My family is going to Florida at the end of June for a week. We will be enjoying both the ocean and the pool. My question is as far as "floaties" go what should I get? Obviously not the traditional floaties but something with the same effect. He will be 15, almost 16, months when we are there. Also any other items for the beach, pool, travel should I remember to get or buy. Thanks so much!!!
My sister in law always gets the swimsuits that has the floaties in them I believe they have them for boys too they work great. www.waterbaby.biz or I know she also has a pool store by her that she goes too but I don't know the name. I always took to much stuff with us keep it light a bucket and a shovel can keep a child busy for hours.
I don't know about the floaties, but a sun hat, tons of sunscreen (remember to put it on before you leave for the beach) and baby powder are all a must. Sunglasses are critical too, if you child will keep them on. A tee shirt is also good if your child is particularily fair, to protect those baby shoulders. I'm not sure how it is in Florida, but we were in California ath the ocean last summer and it was really windy. Something else to possibly think about.
They now have swimming suits with life jackets built in. I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old and I find that it works better. YOu can find them in Walmart or even family dollar.
I did a little searching to on the internet to find what I was trying to describe in words without luck - check out this link:
http://www.toysplash.com/Category/Home/BabyFloats
My son (now almost 7) used the "My Baby Float" starting when he was one. Obviously, you have to be next to them every moment while in the water - they get so excited to feel the "freedom!"
Hope this helps!
I would get your son a life jacket type floatation device. They sell them typically in the sport section at Target. They also make swim suits that have a life jacket built in. That is what we use all the time, and it works well.
I would remember to bring sun screen, a hat, sunglasses (if he'll wear them) and baby powder. Baby powder can be put on before you get in the car and it helps wipe off all the sand. Plus, bring a bag for collecting shells. They also make a "Neat Sheet" that you can often find in the pool area in stores. It is nice and compact and you sit on it instead of a blanket. It is about $6 so that is nice because you can just throw it away before you come home and not feel bad. You can also buy it in Florida to save some room.
Have fun!
You can get the speedo wearable floatation devices at Target if you don't want to use the type with the suit built in (we've had both.) None of those wearable devices are a rated as a substitute for a life vest if you're going to be on a boat, though, just as an FYI. (so if you are going to go to the beach and then a boat, you may want to choose a separate device like the speedo rather than the built-in so you can remove/put on, or bring an extra suit.)
Definitely don't forget the hat and put sunscreen on the head if he won't wear it! Sticky in the hair, but near the equator you can get those hair part sunburns - ouch!! Have a great trip.
The bathing suit that has the built in floatation is wonderful. There is no taking the floaties on and off,
which can be a pain. I have seen them at target for about 25.00
