Best Swim Rings

The Puddle Jumper foam float jacket includes built-in arm rings and chest pad. Easy on, easy off, and it will never deflate.

Durable nylon shell and cross-tech flotation foam construction. Colorful, kid-friendly design. Adjustable buckle at the back offers a secure fit. Designed for children weighing 30 to 50 pounds. Allows child to practice in a natural swimming position. No air needed, so no leaks.

Floties Soft Fabric Armbands

Bulkier to pack than blow-up arm floats. Feels constricting to some children.

Best Bang for the Buck

Floatsafe Floatie

These fabric arm floaties work just like the plastic ones, but they're more comfortable and easier to put on.

Supports children weighing up to 30 pounds. Durable. Soft on the skin. Not as constricting as a life jacket. Fasten with hook-and-loop closure. They don't scrape the arm like plastic floaties, and they slip onto arms easier than plastic.

First Floatie Swim Vest Life Jacket

Inflatable, so they can lose air. Hook-and-loop closure wears out over time.

Doji Kids

This patent-pending design lets you use the inflatable fabric arm bands with or without the swim belt.

Design grows with your child and his or her swimming abilities. Use swim belt with inflatable arm bands, or detach and use bands alone. Made of woven polyester and nylon. Recommended for children weighing between 24 and 66 pounds. Bright colors and quick-release buckles.

May run large. Sizing is different from other swim vests due to detachable style.

Intex

Arm Band Swim Trainers

Easy to pack, easy to inflate, easy to put on. These swim floats are a good choice for preschoolers and young elementary-age kids.

Inflatable plastic arm bands. More packable and portable than swim vests. Easy to blow up. Gentler on the arms than other brands. Flat band along the bottom allows arms to slide in more easily.

Kids Begin to Swim Basic Arm Bands

Inflatable, so they can tear and lose air. Sharp corners can poke child in the face when they move their arms.

Speedo

These arm floats fit older toddlers and preschoolers best and are recommended for children already learning to swim.

Recommended for children already familiar with the water. Bands fit children ages two to 12. Weight limit of 110 pounds. Dual-chamber, heavy-duty inflatable arm bands. Kid-friendly shape for comfort and mobility. One-way valve means air doesn't leak when you stop inflating.