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  • 10 Best Swim Floaters for Kids in the Philippines 2024 | Intex, Bestway, and More 1
  • 10 Best Swim Floaters for Kids in the Philippines 2024 | Intex, Bestway, and More 2
  • 10 Best Swim Floaters for Kids in the Philippines 2024 | Intex, Bestway, and More 3
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10 Best Swim Floaters for Kids in the Philippines 2024 | Intex, Bestway, and More

Summertime is finally coming! Now that beach resorts and private pools are slowly opening at a limited capacity, you can finally plan a mini getaway with the family for some water adventure. When you are going with the kids, purchasing swim floaters is a great and wise decision to ensure their safety while having fun. These floaters can help prevent kids from drowning.


Swim floaters, also known as floaties or salbabida, serve not only as water toys for children but also as protection- keeping them afloat on the water. Floaters can come in many different shapes, designs, and sizes, and choosing the best one can be challenging. So, we have made a list and a buying guide to help you find the best swim floaters for your children.

Last updated 07/14/2023
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Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.

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Table of Contents

How to Choose a Swim Floater for Kids - Buying Guide

Innovations in swim floaters are getting more advanced to provide comfort to the users, especially kiddos. There are a lot of options when it comes to structure, design, and color. 


But first and foremost, floaters must play its essential role - to help prevent kids from drowning. So how do we pick the most suitable for them? Here are some crucial points to ponder before buying.

1

Know the Different Kinds of Swim Floaters

Swim floaters come in various forms and structures, each of which is worn for a specific part of the body. You can choose among the classic shapes and the fancier versions that come with extra features to balance safety and mobility. 

Ring Floaters Are Worn on the Waist and Chest

Ring Floaters Are Worn on the Waist and Chest

Ring floaters are typically placed on the waist. However, once floating, they usually move up towards the chest, and the swimmers must clip them using their arms. The conventional ring floaters are suitable for bigger kids since their motor skills are well-developed. Their arms and hands have a stronger grip that prevents them from slipping through the hole.


Since toddlers aren't strong enough for regular ring floaters, opt for an inflatable float seat, which comes with a diaper seat and two leg openings. This way, your little one gets to feel the water while safely sitting on his floating seat. 


Alternatively, babies can use neck ring floaters, so their bodies are submerged in water while keeping the head afloat to avoid drowning. This allows them to get familiarized with water at a very young age. 

Life Vest and Back Floaters Cover the Torso

Life Vest and Back Floaters Cover the Torso

For kids who like to swim more freely but are not yet confident enough to swim without the floaters, life vests and back floaters are the most recommended for them. They also work well if the child is not comfortable with ring floaters.


Life vests are identical to life jackets seen on ships and planes. Considered the safest floatation device to prevent drowning, they cover the entire torso to keep the kids afloat. They have adjustable straps and buckles to fit correctly on the wearer. 


Meanwhile, a back floater is made of layers of foam and is secured by a belt around the waist. This helps parents in training kids how to maintain their balance while swimming.

Arm Floaters and Kickboards for Swimming More Independently

Arm Floaters and Kickboards for Swimming More Independently

Arm floaters, also known as water wings, are inflatable bands, ideal for kids who can swim with minimal assistance in the water. These allow kids to swim more independently and submerge their bodies in the water. Of course, supervision is still required. 


Meanwhile, kickboards offer the least amount of support for a purpose. They are useful for kids who are into swimming lessons, just like the training wheels for bikers. They look like half of a surfboard that kids can hold on to while learning the proper swimming techniques without the fear of drowning.

Ride-On Floaters and Air Mats for Pretend Plays in the Water

Ride-On Floaters and Air Mats for Pretend Plays in the Water

Ride-on floaters come in many shapes- often in the form of inflatable animals like whales, ducks, and flamingoes as well as vehicles such as boats and cars. Your kids can hop on these floaters and enjoy pretend plays in the water. 


Meanwhile, air mats look like a smaller version of inflatable beds. The kids can enjoy the morning sun while sitting or laying on these wide and spacious floaters. Another good option is an island floater that can accommodate more than one person.

2

Consider the Age, Fit, and Bodyweight

Consider the Age, Fit, and Bodyweight

The compatibility with your little one's age group and bodyweight is an important factor in choosing swim floaters. Toddlers and preschoolers require more support features than older children, as described in the different types of floaters mentioned above. 


Also, most floaters indicate a weight capacity. They won't be able to serve their function properly when used by kids whose weights are beyond the capacity limit


However, we also have to keep in mind that kids also differ in terms of body type. Some have petite frames, while others are big for their age. So when buying floaters, also consider a little space allowance for breathability and comfort. Tight-fitting floaters may cause irritability in children, but loose floaters may slide off.

3

Opt for Eco-Friendly and Durable Materials

Opt for Eco-Friendly and Durable Materials

Vinyl is the common material used in inflatable floaters. It is an eco-friendly thermoplastic that is durable, budget-friendly, and can float. Vinyl's elasticity and durability are measured in terms of gauge, which is convertible to millimeters. Floaters must have at least 8.0 gauge or 22 millimeters, ideal for being stretchable and lightweight.


EVA foam is a material commonly used for kickboards and padded life vests. They are recycled materials that closely resemble Styrofoam. These floaters are affordable and nature-friendly as well. Some are wrapped in fabric to avoid scratches and lessen the tearing.

4

Inspect the Product Safety and Usage Instructions

Inspect the Product Safety and Usage Instructions

The very reason for buying swim floaters is to ensure the safety of your kids. Inspect the product description and look for safety approvals, which show that it has passed standard protocols for floaters. It is a good advantage if the product comes with safety instructions. This way, parents will know exactly how to prep and use the swim floaters.

5

Go for Bright Colors and Designs

Go for Bright Colors and Designs

The pop of color and fun designs in our salbabidas are primarily for aesthetics, so kids get to love them. But there's more to them than just eye candies! Suppose you are in a public pool or on a beach, swim floaters with unique designs and brilliant colors help you identify quickly where your kids are


If you know their floaters, you can call their attention or go after them if they are already on the deep side of the pool or getting farther from the seaside.

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10 Best Swim Floaters for Kids to Buy Online

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Intex

Tropical Buddies Swim Vest59661

Intex Tropical Buddies Swim Vest 1

₱159.75

Low Mid

Inflatable Life Vest With Adjustable Straps for Proper Fit

2

Intex

Tropical Buddies Arm Bands58652

Intex Tropical Buddies Arm Bands 1

₱89.75

Low

Give Your Kids a Little More Freedom in the Pool

3

Intex

Kiddie Float56581

Intex Kiddie Float 1

₱399.75

Mid

Inflatable Seat With Overhead Cover for Your Toddler

4

Bestway

Swim Ring Chocolate Donut

Bestway Swim Ring Chocolate Donut 1

₱349.75

Mid

Classic Ring Floater for the Bigger Kids

5

Intex

Pool School™ Kickboard58167

Intex Pool School™ Kickboard 1

₱329.75

Mid

Great Training Tool for Young Aspiring Swimmers

6

Intex

Peacock Island Floater57250

Intex Peacock Island Floater 1

₱1,741

High Mid

Lay Down and Relax After a Tiring Water Game

7

Swimava

Starter Ring Floaters for BabiesWatermelon Design

Swimava Starter Ring Floaters for Babies 1

₱1,650

High Mid

Designed for Babies to Encourage Water Treading

8

Intex

Kiddie Float59586

Intex Kiddie Float 1

₱229.75

Low Mid

Your Toddler's First Inflatable Car

9

Intex

Explorer™ 200 Boat Set58331

Intex Explorer™ 200 Boat Set 1

₱1,200

High Mid

Inflatable Boat With Paddles for Water Activities

10

Intex

Lil' Whale Ride-On58523

Intex Lil' Whale Ride-On 1

₱549.75

Mid

Swim With an Inflatable Whale

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

IntexTropical Buddies Swim Vest59661

Tropical Buddies Swim Vest 1
Source:shopee.ph
Tropical Buddies Swim Vest 2
Source:lazada.com.ph
Reference price
₱159.75
Low Mid
Reference price
₱159.75
Low Mid

Inflatable Life Vest With Adjustable Straps for Proper Fit

Leading the floaters' list is this life vest from Intex! It has the perfect balance of safety and fun- thanks to the adjustable straps and buckle. Your kids can enjoy swimming even more as their bodies' lower half is immersed in water. The bright yellow vest makes the wearer visible to adult companions.


Unlike the typical life vest that is stuffed with buoyant foam, this one is inflatable. It has air chambers, one of which is an inflatable collar. The good thing about compartmentalized inflatable floaters is that when one of the chambers gets damaged, the swimmer will not sink easily because the other parts still have air on them. 


This life vest is made of high-quality vinyl, making the product durable and lightweight. The product received wonderful feedback from buyers. Get one for each of your children and let them have fun in the water.

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No.2

IntexTropical Buddies Arm Bands58652

Tropical Buddies Arm Bands 1
Source:shopee.ph
Tropical Buddies Arm Bands 2
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱89.75
Low

Give Your Kids a Little More Freedom in the Pool

Some kids who already went swimming several times may want to move more independently in the water. However, if they're not yet trained to swim without any floaters, parents would still require them to wear water wings for peace of mind. This pair of Intex inflatable arm bands is their best choice for such instances.


Each floater has two air chambers to ensure safety while swimming. It has flat inner panels to give comfort to our young swimmers. The package also comes with safety approval and instructions that are easy-to-follow.


Since they are worn on the arms, kids won't find it a hassle to submerge in the water as compared to other types of floaters- not to mention that it is from a trusted brand of inflatables and water toys. No wonder, this product has received high star ratings from customers.

No.3

IntexKiddie Float56581

Kiddie Float 1
Source:shopee.ph
Kiddie Float 2
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱399.75
Mid

Inflatable Seat With Overhead Cover for Your Toddler

Completing our podium finish is this inflatable floater seat with a roof from Intex. It features an overhead cover, protecting your child from direct sunlight that can cause sunburn. 


The beauty of this kind of swim floaters is having a wide and soft seat where toddlers can comfortably relax instead of being afraid or overwhelmed. It comes with two small leg openings, so your little one can paddle his legs in the water. He may also opt to just lie down on the floating seat just like an airbed. 


Keep in mind that even with inflatable float seats, an adult companion must always stay close to the kid. Use this to bond with your toddler! Its bright sky blue color and starfish designs make it standout and easy to identify.

No.4

BestwaySwim Ring Chocolate Donut

Reference price
₱349.75
Mid

Classic Ring Floater for the Bigger Kids

We often buy doughnuts as a sweet treat, now your eyes can feast on a delicious-looking ring floater from Bestway! Perfect for the beach or the pool, this classic salbabida is designed like a chocolate sprinkle donut that no one can resist. It is 42 inches in diameter, which is suitable for older kids, ages 9 years old and above.


The vinyl material is pretested, so its durability is assured. It also comes with a safety valve and heavy-duty repair patch for long-term use and still salvageable in case of small damages. It is also available in a strawberry doughnut design with all the same features. This is going to be a favorite among young swimmers with a sweet tooth!

No.5

IntexPool School™ Kickboard58167

Reference price
₱329.75
Mid

Great Training Tool for Young Aspiring Swimmers

Swimming is a great physical exercise and an essential life skill in case of emergency. So, training them young in water whether for competition or hobby is a smart move! For their swimming lessons, it is best to have this Intex Pool School™ Kickboard, so your child can practice balance while floating on water.


It features a clear center section with an I-beam construction as well as welded-on safety grab handles on both sides. For extra safety, it has two air chambers as well as a repair patch for a quick fix in case it gets punctured. Use your next summer getaway to start a bit of training and get your little one familiar with the right swimming techniques. 

No.6

IntexPeacock Island Floater57250

Peacock Island Floater 1
Source:shopee.ph
Peacock Island Floater 2
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱1,741
High Mid
Reference price
₱1,741
High Mid

Lay Down and Relax After a Tiring Water Game

Swimming activity with family and friends is not complete without organizing water games for all age groups. After playing, you can bond and rest with your kids on island floaters like this one from Intex. It is a spacious inflatable where at least 2 persons can lay down. It has a  beautiful peacock design and is almost 6 feet wide! It also comes with two heavy-duty grab handles for safety.


It can accommodate 2 to 3 kids or one kid with an adult companion. Your kids can just sit down for a quick rest, or they can play pretend to have the peacock as their whimsical friend to go with their water adventures. It is going to be a fun and imaginative water game for them. It includes a repair patch in case of hole leaks!

No.7

SwimavaStarter Ring Floaters for BabiesWatermelon Design

Starter Ring Floaters for Babies 1
Source:swimavaph.com
Starter Ring Floaters for Babies 2
Source:swimavaph.com
Reference price
₱1,650
High Mid
Reference price
₱1,650
High Mid

Designed for Babies to Encourage Water Treading

This Swimava ring floater features a patented design by a pediatrician. It is placed around the baby's neck so she can float while being able to move her arms and legs. This encourages water-treading, which is one of the first steps towards water safety. 


Moreover, swimming this way helps babies to develop their muscle coordination, stamina, balance, and breathing. It has dual compartmentalized air chambers as a safety measure. Your baby can use it during bath time or when swimming in the pool. 


In addition, it comes in a cute watermelon design- perfect for your summer getaway. It includes a safety guide, a pump, and a reusable wet bag for storage! Keep in mind to never leave your babies unattended even when they are wearing this floater.

No.8

IntexKiddie Float59586

Kiddie Float 1
Source:shopee.ph
Kiddie Float 2
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱229.75
Low Mid
Reference price
₱229.75
Low Mid

Your Toddler's First Inflatable Car

Another entry from Intex, this inflatable float seat comes with a back support so your toddler can lean comfortably while enjoying his stay in the pool. It has two smooth leg holes for paddling and a repair patch just in case of a puncture.


It is available in 3 designs- an excavator, a fire engine, and a bulldozer. Your kids will definitely enjoy their first "water car" featuring familiar vehicles that they've seen on books and children's shows. 


The vivid colors of this floater will easily stand out, plus the little ones will also enjoy the minute details as well. It is reasonably-priced- a great gift idea to your nephew, niece, or godchild. Just take note of its weight capacity, which is 15 kg or 33 lbs.

No.9

IntexExplorer™ 200 Boat Set58331

Explorer™ 200 Boat Set 1
Source:shopee.ph
Explorer™ 200 Boat Set 2
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱1,200
High Mid
Reference price
₱1,200
High Mid

Inflatable Boat With Paddles for Water Activities

When we say family outings by the beach or pool, the activities are not limited to just swimming! Apart from water volleyball, you can also try something new like rowing or kayaking. This inflatable boat from Intex offers a budget-friendly option as you won't need to rent an actual boat.


It is made of heavy-duty vinyl and can carry up to 95 kilos. You can use it in a resort pool or try it on the relatively shallow parts of the beach or lake- just make sure to put your life vests on! It works for kids but it is best used when accompanied by an adult. It can be a great bonding time too. You'll also receive a pair of French oar or paddles, oar rings, and a hand pump for a fun water activity.

No.10

IntexLil' Whale Ride-On58523

Lil' Whale Ride-On 1
Source:shopee.ph
Lil' Whale Ride-On 2
Source:shopee.ph
Reference price
₱549.75
Mid

Swim With an Inflatable Whale

Locking down the top 10 is this ride-on whale floater from Intex. Your kids now have the chance to play with a sea creature without a real whale getting hurt! It is an inflatable baby blue whale with two sturdy handles on both sides for safe riding. It also comes with a repair patch for fixing punctures or pinholes.


The 8-gauge vinyl material keeps the floater elastic and light on water. You can also inject some fun marine science lessons while playing at the beach or pool! It is also available in a gray-and-white dolphin! Intex has a 30-day warranty, so check the products for damages upon receipt.

Prepare Your Kids for a Summer Getaway

Besides swim floaters, you can also check out other items for kids that are very useful for your outdoor activities. Take a look at our other article reviews below, and consider purchasing them as well for a more enjoyable summer vacation.

Author: Roel Pillas Malubay

Top 5 Swim Floaters for Kids

No. 1: IntexTropical Buddies Swim Vest59661

No. 2: IntexTropical Buddies Arm Bands58652

No. 3: IntexKiddie Float56581

No. 4: BestwaySwim Ring Chocolate Donut

No. 5: IntexPool School™ Kickboard58167

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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