Grab your water wings and head for the pool — it’s officially swimming season! We’ve put together a list of new and ingenious products to make swim time a win time for parents and kids.
Stay safe: Sea Squirts life jacket
Young swimmers can glide like orcas, dive like dolphins or be “found” like Nemo in these jackets inspired by marine life. Sporting a cool flexible fin on the back, this Coast Guard–approved neoprene gear makes water safety extra-fun. The jackets come in three sizes based on chest measurement and weight range.
$47, swimways.com
Stay safe: Sun Smarties UV zip suit
Kids can’t wait to get into the sun and water, but swimsuits and sunscreen take time to put on. Stretchy and lightweight, this suit features instant 50+ UPF protection and a zipper that runs from neck to belly (with leg snaps on sizes 24 months and under), so you can hit the pool or beach in
no time!
$40, onestepahead.com
Stay safe: O’Neill infant life jacket
Does the thought of your ambling toddler near a deep pool make you want to hide out indoors? This infant jacket with head-up positioner and grab-loop handle will ease your fears. Made of neoprene, this Coast Guard–approved jacket moves and stretches while keeping your kiddo safe. For infants 30 pounds or less.
$60, isnorkel.com
Stay safe: Puddle Jumper life jacket
For the little swimmer who needs a life vest but might be swallowed up by a puffy jacket, try the Puddle Jumper. A cross between a life vest and water wings, it’s less bulky and won’t ride up. This Coast Guard–approved flotation device is designed for kids between 30 and 50 pounds.
$20–$50, amazon.com
Look smart: Sun Smarties swim hat
Long locks are lovely, but they can get messy in the water. This festive swim hat keeps hair tangle-free and away from the face, and it provides UV scalp protection! Stretchy but not skintight, it has fully adjustable ties in the back.
$10, onestepahead.com
Look smart: Baby Sun Legz
Does a slathering of sunscreen turn your little crawler’s legs into magnets for sand and dirt? Does a typical swimsuit not adequately cover bare knees? With these bright 50+ UV-protective accessories, baby’s legs will be protected from sun and scrapes in fine style.
$19, uvskinz.com
Look smart: Aqua Sphere Seal Kid 2 swim goggles
With the sleekness of goggles and the visibility of a snorkel mask, these UVA- and UVB-protective wraparound goggles offer distortion-free clarity. The leak-resistant frames and hassle-free buckle system make Aqua Sphere’s goggles a great pick for kids’ pool-time shenanigans.
$17–$30, amazon.com
Look smart: Sun Smarties rubber-frame sunglasses
You’ll feel cooler than Corey Hart wearing his sunglasses at night when you give your little rock star these rubber-frame shades. Made to withstand the rigors of childhood, they also include shatter- and impact-resistant lenses. Infant, toddler and child sizes available.
$10, onestepahead.com
Have fun: Baby Spring Float activity center
Here’s a way to keep baby entertained — and contained — while in the pool. Using an activity-center model, this interactive float features a removable sun canopy plus a squeaker, a rattle, stacking rings, a teether and a squeezy star. On dry land, the whole shebang folds easily into its own carrying case.
$40, swimways.com
Have fun: Quut Ballo water bucket
Everyone knows you can’t make a good sandcastle unless you have a little water and some wet sand. With this awesome spherical bucket, your amateur architects will slosh and spill no more! The easy-carry, easy-pour design is perfect for small hands.
$20, amazon.com
Have fun: Float Buddy pool toy
Sometimes you just need a pal. This floating, huggable, water-resistant friend provides constant comfort in or near the waves, great for soothing baby’s fears and going where no conventional plush toy can. Dolphin, penguin, polar bear and shark buddies all feature antimicrobial, quick-drying outer fabric and stuffing.
$25, hearthsong.com
Have fun: Water Gear progressive back float
This ingenious flotation device enables parents to change the buoyancy level as kids get used to swimming on their own. The adjustable vest allows a full range of motion, helping young swimmers develop confidence while giving parents peace of mind.
$12, watergear.com
