Swimming away with Swim Ways Baby Spring Float
Written: Jul 14 '04
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Pros: Allows baby to float freely but securely at the same time. Sturdy. Storage bag.
Cons: Fold away storage hard to do at first - needs to dry out first.
The Bottom Line: Fun in the water for your baby and you. Allows baby to sit up and "swim" at the same time. Great for baby's first introduction to swimming.
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| mommykd's Full Review: Swim Ways Baby Spring Float |
Summertime means pool time sooner or later. And if you are going to go swimming with a baby, in addition to swim diapers, sunscreen, and a cute bathing suit, you'll also need some type of flotation device. Unless you're trying to build up the muscles in your arms and actually want to hold the baby continuously that is! And, if you are like me and trying to monitor 2 children in the swimming pool at the same time, you definitely need some help. Since I just read Krissingene's review of Intex Kiddie Float, I decided to review our new float. (Although she was a more frugal shopper!)
The need for a float:
Last month, we were planning a "Diving with Daddies" swimming event with the daycare children, and I didn't have anything to use with my then 7 month old son. I could not find the swimmy float we had used with my daughter when she was a baby. So, while at Wal-Mart my Mom found a SwimWays Baby Spring Float for $12.99. I had seen these for as much as $25.00 online, so when she called and described it to me, I told her to bring it home and we'd give it a try!
What is it?
The SwimWays Baby Spring Float has two extra large inflation chambers for added stability and security. The inner air chamber rests close to baby, and has a center seat made of soft fabric with adequate openings for chubby little legs. The outer chamber provides stability. Between each chamber is a soft mesh material that allows water to flow through. The chambers inflate easily - pressurized air should not be used to inflate. Ours is blue with a dolphin print. Comes with it's own travel mesh bag, and when deflated, will fold to fit back into the bag. The "spring" action is in the inflation/deflation. The float "pops" open when unfolded. Recommended for kids introduced to the water for the first time ages 9 months to 2 years with adult supervision.
My little fish:
We missed the "Diving with Daddies" event due to a stomach virus with my 3 1/2 year old daughter. A few days later, as promised to make up for this, we went to visit my Daddy so the kids could swim. I took the float out of the bag and inflated it within 5 minutes. After putting swimmies on my daughter's arms and settling her down on the steps of the pool, I got in the pool with the float and my Stepmom handed the baby in to me. I was able to put him into the seat - his legs fit into the holes with no problem, and he immediately started kicking and laughing. He has been sitting unassisted for a couple of months, and had no problem maintaining his balance in this float. The water comes up about chest level due to the mesh design between the chambers and the seat, but it didn't seem to be a problem. A quick check to the pool steps and I discover that my daughter is now scared of the water and isn't coming off the 2nd step. Not even when I tried to coax her, so I was able to provide plenty of attention to the baby in the float - as he decided to kick away and float by himself - laughing the entire time.
Getting out
Taking the baby out of the float is difficult unassisted, but since he was enjoying the water so much, he didn't seem to care that I almost dunked him! The next time I took him out, we just swam over to the steps where I could reach him better, and it was much easier.
Bagging it up:
The first time we used the float, it came a rainstorm, so I had nowhere to let it dry out before deflating and storing. Also, the fold away method was a little difficult to figure out. The instructions are printed on the float though, and as my Daddy was quick to point out when all else fails, read the instructions. The idea is to hold it away from you and fold inward and then inward again until float forms a circle to fit back into the storage bag. It works! You should let it air dry first though - otherwise you, the floor, and the bag will be dripping wet.
SwimWays is a splash for us!
All in all, this seems to be a fun and easy to use flotation device for babies. It's lightweight, and inflates/deflates easily enough for traveling. We have used it about 3 or 4 times, and every time my son seems to enjoy the water more.
Things to watch for - older babies may try to crawl out of it. Be careful when used around pool steps, as baby will be able to stand up and could potentially fall out. Also, the seat and water level will allow baby to put his face in the water. Just be cautious - as you always should when children are around water.
Adult supervision is required at all times. Never allow baby out of your reach. Not a lifesaving device!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 12..99
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 Months
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Epinions.com ID:
mommykd
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Member: Lisa
Location: Georgia
Reviews written: 118
Trusted by: 17 members
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