under their own responsibility. It is a declaration of conformity, not a third-party certification. This means an unscrupulous manufacturer can apply CE without rigorous testing.
The EN 13138 Standard: The Specific Reference for Buoyancy Aids
The EN 13138 standard is the European reference specifically for buoyancy aids for swimming instruction. It is divided into several parts:
- EN 13138-1: worn buoyancy aids (armbands, vests, neck rings)
- EN 13138-2: hand-held aids
- EN 13138-3: support-mounted aids
This standard sets precise requirements for:
- Minimum buoyancy: measured in Newtons, based on the child's weight. For example, a float for a 22 lb (10 kg) child must provide a minimum lift of 30 N.
- Mechanical strength: seam pull tests, internal pressure tests for inflatable products.
- Valve tightness: valves must not leak under pressure for a specified duration.
- Ergonomics: the product must not restrict the child's movements or create dangerous pressure points.
- Mandatory information: weight/age ranges, usage and care instructions.
Concrete Tests a Certified Baby Float Must Pass
| Test | What It Checks | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Internal pressure test | Resistance to overpressure without bursting | EN 13138-1 |
| Valve pull test | Valves must not detach | EN 13138-1 |
| Buoyancy test | Sufficient upward force to keep child afloat | EN 13138-1 |
| Chemical substance test | No phthalates, BPA, or heavy metals | REACH / EN 71-3 |
| Durability test | Resistance to UV and chlorine after 200 hours | EN 13138-1 |
How to Verify a Float Is Truly Compliant
Here's what to check when purchasing:
- ✅ CE marking is readable on the product itself (not just on the packaging)
- ✅ Reference to EN 13138 is mentioned in the manual or on the packaging
- ✅ Weight and age ranges are clearly stated
- ✅ Safety instructions are provided in your language
- ✅ Manufacturer or EU importer name and address is listed
- ⚠️ Be wary of very cheap, unbranded products: CE marking can be fraudulent
Armbands vs Floats: Are the Standards the Same?
Yes — both armbands and floats fall under the same EN 13138 worn-aid standard. The main difference lies in buoyancy testing: armbands must right a child placed vertically in the water, while seat floats must maintain a stable seated position. For more on choosing between these two accessories, see our article baby float or swim armbands: which to choose by age?
What the Standard Does NOT Guarantee
To be clear: even a float certified CE and EN 13138 never replaces adult supervision. The standard guarantees the product performs correctly under normal use conditions, but:
- It does not cover violent impacts (falling from a pool mattress, collisions)
- It does not guarantee unlimited durability over time
- It does not replace constant adult supervision
- It is evaluated for calm water use (pools), not extreme conditions (rough sea, strong currents)
To choose the right float for your baby's age and weight, see our guides baby float or armbands by age and baby float by weight. To compare top brands, check out our Swimtrainer, Konfidence and Babyswimmer comparison. All our baby floats are CE certified. 👶
FAQ – Baby Float Safety Standards
Can a float without CE marking still be safe?
Technically possible, but strongly inadvisable. Without CE marking, you have no guarantee about the materials used (risk of substances toxic to baby's skin) or the product's mechanical strength. In the event of an accident, the seller's liability is more easily established if the product does not comply.
Is the EN 13138 standard mandatory to sell a baby float?
CE marking is mandatory for marketing any children's equipment in the European Union. EN 13138 is the harmonized reference standard whose compliance is presumed to satisfy European safety requirements. It is not strictly legally mandatory, but a manufacturer who does not follow it must otherwise prove their product is safe.
How do you verify that a CE marking is authentic?
For products subject to notified body control (not all toys), a body identification number follows the CE marking (e.g., CE 0197). For baby floats, CE marking is often self-declared. The best indicators of a serious product are: an identifiable brand, tests referenced on the packaging, and full traceability of the manufacturer or EU importer.
