The Best Toddler Pools

Inflatable Pools

• Inflatable pools are toddler friendly and have many advantages. They are soft sided as well as having a cushioned bottom, which makes them a safe play place for your little one. They can be placed in any area, although they work best in a softer, grassy spot (not concrete, which may have rocks or small jagged edges that can create a hole in the pool). They can be blown up, but to make inflation happen faster, get a manual or an electric pump. Some come with a built-in or attached sun shade. They come in many different colors, shapes and sizes, so buy the one that suits your space and your toddler's tastes.

Plastic Pools

• Hard plastic pools come in all shapes and sizes. Since they don't deflate, they aren't easily ported around, but some are still small enough that you can move it from place to place, particularly if you don't want a circle of dead grass on your lawn. The less expensive variety are generally on the flimsy side, but forking out a little extra money to buy a hard plastic pool may be worth it.

Public Baby Pools

• A baby section that features water often not more than 1 foot in depth is an attraction at many public pools. Even better are the zero entry pools, which have a gradual slope into the water, similar to a beach, instead of stairs, which makes navigating into the water easier for toddlers. These pools are bigger than what you might have at home, so you will want to stay in the water with your little one at all times.

Full Size Pools

• You can enjoy a full size pool with your toddler. Life jackets, floating devices or training swimsuits are not a substitute for adult supervision. Hold your toddler firmly in your arms, and let him splash the water. Be on the lookout for older children or adults using the pool, as they may accidentally splash your child in the face or accidentally kick him. Use an inflatable ring if you wish, but you need to be right next to him while he uses it.