9 Best Toddler Life Jackets Reviews-Kids Life Vest Buyer Guide 2022
When it comes to boating safety, you need to have the Best Life Jacket for Kids on board.
You can never take boating safety for granted, as things can go wrong in a split second, and with a Life Jacket properly suited for kids on your child, you can rest assured that they will be prepared for the worst case.
Types of Toddler Life Jackets
Parents should select only those toddler personal flotation devices (PFDs) that are US Coast Guard approved. While there is no “perfect” life jacket, the best kinds are one that your toddler will wear.
It should be comfortable, offer freedom of movement, and provide a secure fit. Here are the three most common types of life jackets for toddlers:
Type 1 (Offshore Life Jacket)
This type offers the most safety as it floats the most. This type is designed to turn unconscious wearers face up and in an upright and slightly backward position.
They are best for off shore recreation, even in rougher waters. While the safest, they are also generally bulkier and allow less freedom of movement compared to others.
Type 2 (Near Shore Life Jacket)
Offers the best compromise of safety and comfort. These are recommended if you and your child are on calm open waters or swimming in a pool.
While not quite as buoyant as Type 1, they are still enough to turn almost all wearers face up from an unconscious position.
Type 3 (Flotation Aid Life Jacket)
This type is mainly designed for users in calm, inland water. They will not be enough to turn most unconscious young children into a face up position and should only be used when adults are within arm’s reach. While offering the most comfort, type 3 life jackets are not recommended for toddlers.
We’ve done a search of the web, and asked our boating friends what they recommend, as well as our own experiences to come up with a great selection of Life Jackets for Kids to help you find the one that is best suited for your family’s needs. Read on to pick some out for your own kid’s safe boating scenarios.
Stearns Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket
So, you’re looking for a new life jacket, but there are so many options out there. Which life jacket is going to be the safest for your child or grandchild?
The Stearns puddle jumper deluxe child life jacket is a US Coast Guard approved type v/III life jacket for children. It is approved by coast guard so you can use it with out any risk.
The life jacket is made of premium material, so it will not feature uncomfortable chafing. Durable nylon is used in the construction of this life jacket which increases its life.
The Stearns Puddle Jumper Deluxe Child Life Jacket is super soft and comfortable, so your child or grandchild will feel very secure and safe while wearing it
The child life jacket features a fish design that inspires more fun in the water.
The child life jacket has an adjustable buckle at the back, which ensures a secure fit.
This child life jacket is designed for children weighing 30 to 50 pounds and measures 20 inches from shoulder to shoulder and 10 inches from armhole seam to hemline.
This jacket provides the perfect combination of style and safety to keep your child safe in the water.
This life Jacket is available in different style and colors you can select best color and design as per your choice.
The bright colors of the life jacket will also help your child stand out from others in case they ever get separated from you while in or around the water.
- Type V/III life jacket for kids; 30-50 pounds
- Adjustable buckle at the back offers a secure fit
- Certified for use on boats
- Colorful, kid-friendly design; inspires more fun in the water
Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket
The Gogokids life vest is an excellent product, a necessity for parents who have kids that love the water.
This vest is made from a high quality material that’s not only effective but comfortable as well.
The vest is made of 100% neoprene material which is lightweight, soft, waterproof and very durable.
The vest has adjustable straps and buckles to ensure a snug fit and is available in multiple sizes to accommodate children of all ages.
The straps are designed to provide comfort and durability while maintaining an easy fit no matter how active your child is in the water.
The adjustable crotch strap will keep your child safe even if he or she is upside down under water because it will prevent the vest from sliding off.
Some children may complain about the thickness of the suit, but it helps to keep them warm. The suit doesn’t restrict movement and allows your child to move freely in the water.
The Gogokids swim vest comes in several sizes so you can find one that fits your child correctly. It’s not suitable for children who have outgrown their infant size, but it can be used by older kids as well.
The vest features a bright color design, perfect for attracting your child’s attention and making it easier for you to locate your child in the water.
This life vest has also been certified for use on boats, if you use one for swimming lessons or just want to feel safer on a boat ride.
Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Deluxe Life Jacket
STEARNS Puddle Jumper Deluxe is a wonderful life jacket that is type III Coast Guard approved. Very easy to put on your toddler and a great choice for pool or beach time with constant adult supervision. Great for first swimmers.
This model comes in sizes for children weighing 30 to 50 pounds.
It is a type V/III life jacket and can be used for boating, swimming and fishing activities. It is constructed with softer, woven polyester for less chafing.
The adjustable buckle at the back allows you to adjust it to fit the child better and ensure that it stays in place. It has a comfortable design that helps kids feel secure while they are out on the water.
It features a black fish design that makes it fun and attractive to kids.
Soft material means that it will feel more like a shirt than an inflexible piece of safety equipment.
The construction of this model is with softer, woven polyester for less chafing. This feature also reduces drag in the water when the child is swimming or floating on the surface.
It is comfortable and easy to get on and off. I highly recommend this product.
Choosing The Best Life Vest for Toddlers
If you’re looking to find out which exactly are the best toddler life jackets, keep reading. Whether you’re boating, fishing, sailing, or simply playing on the beach with your little ones, safety should be of utmost importance. It’s not the easiest thing, especially in the toddler years, to get the kids to wear a life jacket.
Many life vests and jackets are bulky, uncomfortable, and simply don’t allow the kiddos to have the fun they should be having.
A toddler life vest should be comfortable, made of quality materials, be Coast Guard approved, and sized right for your toddler.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a good toddler life jacket but your child’s safety is one area where it pays to spend the extra few dollars if necessary.
As a coupon-cutting momma, I’m as frugal as they come but not when it comes to the comfort of knowing my kids will be safe in a worst-case-scenario. Read on to learn about the different types of toddler life jackets, which ones are the best, and where to get the best toddler life vests on sale.
O’Neill Child Superlite USCG Life Vest
O’Neill Infant Nylon USCG Vest
The O’Neill Infant Nylon USCG Vest will fit perfectly, fastened securely and it is easy to put on and take off. It is available in two different colors.
It’s designed to keep them safe while they’re in the water.
This toddler and infant life jacket comes from one of the most trusted names in water safety, O’Neill. This soft and comfortable, US Coast Guard approved personal flotation device is very comfortable, fastens securely, and has quick release buckles.
The O’Neill Child Superlite USCG Vest is a USCG Type III-approved PFD designed for children ages 5 to 12.
It also has quick release dual safety buckles, a mesh for drainage, a zipper safety tab and an overlock stitched super-strong seams.
It stays put better than other models, so you don’t have to worry about it being dislodged when your child falls off of their board.
The material is strong and sturdy, able to withstand wear-and-tear that would easily damage less impact-resistant vests.
It also drains quickly, so it won’t weigh down your child if they have to swim after falling off of their surfboard.
Slightly bulkier than the Stohlquist but still easy to wear. Has a handle on the back in case you need to get them out of the water quick.
Stearns Child Classic Series Vest
The Stearns Child Classic Series Vest is my top pick for children. It has high-quality features and comes from a brand that has been around for years.
This vest has a durable nylon shell with PE flotation foam, which makes it comfortable and safe for children to wear.
The flotation foam is Coast Guard-approved and will keep your child afloat in the water.
Stearns Child Classic Series Vest features 3 adjustable buckles with a leg strap for a secure fit.
In addition, this vest has built-in armholes that allow kids plenty of freedom of movement while playing in the water.
This vest is easy to put on, comfortable and lightweight which allows active kids to wear it while enjoying time in the water.
This life jacket is US coast guard approved for Children 30-50lbs. Great for a day on the boat or beach and in the pool or lake For use on a boat, a personal watercraft or for tow sports Specially fitted for children 30-50 lbs.
The Stearns Child Classic Series Vest keeps your child safe while they’re out on the water. It’s one of the best vests you can buy!
Stearns Infant Classic Series Vest
This Life jacket will help to protect little swimmers at the beach or on the boat. Stearns Infant Classic Series Vest design is approved form US Coast Guard for toddler.
A rescue handle allows adults to move the infant from the water or the boat easily.
Its leg strap and grab handle for extra safety and security.
Survival Lil’ Legends Toddler Life Jacket
Excellent Type II Life Jacket for Toddlers
Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends Child’s Life jacket, Gold/Red? 18?? 24?The Survival Lil’ Legends life jacket is rated as type II by the USCG. This is another good life jacket perfect for when taking the little one’s fishing, sailing, or playing on a lake. As one of the most versatile toddler life jackets, it is also quite durable, comfortable, and will easily turn a small child face up in an emergency. A little pricey but currently on sale.
Speedo Begin to Swim Classic Swim Vest
The best swim vest for toddlers and new swimmers
Fantastic teaching tool for beginning swimmers. Perfect for the pool or beach but not recommended for a toddler on a boat. Has a full front zipper to get it on and off quickly. This toddler swim vest is not bulky and will give your little one more confidence in the water.
StohlquistInfant PFD Floatation Device – NEW!
The best selling toddler life jacket has been updated and is better than ever.
Stohlquist Infant/Toddler Nemo Infant Personal Floatation DeviceThe Stohlquist Nemo Life Jacket is a type II personal flotation device that is perfect for toddlers and infants.
One of the reasons why it consistently receives high marks is for its excellent fit for younger children.
While some say this is a type III jacket, the 2021 model is a type II and can easily turn a child face up. This life vest is very comfortable, and your child will want to put it on. Well made and felt secure.
Let Your Kids Enjoy the Beach or Pool with More Safety
Going out and enjoying the beach/pool with your family is fun. But, there are also risks, especially to kids and babies. If you want to lower the risks to the little ones in your life, the answer is float rings and wings. These give children something to hold on to, something to keep them afloat. Please don’t take this to mean that supervision is still not required. It is imperative that you never leave a child unattended near water, no matter how shallow. Rings and wings just help the safety margin higher……and of course are fun for the kids to play!
The devices on this page have been chosen specifically for durability and low cost. I have also included some auctions from eBay, which is a great place to pick up deals if you keep your eyes open. I hope you find something that you like. 🙂
Keep Your Kids Safe Around and in a Pool
Make sure to go over safety procedures with anyone who watches your child in a home with a pool, including your own. Emphasize that no child should ever be left unsupervised, even for five minutes.
If you take your child/children to a social gathering in a place with a pool, take turns with the other adults in being the designated kids watcher. Someone needs to do nothing but watch the kids around a pool; when all the adults are busy talking and socializing, accidents are more likely to happen.
If you cannot find a child, in a house with a pool, check the pool immediately. Seconds count if that is where you find them. Keep a large spotlight by the pool to check the water when its dark.
Never let a child go in a pool unsupervised, no matter how shallow the water is.
Remember that just because a child knows how to swim, does not mean they don’t need supervision. A child can still drown, even if they are a good swimmer.
Don’t think that water wings or any type of flotation device is a substitute for adult supervision.
Take a first aid course, including CPR with your whole family, including grandparents. The more people that know how to save a life, the more lives will be saved.
Keep a first aid kit and a telephone (with emergency numbers on speed dial) close to the pool
Don’t miss our other water Sports products reviews like Best Full Face Snorkel Masks & Snorkeling Gear , Swim Caps and Selling Ski Goggles Reviews with complete Buying Guide.
