Swim Aids on Test

Most babies love a good splash in the pool and according to experts, they're never too young to start learning to swim!

Whether you've been taking your tot to classes or are about to take the plunge for the first time, there's a whole host of swim aids available to make pool time a safe and fun experience for your child.

Swim aids are an effective way to help your child feel relaxed and confident in the water and can be used from just a few months old right through to toddlerdom when their swimming skills really start to develop.

Our panel of parents have spent the last few weeks testing a variety of swim aids, including wet suits ('ideal for keeping younger babies warmer for longer'), floatation suits ('good for older toddlers showing a readiness to swim independently') and fun water aids ('an excellent way to entice wary kids into the pool').

What we tested:

Konfidence Original Buoyancy Jacket 'ideal for older toddlers who are more independent in the water'	Konfidence Baby Warma 'keeps baby warm and super-easy to use'
Kool Sun Soft Touch Wettie UPF50+ 'brilliant for summer hols when sun protection is paramount'	Speedo Fish Armbands 'easy to use with a child-friendly design'
Splashabout Floatsuit 'a simple, clever idea but very fiddly'	Splashabout Baby Wrap 'high quality wetsuit for additional warmth'
Swimtrainer 'a real confidence booster'	Zoggs Super Soakers 'makes pool time fun'
Zoggs Trainer Seat 'great for smaller babies who are scared of the water'

Where to next?

• See our reviews of swim nappies
• Browse swimming products in the babyworld shop
• Chat to other parents in the Product Talk forum
• Read and add your own product reviews