I had the same dilemma with both my kids. They are excellent swimmers now. I ended up filling the pool all the way and going with these:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterns-Puddle ... t/20567536
The kids loved them, they did not ride up like a life jacket and the kids could move around in them. We loved them because the child stays upright and can't fall over and get their head in the water. The kids also can't take them off, they buckle in the back.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterns-Puddle ... t/20567536
The kids loved them, they did not ride up like a life jacket and the kids could move around in them. We loved them because the child stays upright and can't fall over and get their head in the water. The kids also can't take them off, they buckle in the back.