Splash Smart! Our Top Safe Water Toy Tips
3 de julio de 2025If the hot weather is any indicator, summer is certainly in full swing! Many choose to beat the heat with fun water activities, such as swimming in a pool, visiting nearby lakes or even going to the coast to enjoy the beach. We have heard of all the things to do to keep our children safe around different bodies of water, but what about the toys they play with while in the water? They may be cute and fun, but are they safe? Let us find out!
General Tips
In general, when looking for pool toys, be sure to read the recommended age and weight for use. Never leave the toys in the pool and always store them in a safe location after use. Anything inflatable should always be deflated after use. Always be sure to check for leaks prior to using any inflatable toys. Close adult supervision is still always required when chidlren are around pools.
Water Toy Safety
Now to some specific products. inflatable pools and portable pools are a great, affordable option for most families to have fun in the water while staying home. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states the children under 5 are at a higher risk of drowning with unexpected, unsupervised access to water. Overall, unless you have a tall secure fence around the pool, it is advised to drain the pool after every use and be sure to keep a constant watch over the children while they have fun.
For our babies, there are a ton of fun flotation devices available so they can enjoy the water with us. Be careful which devices you use, and know that despite flotation devices, children still need constant supervision, with touch supervision recommended by the AAP. The FDA released a safety communication in 2022 that baby neck floats can lead to serious injury and even death, especially in children with special needs. They are not recommended for use in any setting.
Lastly, we have water wings. You see them everywhere and may assume that this means they are safe for our children, but that is not always the case. Not only do water wings impair the ability to learn safe, effective swimming techniques, they can also keep the child in the wrong position in the water. If they were to flip over and face down in the water, the buoyancy of the water wings could keep them in that position and prevent them from being able to flip back around to a safer position. Always check the inside of the water wings for information regarding class type that the US coast guard assigns, weight limits, and if it is meant as a trainer, and not a safety device. If you are unsure what the types mean, you can refer to the US Coast Guard website as they have resources to ensure everybody is using the right devices for the type of water activity they are being used for.
Resources for Adults
The AAP provides an excellent resource, healthychildren.org, which is research based and written by pediatricians for families. If you are unsure of what is safe for your child, this is an excellent website to look for those answers, in addition to talking with your child's Pediatrician.
Splish, splash, and have a blast – but play it safe so the fun can last!
