Neck floats do not replace parent or caregiver being in the water with the infant. Not safe if using without close supervision. Neck floats do not replace parent or caregiver being in the water with the infant.
What are the risks of using baby neck floats?
The safety and effectiveness of neck floats to build strength, to promote motor development or as a physical therapy tool, have not been established. The risks of using baby neck floats include death due to drowning and suffocation, strain, and injury to a baby’s neck.
Are'baby neck floats'safe for babies?
"Baby neck floats" may be popping up all over social media, but the pint-sized swim aids shouldn't go anywhere near infants' necks, experts say, because any air-filled floatie can potentially deflate, putting kids at risk of drowning.
Are baby floats safe for babies?
Forbes says the devices are “not a potential death hazard'' and can help in infants' motor development. The floats are for babies over 8 weeks old, according to the company website, and parents need to be close to their children when using them.
Are neck floats safe for babies with Down syndrome?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning parents, caregivers, and health care providers not to use neck floats with babies for water therapy interventions, especially with babies who have developmental delays or special needs, such as spina bifida, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 1, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy.
Are baby bath neck floats safe?
Neck Floats Can Cause Drowning or Neck Injuries The risks of using baby neck floats include death due to drowning and suffocation, and strain and injury to a baby's neck, according to the FDA. Babies with special needs such as spina bifida or SMA type 1 may be at increased risk for serious injury.
Are pool floats safe for babies?
The AAP advises against the use of all kinds of pool floaties and inflatable toys, because they're not designed to keep your child safe and can easily deflate.
Is the Otteroo safe for newborns?
It allows for full body submersion, gives babies that womb-y weightless feeling they know and love, and makes great videos for the grandparents. You'll still need a separate newborn bath, since the Otteroo is not safe for newborns.
Are Otteroo floats safe?
"Baby neck floats" may be popping up all over social media, but the pint-sized swim aids shouldn't go anywhere near infants' necks, experts say, because any air-filled floatie can potentially deflate, putting kids at risk of drowning.
What is the safest flotation device for toddlers?
#1 The Puddle Jumper. Are puddle jumpers safe for toddlers?#2 Body Glove Paddle Pals:# 3 Puddle Jumper 2-in-1 Life Jacket and Rash Guard:#4 TEWENE Kid Toddler Swim Vest Life Jacket.#5 Traditional toddler armbands or water wings.# 6 Otter Wings.#7 Makone Kids Arm Float Discs.#8 SwimSchool TOT Swim Trainer.
Is float good for baby?
Returning to a Fluid-Filled Environment Improved health affects more than the muscles, though; evidence suggests that floatation therapy helps the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems. The water pressure and movement stimulate these areas, and it creates positive gains in the infant's overall health.
Are Otteroo neck floats safe?
The Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday issued a warning to parents and caregivers across the country, advising them not to use neck floats for infants due to a risk of death or serious injury.
Is the Otteroo safe in the bathtub?
Yes. Remember to never ever use the Otteroo in open water. That means no oceans no matter how calm, no rivers, no lakes, no streams, nothing. Use the Otteroo only in the pool or tub and most importantly, beyond all else, you must be within arm's length of your baby at all times and never look away from your child.
Are Otteroos recalled?
Otteroo has recalled their Inflatable Baby Floats due to a drowning risk. The seam on the flotation device can leak air causing the float to deflate. If you own this product, immediately stop using it and contact Otteroo to receive a free replacement. Find this and more at the link below.
Does Otteroo hurt neck?
We decided to lay out how when properly used in the water, it is highly unlikely, if not impossible, for the Otteroo to strain the neck in a way that can harm the baby. However, every baby is different, so if you have any concerns please do talk to your baby's pediatrician. What can cause infant neck strain?
Is Otteroo mini safe?
Custom formulated, our plastic is supple, buttery soft & gentle on skin yet durable & non-toxic. Features a seamless neckline & cushioned chin rest that parents want to steal for their own spa day. Safety matters!
How do you choose a baby float?
Choose a pool float with added safety features, such as high-quality material that fights against leaks, inner springs for stability, seat straps, and child safety valves. Double check weight and age limits before using a float. Also, check that it fits your baby's body, and always supervise your baby in the water!
What should baby wear in a pool to float?
Buoyancy jacket or vest—babies can wear a swim vest or float jacket on top of their regular swimwear to help them maintain the correct position in the water when learning to swim. They can wear this instead of swimwear with integrated floats.
What age can babies wear floaties?
The first level of the baby floatie is recommended for children who are 10 months old and allows them to be introduced to the pool.
Can a 3 month old go in a pool?
From about 2 months you can take them into a heated pool, but don't keep them in the water for more than 10 minutes at first. If they start to shiver, take them out and wrap them in a towel. Babies under 12 months shouldn't stay in a pool for more than 30 minutes.
What age can a baby go in a pool?
6 monthsMost physicians recommend waiting until the baby is at least 6 months of age before going swimming with your baby. If your baby is less than six months old, avoid taking him or her to a large public pool, as the water is too cold. Make sure the water temperature is heated to at least 89.6°F before taking baby in.
How old are baby floats?
The floats are for babies over 8 weeks old, according to the company website, and parents need to be close to their children when using them. Experts stress that that no air-filled products are safe. Parental involvement is key. "Any time a baby is in the water, we want arm's length supervision,'' Denny says.
How many cases of broken seams were there in Otteroo?
After the recall, ''we thickened the plastic," says Julie Forbes, a spokeswoman for Otteroo. "We made a lot of improvements." No injuries were reported with the 54 cases of broken seams, she says.
What is the only proven method for water and drowning prevention safety?
Adds Suastegui: "The only proven method for water and drowning prevention safety is direct supervision and fencing around pools, " as well as swimming lessons.
Should parents avoid inflatable swim aids?
groups involved in infant swim teaching and health have also weighed in recently, urging parents to consider the possible dangers of the inflatable devices. The American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on the prevention of drowning says parents should avoid all inflatable swimming aids .
Is neck floatie harmful?
There is no published research that has specifically studied neck floaties. One study from 2005 that looked at swimming therapy for infants used a neck floatie and said it was “non-injurious,” but did not offer any additional details.
Do flotation devices reduce risk of injury?
Flotation devices ''have not shown any decreased risk of injury and provide a false sense of security for parents," says Charles Suastegui, MD, attending emergency room doctor at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, Miami.
Do swim instructors endorse swim lessons?
Nor do swim instructors endorse their use. "We wouldn't recommend that you use them," says Lisa Zarda, executive director of the U.S. Swim School Association. "It should be more about you being in the water with the children."
What is Otteroo floaty?
In fact, says Chiu, Otteroo's floaties are intended as medical devices to aid disabled infants with aquatherapy — not as swimming aids. "Parents need to be diligent and within arm's reach at all times," she says.
Why was Otteroo recalled?
Two versions sold on eBay were recalled in Australia in 2017 for failing to meet safety standards, and the more well-known brand called Otteroo recalled 3,000 of its products in 2015 after 54 reports of burst seams.
Where do you use baby neck floats?
Baby neck floats first started gaining popularity a few years ago, and parents now regularly use them in bathtubs, pools, and even in "baby spas.".
Can a baby neck float go in the water?
"Baby neck floats" may be popping up all over social media, but the pint-sized swim aids shouldn't go anywhere near infants' necks, experts say, because any air-filled floatie can potentially deflate, putting kids at risk of drowning.
Can infants go in water?
While others agree that infants can enjoy water activities, experts are not convinced this is the way to do it.
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Who is Caroline Picard?
Caroline Picard Health Editor Caroline is the Health Editor at GoodHousekeeping.com covering nutrition, fitness, wellness, and other lifestyle news.
What the experts say
Countless swimming safety pros and childrens’ docs have been chiming in to agree that neck floats aren’t the best way to get your baby in the water.
The MadeForMums view
While these strongly-worded comments shouldn’t put you off taking your baby swimming, we hope they put you off the idea of putting them in a neck float.
