Why puddle jumpers are not the solution and what works better

As a parent, you naturally want your child to learn to swim safely. Many parents therefore choose puddle jumpers: those colorful flotation aids that keep your child afloat. But did you know that puddle jumpers can actually be a pitfall when it comes to learning to swim? In this blog, we explain why puddle jumpers are not the best choice and why a float suit is a much better alternative for a child who wants to learn to swim quickly and safely.

Why puddle jumpers are not ideal

Puddle jumpers look cheerful and seem like a safe choice. However, there are several reasons why they are less effective when learning to swim:

• Incorrect body position: Puddle jumpers keep the child's upper body upright, disrupting the natural swimming position. Children get used to staying upright in the water, while real swimming requires a horizontal position. This makes the transition to independent swimming more difficult.

• Limited freedom of movement: The straps around the arms and chest limit freedom of movement, making it harder to practice swimming movements. As a result, children develop the right swimming techniques, such as breaststroke and front crawl, more slowly. These techniques are essential for independent swimming.

• False sense of security: Because puddle jumpers always keep children afloat, they do not develop a sense of buoyancy or water balance. This can be dangerous when they are in the water without an aid. In addition, children do not learn how to move safely in deeper water.

Why a float suit works better

Float suits, like those from EasySwim, are specially designed to allow children to move naturally in the water. Here are the benefits:

• Natural water position: A float suit supports the child in a horizontal swimming position, stimulating the natural posture in the water. This helps children learn to swim effectively faster.

• Optimal freedom of movement: The float suit fits snugly around the body without restricting the arms and legs. This makes practicing swimming strokes easier and ensures a faster learning curve.

• Gradual independence:The buoyancy elements in the suit can be removed over time, allowing the child to move more independently in the water. This boosts confidence and swimming skills.

• Safe swimming at home or on vacation: With a float suit, your child can practice safely not only during swimming lessons but also at home in the pool or on vacation. This makes it a versatile swimming aid that contributes to faster development of swimming skills.

Experiences and feedback

Many parents who switched from puddle jumpers to float suits immediately notice a difference. Their children feel freer in the water and become familiar with real swimming movements more quickly. Moreover, the float suit allows them to master the first swimming skills in a playful and safe way. Because of the freedom of movement and the natural water position, children are not limited and learn to swim faster and safer.

Why a float suit is the best alternative to puddle jumpers

Although puddle jumpers may seem like a convenient solution at first glance, in practice they actually hinder learning to swim. The unnatural posture and limited freedom of movement mean that children learn the correct swimming techniques, such as breaststroke and front crawl, more slowly. In contrast, a float suit provides exactly what you want for your child: natural support, complete freedom of movement, and a swimming position that matches real swimming technique. This allows children to develop confidence and water safety in a playful way, which is crucial for good swimming skills. Choose a float suit from Señor Swim and give your child the best start in the water! Whether you choose to learn to swim in the Netherlands, at the pool at home, or on vacation, a float suit is always the better choice. It is not only safer but also helps your child learn to swim faster and more efficiently than traditional swimming aids such as puddle jumpers.