Your baby is entering their 18th month β they're not quite a toddler yet, but they're getting there fast! πΆ
This stage is truly fascinating in a child's development. At 18 months, babies are walking, starting to talk, and exploring the world around them with incredible curiosity.
Why not introduce them to the water? A summer staple for young children everywhere, the pool and water in general give little ones a chance to have fun while building their physical abilities.
There's no question β water activities are incredibly beneficial for babies, especially 18-month-olds. But it's essential to keep your little one safe in the water by equipping them with a flotation device like a baby float.
What are the benefits of using a float for an 18-month-old? How do you choose the right one? We're breaking it all down in this guide from the UnicornFloats.com team. Let's dive in!
The Benefits of Using a Float for an 18-Month-Old Baby
Your baby has passed their first birthday and is growing fast β physically and mentally. This summer, introducing them to the water is a wonderful idea. The baby float for 1-year-olds and up is a must-have for safely building your little one's motor skills.
Pool games and water play are hugely rewarding activities for young children β especially when they can explore them safely with an inflatable float:
- Water & Physical Development πΆ: the water helps children develop motor skills and build confidence in their own abilities.
- Early Swim Learning π: a baby float is the ideal accessory for helping your little one learn to swim safely.
- Peace of Mind for Parents βοΈ: even though every parent needs to stay close and supervise during every swim, a swim ring adds an important extra layer of security.
Also check out our other baby float guides:
Always keep your baby under close adult supervision during every swim session.
The risk of drowning is always present β even when young children are equipped with flotation gear like a swim vest, a UPF-rated floating swimsuit, a giant float, or swim armbands. Staying close and staying alert is the best safety net of all.
Safety Tips Before Your 18-Month-Old's First Swim
Before heading to the pool, check with your pediatrician to make sure there are no contraindications. At 18 months, vaccinations should already be up to date β but it's always worth confirming before your little one's first pool session to avoid any risk of infection.
As mentioned above, even with the latest-generation float, there is no such thing as zero risk β especially when it comes to drowning. Every parent must take their lifeguard role seriously.
The Most Popular Floats for 18-Month-Old Babies
With safety covered, it's time to pick the right float. There are plenty of options out there, and each style has its own pros and cons depending on your child's age and comfort level in the water.
Browse our full collection of floats for 18-month-old babies:
The Baby Float With Sun Canopy
The baby float with sun canopy is our undisputed bestseller for 18-month-olds β and it's easy to see why.
A puncture-proof float with a built-in sun canopy for UV protection, this baby float is a massive hit every summer.
Its 40Β° swimming position encourages natural stroke development β similar to freestyle or breaststroke β making this non-inflatable float a fantastic way to get your 18-month-old comfortable in the water. Check it out:
The Seat Float for 18-Month-Old Babies
The inflatable seat float lets your little one explore the water safely in a comfortable, stable seated position.
Your child can build their swim skills while sitting comfortably in a unicorn, flamingo, or swan-shaped baby float. Picture your adorable baby, all smiles, aboard their favorite animal or fruit-shaped seat float β pretty hard to resist, right?
Which 18-Month Baby Float to Choose β Animals or Food?
Animal-shaped baby floats are a huge hit with little ones. At 18 months, kids are starting to notice and connect with animals:
- Unicorn,
- Flamingo,
- Shark baby float,
- Duck baby floatβ¦
A wide range of animal-shaped models are available at great prices in our online store. You'll also find models with built-in sun canopies, like the swan-shaped baby seat float.
We also carry inflatable baby floats in fun food, fruit, and veggie shapes β watermelon, pineapple, donut... Guaranteed to spark your little one's imagination all summer long!
Pro tip from UnicornFloats.com: swim armbands for 18-month-olds, swim vests, and floating swimsuits give kids a lot more freedom of movement. However, these accessories carry more risk and are best suited for children aged 2 to 3 who are already comfortable in the water and have solid body control. For younger babies, stick with an inflatable float β like our 6-month baby float.
Why Choose Our Inflatable Floats for 18-Month-Old Babies?
All our inflatable floats are made from high-quality reinforced waterproof PVC or vinyl β built tough to last season after season.
Also check out our floats for 2-year-old babies.
Our friendly customer service team is ready to help you find the perfect float for your little one. Don't hesitate to reach out at support@unicornfloats.com β we'll get back to you within 24 to 48 hours. We'd love to hear from you!
