Baby Neck Floats: The Dangers and Safer Alternatives

How Do Baby Neck Floats Work?

Baby neck floats are circular inflatable rings, usually made from plastic or foam materials. They fit around the neck and are designed to help keep a baby upright and floating in the water. Some models have extra grip handles or leg support bands.

They work by keeping the baby's chin elevated above the water so they can breathe easily. Many parents use them to help introduce babies to the pool and teach them basic floating skills.

Intended Use of Baby Neck Floats

Baby neck floats are intended for use under adult supervision only. They should only be used for short periods of time, in shallow, calm water while holding onto the child. The floats hold the child's head above water but do not replace proper swimming aids like life jackets.

Safety Concerns with Neck Floats

While it may seem like baby neck floats help children float, there are serious risks associated with using them:

• Can slide out of position and block airway
• Give false sense of safety leading to drowning
• Hinder body movement & delay development of swim skills
• Put strain on neck & restrict breathing

FDA Warning Against Using Baby Neck Floats

In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against using baby neck floats due to the serious dangers they pose. This includes popular brands like Otteroo and SwimWays.

The FDA had received one report of a death and one report of a hospitalization after use of these floats. Both occurred when the neck float slid into a position that blocked the baby's airway, causing the child to suffocate.

Key Points of FDA Warning

The FDA provided these precautions around using baby neck floats:

• Not a safety device - cannot replace proper supervision
• Can lead to death or injury
• Follow all warnings & instructions
• Use only under adult supervision
• Do not use as a substitute for life jackets/PFDs

They advised that baby neck floats should never be used for unsupervised swimming or while sleeping/napping. Parents should remain within arm's reach at all times.

Consumer Reports Findings on Neck Float Safety

Consumer advocacy group Consumer Reports conducted an independent investigation into the safety of baby neck floats. They performed a variety of tests and consulted pediatricians and child safety experts.

Key Results & Recommendations

Here are the key findings from Consumer Reports' research:

• Neck floats can slide out of position and block airway
• Unable to keep child's head fully above water in tests
• Do not protect against drowning and can give false sense of security
• Very young children lack muscle strength to hold head upright
• Recommend not using neck floats at all
• Focus on teaching child to roll onto back to float/breathe

Based on the dangers identified from testing and expert input, Consumer Reports recommends avoiding baby neck floats altogether - even with supervision.

Tips for Water Safety with Infants & Toddlers

While baby neck floats are risky, there are safer ways to introduce little ones to the water and teach swimming skills. Here are tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):

Infant Water Safety Tips

• Always stay within arm’s reach
• Avoid inflatables which can deflate and suffocate
• Start with a baby bath tub before going in pool
• Hold infants in shallow end supporting head & neck

Toddler Water Safety Tips

• Teach child to float on back to breathe
• Use U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets only
• No inflatables which can pop and suffocate
• Develop toddler swimming skills one-on-one

For babies, focus on supervised baths and holding them in shallow water. For toddlers, teach safety skills like floating on back and calling for help.

AAP Recommendations

The AAP recommends against using any air-filled flotation devices. These include baby neck floats, water wings, noodles, and inflatable rings. These can easily deflate and provide a false sense of security.

Choosing a Swim School for Your Baby

Many swim schools offer "infant survival swim lessons" for babies as young as 6 months old. But not all programs follow safe methods. Here's what to look for in a swim program:

Safety Certifications

Make sure the school and instructors have certifications from respected organizations like the Infant Swimming Resource or American Red Cross.

Small Classes

Opt for programs with a low instructor to student ratio, like 1:1 or 1:2, to ensure your child gets proper attention.

Focus on Safety Skills

The curriculum should focus on floating, rolling onto the back, and swimming to the side - not using flotation devices.

Parental Involvement

You should be in the water participating alongside your child, not just observing from the sidelines.

AAFP Policy Statement on Infant Swimming

In 2019, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) released an official policy statement related to swim programs for infants and young children. Key excerpts include:

Do Not Replace Proper Supervision

"Infant self-rescue skills should not replace adequate supervision..."

Start After 1 Year Old

"Swim instruction programs for infants below 12 months of age cannot be recommended."

Focus on Floating

"Instruction should focus on floating and swimming skills."

The AFP concluded parents should decide based on each child's motor skills, but programs for under 12 months old cannot be endorsed due to lack of proven efficacy and safety.

Alternatives to Baby Neck Floats

There are safer products parents can use to help familiarize babies with the water that do not carry the same hazardous risks as neck floats:

Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets

Use a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket or PFD when taking baby swimming in open water like a lake or pool.

Swim Seats & Vests

Structured swim seats or vests that secure around baby's torso allow for flotation without water flooding the face.

Puddle Jumpers

Puddle jumpers have solid flotation bands across the chest and around the arms to help keep the head up and out of water.

Parental Assistance

Safely hold and support babies in shallow water, keeping their head above the surface at all times.

Spotting Signs of Drowning or Danger

Active drowning can happen soundlessly in just seconds. When introducing infants or toddlers to the water, watch for these signs of danger:

• Head low in the water or tipped back
• Gasping for breath
• Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
• Not using legs, vertical in the water
• Hyperventilating or coughing

Immediately pull the child from the water if you observe any of these signs of distress. Call for help if needed. Preventing drowning requires 100% attentive supervision.

CPR & Water Safety Courses

Along with infant swimming lessons, the AAP and Red Cross recommend all parents take CPR and water safety classes. This teaches life-saving skills like:

• Infant & child CPR techniques
• Recognizing signs of drowning
• Performing rescue breaths
• Emergency response in the water

Staying up to date on these skills could save your child's life in the event of a water emergency.

Key Takeaways on Baby Neck Float Safety

Here are some of the most crucial points for parents regarding use of baby neck floats:

• Can shift out of position and block airway
• Do not prevent drowning on their own
• Should never be used for unsupervised swimming
• Only use for very short periods and stay within arm's reach
• Focus on teaching safety skills like floating, not using devices

While some parents may feel neck floats help their child float, experts agree they provide a false sense of security and can be deadly. Always practice water safety with infants and toddlers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.