Keep Baby Safe in the Water Wth This Deluxe Baby Float
Finding a float for a young toddler or baby can be quite a task. First, there are different sizes. I had already tried two different infant floats and my chubby little baby couldn’t fit all the way in them. Second, there is the durability. I’ve had quite a few floats that have leaked within the first day of use. Last, there is the appeal to young ones. Infants and toddlers do not want a float that will scare them or not interest them. Putting all these factors together, and just shopping for a simple baby float can become a task.
I finally lucked out a few years back when we discovered Intex Deluxe Baby Float Pool School Step 1 . The price was reasonable (around 7.99 at the time), and I had tried so many other floats that I figured eventually we would get this float thing right.
Intex Deluxe Baby Float Pool School Step 1
Intex’s baby float is a bright yellow inflatable pool float that weighs around a pound and a half. One the front part of the float, there is a logo that says Pool School: Step 1 (in pink), Step 2 (in blue). and Step 3 (in aqua) . This particular float is a Step 1, meaning that is more of a learning float for infants and toddlers. On the back side of the float (behind the head rest) the words Baby Boat Float Step 1 appear. A little yellow head rest in on the inner part of the float, making it a little more comfortable. Instead of the normal round shape that so many floats have, this float is square shaped and has two different air chambers. The first air chamber is for the outer region of the float. The second chamber if for the inner seat region. The inner/seat region of the float is designed as “diaper style”, making it easier for those wearing little swimmer diapers to fit in easily. There are 5 different leg holes to fit little ones into, and the seating is made of thin but sturdy vinyl. There is a 25 pound weight limit on the float, and should not be used by babies/toddlers that exceed the recommended weight.
Assembly of the baby float is simple. As mentioned before, there are two different air chambers (one on the outer float and one on the inner float). After finding each valve, open it up and inflate the float. A hand pump is not really necessary for this as the float only takes a few minutes to inflate by mouth. After inflated, push the valves into place and the float is ready to be used.
Experiences with Intex Deluxe Baby Pool School Step 1
I can clearly remember how easy it was to use this float. My daughter was a chubby little baby, so most the other infants floats didn’t really fit her. With ease, we slipped her into the Intex float. While the float was in the water, she seemed attracted to the bright yellow colors and tapped and patted on the float a lot. The float worked fine with no leaks and plenty of room to lift her in and out. We used this float for an entire summer and never once had any problems with it. There is also a repair patch kit that comes along with the float just in case of a hole or leak. However, we never had to use it even once. The float remained sturdy and kept its bright color despite many many hours out in the sun and in the pool.
There are a few things about this float that I thought could be improved upon. Although my daughter loved the bright yellow color, I thought there could be something extra added to keep her attention. We’ve owned floats before that had little toys attached to the front where babies could play with them while swimming. This float offers no kind of attached toy. Also, there are not handles on the side for parents to hold on to, or even babies. Once again, there were other floats that had built in arm handles. This made it much easier to get a grip on the float while in the pool. It wasn’t difficult to keep a grasp on this float, but it sure would have made it a lot easier.
Recommended?
Considering the trying times we had just finding a float that would “fit”, I would recommend this to all chubby babies. Also, the fact that the material is sturdy and we never had one leak is another reason I would recommend this float. I have seen better floats out there with the little extras that make floating a bit funner, but with this one I felt completely safe. If an emergency was to happen, getting my daughter out of the quickly would not have been a problem. So if you can do without the little extras and a couple of other trivial things, then this is a great little learner float.
A Few Warnings
This float is not a life saving device and should never be used as one. Never leave the little ones unattended while using the float. Always remember to fully inflate both chambers. Adults should always, always, always be in direct reach of the float while in use.
