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Baby and toddler pools

Baby and toddler pools

Your toddler can also splash around safely in these paddling pools! 💦

Tip from poolboy Marcel: A pool with a shade roof also protects your child from the sun's harmful rays!

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As soon as the summer sun comes out, there’s nothing quite as lovely as cooling off with your little one. A baby or toddler paddling pool is specially designed for the very youngest children: shallow, easy to keep an eye on and made from soft materials. At Hermie, you’ll find a carefully selected range, from compact baby pools with a protective sunshade to cheerful toddler pools with water sprayers and little slides. Whether you have a large garden or a compact balcony, with the right paddling pool you can create a safe and fun water play area at home in no time at all. Discover which model best suits your child’s age.

What should you look out for when choosing a baby and toddler pool?

Choosing the right paddling pool for your baby or toddler involves more than just picking a nice colour. We’re happy to help you get started by highlighting the key points to consider:

  • Age and size: For babies (up to 1 year old), a very small, shallow bath (often with a maximum diameter of 60–80 cm) is ideal. This allows them to sit safely. Toddlers need more room to move about and often find baths with a diameter of 100 cm or more more comfortable.
  • Sun protection: Young children’s skin is extremely delicate. A baby paddling pool with a built-in sun canopy or parasol provides essential UV protection whilst they play.
  • Inflatable base: When buying a baby bath, pay attention to the base. An inflatable base is highly recommended for babies. It provides a soft surface for sitting on and cushions any unexpected falls, which is particularly useful if the bath is placed on hard tiles.
  • Play features or basic models: Do you just want to cool off, or are you looking for some fun? Toddler paddling pools with built-in rings, gentle slides or water sprinklers (which you connect to the garden hose) will keep your little one entertained for hours.

Safety and use

A baby and toddler pool requires a different approach to a large family pool, particularly when it comes to hygiene and safety. 

As these pools contain only a small amount of water, they heat up quickly in the sun. This is pleasant for your child (the ideal water temperature for babies is around 30°C to 32°C), but it also means that bacteria grow more quickly. DO NOT use chlorine or harsh chemicals in these small pools, as babies’ skin is too sensitive to them and they often swallow the water. The best advice is to empty the pool after each use, give it a quick rinse and leave it to dry. Use the leftover water to water the plants in the garden straight away; it’s the sustainable thing to do! 

Always place the paddling pool on a flat surface and, if necessary, use a groundsheet or play mat underneath it to extend the life of the vinyl and increase comfort.

FAQ

  1. At what age can a baby start using a baby paddling pool?
    As soon as your baby can sit up independently and steadily (usually around 6 to 8 months), they can play in a baby paddling pool. Always stay within arm’s reach, no matter how shallow the water is. 
  2. How much water should go in a baby or toddler paddling pool?
    For babies, a water depth of 10 to 15 centimetres is more than enough. They should be able to sit comfortably without the water reaching above their navel. For toddlers, you can gradually increase the depth, but never fill the pool right to the brim to prevent overflowing and dangerous situations. 
  3. How do I keep a small paddling pool clean without using chlorine?
    Change the water daily. Once the pool is empty, you can wipe the inside with a mild, child-friendly soapy solution (for example, a little washing-up liquid or bicarbonate of soda) and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Allow the pool to dry thoroughly before storing it to prevent mould from forming
  4. What is the advantage of an inflatable base?
    An inflatable base acts as a cushion. It insulates against the cold ground, is much more comfortable for your child and prevents bruises if they fall over or slip whilst playing. 
  5. What’s the best thing to put under a toddler paddling pool?
    Ideally, place the pool on the grass. To prevent damage from stones or twigs, we recommend always placing a groundsheet, an old carpet or special foam puzzle mats under the pool.