Inflatable baby pool as infant play area

Melanie has a good use for blow-up baby pools:

When the inflatable pools go on clearance later this summer, they’re great to pick up for an extra play area for infants – especially those not walking yet. I purchased a large fire-truck inflatable pool when my oldest was an infant for about $5 and we used it as a play area inside & out until he was over a year old. The sides are soft, they’re easily transportable, and store in a small space when not in use. Also great to use as a travel bed!

[You can probably pick up baby pools at the dollar store. Also, I couldn't find a fire truck pool Melanie was talking about, but check out this pirate ship, complete with squirt gun! (It's a pool floatie, but could be used as a wading pool.) Too bad they don't make a grown-up version. -- Ed.]

Tags: Baby, Parenting

Comments

[Charles Brannon]

Just be careful when using something like this with infants. The slick vinyl could pose a potential suffocation hazard--ESPECIALLY IF THE INFLATABLE DEVICE IS ACCIDENTALLY PUNCTURED AND COLLAPSES.

I would be reluctant to use an inflatable toy as a bed for a young child since there would be no way to provide supervision.

Likewise never rely on any kind of flotation device in the water--always remain close enough to your child to render assistance if needed.

[Jill Urbane, The Mentor Mom]

We use ours as a ball pit!

[MacLifer]

I agree about the suffocation hazard - that was the first thing I thought of, as the father of a 5-month old (and an 8 y/o and 13 y/o - i've been thru the "wringer" of daddyhood a few times already... ha ha). The ball pit idea is fabulous! Talk about a great way to have a LOT of fun even with the big sisters playing peek-a-boo and tossing balls around.

ML