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Best Life Jackets For Kids
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Brand
It’s important to know the history of the brand so you know you’re getting a quality product. A company that has been around for decades already has a strong reputation, but what about the newer brands, or the ones that are less popular? That doesn’t mean you can’t trust that their product isn’t made with the same high-quality as the others. Sometimes we need to think outside the box and try something new. In any case, everyone’s needs, and interests are different, just like the brand names. Some companies specialize in one thing more than another and watersports and accessories are no different. When you’re looking for the best life jacket for kids, you might find a company with more experience in that area where another company might specialize in a different type of life jacket made for special sports. When a company was created by a person who is an expert in the field, you will have the highest confidence knowing the product was made with pride.
Weight
When it comes to choosing the best life jacket for kids, you will be choosing the one that fits with your child’s weight and not the age. No two children are the same and neither is their weight. The weight limit on a life jacket is important for the safety factors of the floatation. If it’s intended for a child who weighs no more than 30-pounds, then it wouldn’t be safe for a child to use who is 45-pounds. The same is true if they are too light. It isn’t safe to buy a life jacket that is bigger with the idea that they will grow into it. This is one time that you want to buy one that is in the same weight bracket as your child is at the current time. So, just because your friend has a 2-year old doesn’t mean that your 2-year old will wear the same size life jacket. Always know your child’s exact weight before you choose the right life jacket for your little one.
Features
There are many features that are important to look for, and some of the features are more important to match with age. A perfect example would be a life jacket designed for a toddler. Knowing that a tiny tot doesn’t have the neck mobility of an older child means that you should look for one that features extra support on the neck.
The crotch straps are important for keeping the jacket from sliding above the head. This strap is more common on the infant and toddler vest since, again, they don’t have the same muscle control as an older child. A grab strap on the top of the vest is especially important for an infant and toddler vest, but it is something you should not rule out for an older child. The strap makes it easy to grab a hold of your child if they should be in distress.
The comfort of the vest is something you should think about when it comes to infants. They can’t tell you if something is hurting them, so think about how you would feel if you were wearing the same vest. Keep in mind that if your child is not comfortable they will not have a pleasant experience and might never want to wear the vest again.
Choose something with bright colors and something that reflects would be an added bonus. Keep in mind that if your child is on a tow raft and flips off, you might not be able to get to the rescue immediately and you will want others on the water to see your child floating.
Style
Before you choose the life jacket you should check with the boating and water laws in your area. In some states, they have certain requirements to follow for children’s life jackets. It’s important to use a life jacket that is US Coast Guard certified, (USCG). If you don’t see the label on the vest, move on to the next, because it’s imperative that you have one that is approved by the Coast Guard.
There are five different ratings on life jackets, but when it comes to children and infants, you will probably always find a type II or III. A type I is intended to be used away from the shore. The water in those areas are usually rough and the odds of falling into the water are high. The type I life jackets are equipped with outstanding floatation devices, but they are bulkier and more uncomfortable than the others.
A type II, the one you will find most often on an infant jacket, is designed to be used closer to shore where the water will likely be calmer. This one is best used in the boat, kayak, or when fishing. The floatation is only strong enough to use in this type of setting and should not be used in harsh conditions. This one will be more comfortable and less bulky than some.
Type III is the one you will find in an older child’s life jacket. This one should be used closer to shore but can be used during water sports where it might be more likely to rescue someone from the water. It might be a bit bulkier than a type II but that’s because the floatation is of a higher buoyancy. It won’t flip the person over and will keep their head above water.
Types IV and V are not likely to be found in a child’s life jacket as type IV is a life preserver intended to be thrown into the water to rescue someone who is in distress. You will find a type V to be used for more advanced uses in the water beyond the level of a child.
Top 10 Picks
1. Stohlquist
It isn’t always easy getting your children to wear a lifejacket that’s why this one would be a good fit. It is designed with a V-neck and an open back, so your child shouldn’t complain when they put this one on.
Read moreBrand Recognition
For many years Stohlquist has been designing the best line of products and apparel associated with water sports. They pride themselves on the innovation of products that provide safety and comfort for the water in the warm and cold climates.
Weight Restrictions
This jacket will fit comfortably on children and toddlers who weigh between 30 and 50-pounds.
Life Jacket Type
This is a type III style life jacket making it the best one to consider during supervised action in the water. The buoyancy on this one is 8-pounds 6-ounces and it is USCG certified.
Features
This jacket provides easy mobility with excellent head protection. It’s not bulky and it provides a slim back that allows for additional comfort and your child won’t get overheated. It’s made so that your child will automatically flip to the face-up position in the event of being knocked into the water. A grab strap is conveniently placed on the top of the vest which makes it easy to quickly grab in case of an emergency. It has a buckled crotch strap and a buckle with zipper closure on the front for added security. It provides a brilliant V-neck to keep your child’s face more relaxed. This vest is so comfortable that your little one won’t mind leaving it on while playing in the sand near the water’s edge. It’s available in three bright colors for safety.
Summary
Overall, this vest makes a great type III floatation device for a family outing on the boat or play near the water. It is USCG certified and it provides all the safety requirements you need to feel secure. You will find comfort in knowing this jacket will keep your child safe in the event of an emergency.
2. Stohlquist Infant
Your infant will relax well in this life jacket. The headrest and V-neck will create enough comfort that your baby will probably fall asleep the minute the boat takes off down the water.
Read moreBrand Recognition
This is another great life jacket designed by Stohlquist, and as you know by now, they take much pride when it comes to safety and comfort in their line of water gear and apparel.
Weight Restrictions
This one is designed for infants who weigh between 8 and 30-pounds.
Life Jacket Type
This is a type II style designed for pleasure in calmer water. The buoyancy is 7-pounds 6-ounces and it is USCG certified.
Features
Similar to the child style vest, this one is also designed for comfort and easy mobility. It provides added head protection for the security of an infant who doesn’t have the ability to control head movement. It is designed to flip your child on the back immediately when in the water and it provides a neck pull strap, a crotch strap, and it secures in the front with a zipper and buckle. It’s easy for you to hold your baby while he wears this vest, so you don’t have to worry about feeding times. It is offered in three bright colors for additional security.
Summary
This is highly recommended if you are introducing your infant to the water for the first time. It is a type II design so if you’re on a quiet fishing outing, this one would be perfect. It is USCG certified and comes with all the added precautions you will need in the case of an emergency. This is absolutely one of the best picks on this list when it comes to infant use.
3. O’Neill Wake Waterski
With the additional floatation collar and the secure closure on this vest, you can relax knowing that your baby will be safe for the entire day.
Read moreBrand Recognition
In the early 1950’s Jack O’Neill made a good business for himself putting together surfboards and vests that he sold to the local surfers in his area. At the time, he had no idea what the future would hold for him. From a small garage to an international company, the O’Neill brand continues to deliver quality clothing, wetsuits, vests, snow wear, swimwear, and accessories. Once you own an O’Neill product, you can recognize the pride they put into the quality of their products.
Weight Restrictions
This one is designed for infants and toddlers who weigh 30-pounds or less.
Life Jacket Type
This is a type II design that should be used for simple trips down the river. It is USCG certified and it has a 7-pound buoyancy.
Features
This one provides all the safety you would expect from a vest of this nature. It has an additional floatation collar that is twice the size of the baby’s head. This is an excellent feature since a baby might not have the strength for holding up their head on their own. It comes with a collar strap that’s made easy to grab and the crotch strap assures the baby won’t slide through the vest. It’s made to flip over quickly in the water, so the baby will float face up, and it will stay securely closed with the double strap and zipper in the front. It is a bit bulkier than the others but that is because of the front chest floats, and although it might not be as comfortable as the others you can be sure this one will keep your little one safe and protected from potential danger. It comes in three different bright color choices for added visibility.
Summary
With the O’Neill name inscribed on this vest you know, it’s made of the highest quality and will assure your baby is safe. It follows all the necessary guidelines you look for in a life jacket and it will flip your baby upright the instant it hits the water. This is a brand you can trust and quality that’s made to last.
4. Stearns Infant Classic
If you want to take your baby to the pool, you can try this comfortable life jacket. Its design allows for the child to sleep in it peacefully without a tear.
Read moreBrand Recognition
In the late 1920’s a man by the name of William Hilger invented a much-needed windshield heater that was powered by electricity. This was a great invention and did well for a long time until the need of such a heater depleted, thus turning the company’s attention toward the plastic industry. After WWII, the business transferred into the hands of Stearns who then put the plastic into production making high-quality products that would be used outdoors. In 1971, when the laws changed, and the companies could create their own PFD designs, Stearns didn’t waste any time putting new innovations to use. Now, decades later, the company continues to produce the best quality and safety in their outdoor products.
Weight Restrictions
This infant life jacket is made for babies who weigh 30-pounds or less.
Life Jacket Type
This is a USCG certified type II life jacket.
Features
With this life jacket, you will notice that your baby is so comfortable you might even catch her taking a nap in it. The neck replicates a pillow and will support your baby’s neck and head with ease. It provides a neck strap for easy grabbing and the crotch strap will allow your baby to stay secure in the jacket. In the event of an emergency, this jacket will flip your baby on her back keeping her head above the water. You can be certain this vest will stay securely in place and for added assurance, the front closes with a zipper and a buckle strap. It’s available in two different bright colors which are a plus for visibility. This one is ideal for swimming in a lake or pool and it’s perfect for a stroll down the river in your boat.
Summary
This jacket has every feature your baby needs to stay safe and it’s USCG certified. It’s perfect for an infant, the colors are highly visible, and it offers all the added head support a tiny baby needs. With a name like Stearns and all the safety features on this one, it’s simple to see why you should consider this as one of your choices.
5. Speedo Kids’ UPF 50+
If your child is like a fish in the water but not secure enough to float without support, this is the best jacket for the beginner swimmer.
Read moreBrand Recognition
In 1914 Alexander MacRae founded the company known today as Speedo. The idea of Speedo was first developed with the intentions of assembling and circulating swimwear and other accessories related to swimming. Today you might find that famous boomerang symbol on clothing and other accessories along with all the swimwear products Speedo offers.
Weight Restrictions
This Speedo jacket is offered in a medium for children from 33-45- pounds and a large for children from 45-60-pounds. Although the manufacturer matches age with weight, it’s important to be accurate as all children vary.
Life Jacket Type
This one is designed as a swim vest and is licensed by the American Red Cross.
Features
This vest is intended for children from 2 to 6-years of age and isn’t recommended to be used as a life jacket in heavy waters. It was designed to be used as a swim aid for beginners and will give them the freedom and confidence they need to become a young swimmer. It is designed as a vest with no additional head support. The vest is made of neoprene and will help to block and protect your child from the sun. Since it is intended to be used in swim training, it doesn’t have all the features the others offer, but it does provide a secure crotch strap, so the vest won’t slide above your child’s head. The zipper on the front is easy to slide up and down so your child can have some independence, but it will still keep them secure.
Summary
Knowing this one is light and comfortable will give your child the mobility needed when learning to swim. It is great for beginner swimmers and it offers protection against the sun. Speedo has been producing quality swimwear since the early 1900’s and with every creation, they produce higher quality than the last. If you have a youngster who would rather be a fish, you might want to choose this as your vest of choice.
6. Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends 100
If your child loves to be in the water but is never comfortable wearing a life jacket, this one will offer the mobility they need to move around freely while staying safe.
Read moreBrand Recognition
For more than 50-years, Mustang has been designing gear for the military and government officials. They pride themselves on the designs of their USCG certified products, along with their apparel and accessories that can be found at more than 600 retailers in the United States and Canada.
Weight Restrictions
This vest is designed for children between 50 and 90-pounds.
Life Jacket Type
This is a type II vest intended to be used in calm waters. It is USCG certified and it is equipped with a Marine buoyancy.
Features
This floatation vest is designed for easy mobility with a comfortable headrest to assist with support in keeping the child’s head above the water. It offers a security handle on the neck that can be grabbed for a quick rescue and the crotch strap will assure the vest will stay in place. In addition, this vest will stay securely closed with the front zipper and buckle strap. It is lightweight, comfortable, and can be worn for the day on the boat or time in the pool or lake. This life jacket is offered in four different color choices that are bright enough to be seen from a distance.
Summary
This vest meets all the safety requirements you would expect from a life jacket. It is comfortable and lightweight, so your children shouldn’t have a problem wearing it for long periods of time. They will have fun while you can relax in knowing they are protected with one of the best life jackets on this list.
7. Airhead Infant
This one has a lot to offer to your infant’s safety. It offers a classic fit and a comfortable foam collar that might make him feel as though he is in your arms even when he isn’t.
Read moreBrand Recognition
Located in Denver, Colorado, Airhead Sports has been assembling watersports merchandise and accessories for nearly 30 years. They produce high-quality merchandise that is built to last and they are now the top manufacturer of sleds, expandable tow tubes, floats, and other outdoor accessories.
Weight Restrictions
This life vest is intended to be used with infants who weigh less than 30-pounds.
Life Jacket Type
This one is USCG certified, it contains a foam buoyant, and is a type II for easy sailing on smooth water.
Features
This infant vest provides a classic fit with a safety strap on the neck and crotch. The foam collar offers excellent support for those babies who can’t control head movement, and the triple adjustable buckle straps on the front will make for a secure fit and assure the vest won’t come off. The bright colors featured on this vest make it visible from a distance and the design of this vest makes it easy to hold the child while wearing it.
Summary
The foam collar on this one has added reassurance to the safety of your child, and with any luck, your baby can use it as a pillow to take a nap. With all the other features this one offers, you can trust that it is made with your child’s safety in mind.
8. O’Neill Wetsuits Youth
Your children will enjoy a day out on the tube while you can relax knowing their safety is securely wrapped up in the life jacket they’re wearing.
Read moreBrand Recognition
As you know by now, O’Neill is not an unfamiliar name when it comes to quality products in watersports, clothing, and equipment.
Weight Restrictions
This life jacket is designed for older children who weigh between 50 and 90-pounds.
Life Jacket Type
This is a USCG certified type III life jacket that is designed to be used for water activities that might involve a rescue.
Features
This one is designed for older children, so it is made a little different from the others on the list. It is a lightweight jacket style with a V-neck front, but it will hold the head above water. It provides painless mobility for active water sports and it won’t flip the child face down in the water. It doesn’t provide a safety handle for grabbing, but it does offer three buckle straps for secure closure in the front. It’s available in a choice of five bright colors so others will see the child when in the water.
Summary
This is a great choice for your older child. It offers plenty of mobility and it is safe to use for activities that might cause your child to land in the water. The colors are stylish and bright so even your little diva won’t mind wearing it.
9. Stearns Child Classic
For your daredevil child who loves to join in with the older siblings, this would be the best life jacket to choose. It looks like a “grown up’s” jacket, yet it offers everything needed to keep your daredevil safe.
Read moreBrand Recognition
You already know that Stearns pride themselves in the design of high-quality products, so you can only imagine what you will find with this classic vest.
Weight Restrictions
This classic vest is designed for children who weigh 30 to 50-pounds.
Life Jacket Type
This vest is USCG certified and type II for light boating and swimming.
Features
Designed for older babies and toddlers, this vest doesn’t offer extra head support, but it is made to keep the child’s head above the water without flipping over. There is no grab strap on this one, but it does come equipped with a leg strap and three buckled straps to close the front. It’s available in two colors and would be ideal for boating or swimming.
Summary
This child’s vest will assure the safety and peace of mind you need while they are floating around in the pool. It’s comfortable and they won’t mind wearing it on the boat. It meets all the regulations and it comes in a bright color. With all this in mind, it’s worth considering as one of your choices.
10. Stearns Infant Hydro PFD
If you’re nervous at the thought of taking your infant on the boat for the first time, this life jacket will give you all the security you will need to keep your baby safe.
Read moreBrand Recognition
With all the comfort and safety features Stearns provide on their quality products, you can see how the name sells itself.
Weight Restrictions
This is an infant vest that is designed for babies no more than 30-pounds.
Life Jacket Type
It is USCG certified and a type II which is the most common when it comes to infant’s life jackets.
Features
You will find that this life vest will add extra support to your infant’s head without discomfort. It features dual leg straps to keep the vest in place and the handle on the top adds reassurance you can quickly grab your baby in an emergency. It’s easy to put this on your baby with the zipper on the back and the front will buckle for added security. The color is bright and can be seen from a distance for rescue. It is safe enough to use on the boat or kayaking down the river.
Summary
Overall, this might be one of the best infant life jackets on this list when it comes to comfort. It doesn’t offer a crotch strap, but the dual leg straps will do the same job. It is easy to see how this one could be one of the best.
Sources
- , 10 Best Life Jackets For Kids In 2019, Article
