When it comes to the water and your child, you can never be too safe. Anytime your child will be near or on water, they should wear a life jacket or vest that is US Coast Guard Approved.
There are many different specifications that go into a life jacket, from the type you need depending on the water you will be on to what features you should look for in a life jacket.
We are going to look at the best models of life jackets available at this time.
Our Top Picks
- This life jacket is very affordable.
- The Puddle Jumper comes in many designs.
- This life jacket is not bulky so it will not float the child’s torso so the child can stay in a swimming position easier.
- Vest is great for aiding in learning to swim and building confidence in the water.
- There are two sizes so your child can get the proper fit.
- This swim vest has UV50+ protection to block the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA sun rays.
- The O’Neill Life Vest is a Type II Personal Floatation Device.
- The vest is brightly colored so it is easy to spot your child in the water.
- This life vest is US Coast Guard Approved.
- This vest is available in three bright colors.
- This life jacket is very affordable.
- The Puddle Jumper comes in many designs.
- This life jacket is not bulky so it will not float the child’s torso so the child can stay in a swimming position easier.
- Vest is great for aiding in learning to swim and building confidence in the water.
- There are two sizes so your child can get the proper fit.
- This swim vest has UV50+ protection to block the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA sun rays.
- The O’Neill Life Vest is a Type II Personal Floatation Device.
- The vest is brightly colored so it is easy to spot your child in the water.
- This life vest is US Coast Guard Approved.
- This vest is available in three bright colors.
*All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com, scroll down for our in-depth reviews below.
Types of Life Jackets
When you are looking at like jackets, you need to know that there are five type but only three types that you need to worry about. I will explain all three, but only the top three will apply to looking for a life jacket for your child.
- TYPE I
A Type I life jacket is for rough open offshore water where people may be stranded for long periods of time. This is for water that can be unpredictable and rough. A Type I flotation device tends to be uncomfortable and bulky, even though it can be effective as a flotation device. You may also have a hard time finding a child size Type I life jacket.
- TYPE II
A Type II life jacket is a buoyant vest or jacket for close to shore excursions. These type of life jackets are great for inland water that is calm where a rescue will be quick. They are less bulky than Type I life jackets. While a Type II life jacket may turn an unconscious person face up, it may not turn all. Type II life jackets are good for infants, toddlers, children, and older.
- TYPE III
A Type III life jacket is more of a flotation aid is good for inland water that is calm only. A Type III life jacket is the lightest of all life jackets which means they are the most comfortable so you can wear them for longer periods of time. A Type III life jacket is the least buoyant of Type I and Type II life jackets. Your child should only wear a Type III life jacket if they are supervised at all times and would have immediate rescue if something would go wrong. A Type III life jacket will not flip an unconscious person on to their back.
- TYPE IV
A Type IV is not a life jacket but a device that you throw such as a life preserver or a life ring. You would throw these to a person who is in distress in the water. It is not appropriate to throw to a child as they would be unable to tread water and swim back with the device.
- TYPE V
A Type V life jacket is a specialized life jacket that a person would wear for a specific event such as water skiing, pool use only, scuba diving, etc. When shopping for a child’s life jacket, you would not generally want a Type V life jacket.
When shopping for a life jacket for your child, you should focus on mostly Type II and Type III life jackets, depending on what your needs are.
Styles of Life Jackets
Most life jackets combine comfort, efficiency, style and US Coast Guard Certification. However, after making sure that we are getting a safe life jacket, the next thing that we look at is the style. There are three main styles of life jackets.
Inherently Buoyant
Most of the life jackets that we will be looking at are inherently buoyant. The best thing about them is that they require no work from the wearer to do their job. The life jacket is made of neoprene or a floatable foam, is durable, and require little maintenance.
Inflatable
Some life jackets inflate when you submerge in water or can be inflated manually. This type of life jacket is not approved for children under the age of 16 or non-swimmers.
Inflatable life jackets are not recommended for things that require you to get in and out of the water frequently and extra maintenance is required.
Hybrid
A hybrid life jacket is just like it sounds – a combination of a buoyant material that has an inflatable chamber. Children sizes are available in hybrid life jackets but you must make sure that you do the required maintenance checks frequently.
A hybrid life jacket is less bulky so they are great for extended wearing and for people who don’t like to wear a life jacket. However, the most suitable life jacket for all water activities is not necessarily a hybrid life jacket.
Features of a Life Jacket
While there are many features that a life jacket can have, there are just five main features that you need to look for when you are looking for a life jacket for a child. Here they are:
- Make sure that the life jacket has good buoyancy and keeps the child’s head and face above the water.
- In addition to buoyancy, a flotation collar will help keep their head above water and also help flip them on their back.
- A crotch strap that is adjustable will ensure that the life jacket stays in place and that the jacket does not lift off of the child’s body.
- In case a child falls in, a grab loop helps a person grab the child out of the water quickly.
- Only purchase life jackets that have been tested as safe and are US Coast Guard Approved.
While there are many other features out there, if you just look for these main five things, you will hit the main safety features in any child’s life jacket.
Things to Take into Consideration when Purchasing a Life Jacket
When you are looking to purchase a life jacket for your little one, there are many things that you should take into consideration.
- Be on the lookout for the US Coast Guard Logo
- All life jackets that meet safety standards will carry the US Coast Guard Approval and therefore their logo. If it does not, then the product does not meet standards and you should avoid purchasing it.
- Make sure that the life jacket fits properly
- Infant life jackets are based on weight, so it should be simple to find one to fit.
- Do NOT size up. A life jacket that is too big is not safe.
- Stick with the weight restrictions of the life jacket. They are there for safety purposes.
- Another important feature is a crotch strap. A crotch strap helps keep the life jacket from riding up.
- Before taking your child into deep water, try the float test
- Take your child with the new life jacket on to the shallow end of a pool and put them in the water face down.
- A properly working life jacket will flip them on to their back.
- If the life jacket does not flip their face out of the water, do NOT use this life jacket.
- Color does matter
- When you are out in the open water, a color such as bright yellow, orange, or red will contrast vastly from the blues and greens of the ocean.
- Avoid blue and gray life jackets as they don’t immediately draw your eye to them.
- A grab strap is important
- An important feature to have on a life jacket is a grab strap. They make it easy to grab the child to pull them inside the boat or out of the pool.
These are just a few of the things to take into consideration when looking to purchase a reliable and safe life jacket for your child.
Safety When Using a Life Jacket
Safety is the number one concern when it comes to purchasing a life vest for your child. Here are a few facts and tips about safety and life jackets.
One of the most important things about a life jacket is for it to make sure that your child’s head stays above water. The life jacket may rise to around the face of your child’s face if the jacket is too big.
If the life jacket is too small, the life jacket won’t be capable of floating your child’s body. And keep in mind – a life jacket that is designed for an adult is not designed for a child so they need their own.
Once you get the life jacket for your child, the first thing you need to do, is to see if it fits. Here is a step by step guide on how to check for fit.
- Check the label for the manufacturer’s recommended weight and size guide.
- Fasten the jacket properly – making sure all zippers and snaps and adjusted properly.
- Hold your child’s arms over their head.
- Grab the top of the openings of the arms and pull up gently.
- Ensure the vest doesn’t rise over your face or chin and there is no extra room where the opening is.
- After you try the fit on dry land, try it in a little bit of water before going in the deep water, just to make sure.
Yes, I am quite aware that most toddlers learn to swim before they turn three years old. That is great. It is important for them to do so.
However, it is also important to note that they do not have the ability to exercise caution when they are around water. That is why children should still wear life jackets when they are near water, even once they have learned to swim.
There are more deaths by drowning in the toddler age range than any other age range. This often happens in as little as 30 seconds. This is not meant to scare anyone but to point out that constant supervision and life jackets can save lives.
While we may have the mentality to buy clothes that a toddler can grow into, you should never do this with a life jacket. It is very important that a life jacket be snug and tight but not so snug that the buckles and zipper have a hard time working. A life jacket should never be able to lift to your toddler’s ears.
While a life jacket can vary in price, the most important thing to look for is certain features to make sure that your child is safe. Here are some of those features:
- You want to support your toddlers head, so look for a life jacket that has a large collar
- In case your child falls in, look for a grab strap
- You want the jacket to last as long as it fits so look for corrosion resistant zippers and buckles
- To keep the life jacket from riding up, look for jackets that have a crotch strap
- Bright colors make it easy to see your child in the water. Look for colors such as yellow, orange, and red. Avoid grays and blues.
- You can use reflective tapes to increase visibility even more
- Only purchase life jackets that are US Coast Guard Approved
Another thing to do is set up safety rules for children when they wear life jackets. That way, they know when the life jacket goes on, that these rules go in to effect.
The Importance of Wearing a Life Jacket
Everyone always says that wearing a life jacket is important. But here are a few pointers of where and when you should make sure your little one has their life jacket on.
- Whether at a home pool, a water park, or a public pool, children should always wear a life jacket when near the water.
- Anyone who is unsure of themselves or cannot swim well, as well as young children, should always wear a life jacket when around, in, or near water.
- All persons on a boat should wear a life jacket.
- While life jackets save lives, nothing is a substitute for close supervision when it comes to young children and those who do not swim well.
- Even if a child is wearing a life jacket, an individual should be assigned to a young child or poor swimmer when they are close to the water, in the water, or on the water.
- As there are many styles and types of life jackets, you need to check the label to ensure that you are using the right one for what water activity you are doing.
- Activity and conditions will help you decide what type of life jacket you need.
- Regardless of the type of life jacket you need, make sure that it is US Coast Guard Approved.
Caring for Your Life Jacket
You want to keep your child’s life jacket in good condition. In order to do so, follow the following tips:
- Only wear the life jacket as it comes – never alter it to fit differently. Once you alter a US Coast Guard Approved life jacket, it no longer is approved and you may be endangering your child’s life.
- Do not allow anyone to sit or put heavy things on the life jacket as a life jacket can lose its buoyancy if it is crushed.
- Stow your child’s life jacket away properly when it is not in use; do not leave it on a boat for a long period of time.
- Put your child’s name on the inside of the life jacket so you can identify it on the beach when you are around a lot of people.
- Always check your child’s life jacket for rips, mildew, and waterlogging.
To Care Properly For It:
- Hand wash your child’s life jacket in mild detergent every so often.
- Dry after each use. Do not dry on a direct source of heat such as a heater or radiator.
- Let your child’s life jacket drip dry and then store it in a well ventilated area.
- When you are not using the life jacket, store it in a dry place.
- You can refer to the life jacket tag for further maintenance suggestions.
If you take care of the life jacket, it will last longer than your child will fit in it.
How Does a Life Jacket Protect My Child?
There are a number of ways that a life jacket helps protect the wearer, especially a child. Let’s look at some of the ways.
- Buoyancy: Because life jackets are filled with a very buoyant material, they allow the person wearing the life jacket to be able to float in water.
- Visibility: If you choose a life jacket color such as orange, yellow, or red, your child will be more visible if they are in a water emergency. There are some colors such as grays and blues that should be avoided.
- Head Protection: In the case of a wearer becoming unconscious, some life jackets will flip the wearer over on their back. This is especially helpful for small children who find themselves in trouble and the life jacket can flip them and keep their face out of the water.
- Security: Life jackets that have crotch straps make sure that the life jacket does not fall off if the child accidentally falls in the water and life jackets with grab straps enable an adult to grab a child if they fall in the water.
These are just a few of the ways that a life jacket helps protect your child.
Best Life Jackets For Kids
Stearns Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket
If you are looking for a basic life jacket that is more about the front and arms, then the Stearns Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket may be what you are looking for. It has a shell jacket front, round armbands, and it buckles in the back.
The Puddle Jumper is US Coast Guard Approved as a Type III or Type V life jacket for kids. This life jacket is approved for kids 30 pounds to 50 pounds.
The Stearns Life Jacket has a durable nylon shell. This life jacket has a material that is woven polyester so it is softer than some other life jackets for less chafing.
This life jacket can aid in learning to swim in water.
The buckle in the back has adjustable snaps for a secure fit.
The kids will love the colorful design of this life jacket. This life jacket comes in 9 colorful designs to appeal to kids and parents alike.
- This life jacket is very affordable.
- The Puddle Jumper comes in many designs.
- This life jacket is not bulky so it will not float the child’s torso so the child can stay in a swimming position easier.
Cons:
- The Stearns Life Jacket does not have a grab strap.
- This life jacket is not appropriate for children under 30 pounds or over 50 pounds so it is very limited.
- The Puddle Jumper is a Type III flotation device so it is not appropriate for all water situations.
The Stearns Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket is a great life jacket for aiding older toddlers and children in swimming in pools. As this is a Type III/V flotation device, it is not good in other types of water such as in the open ocean. The design makes it more comfortable for children to wear for a longer period of time but the no grab strap is a little concerning.
The Puddle Jumper is inexpensive and may make a great life jacket just to have for your backyard pool.
Stearns Youth Boating Vest
If you are looking for a Type III Life Jacket to protect your child, then you may want to consider the Stearns Youth Boating Vest. This vest covers the entire chest area and secures your child when swimming, tubing, and boating.
The Stearns Vest is US Coast Guard Approved as a Type III Life Vest. It is made of a nylon construction that is durable and has PE flotation foam.
To secure your child in all water situations, the vest has a closed sided design with three buckles that are adjustable. For the best in design, this vest has 1 inch secure webbing.
This life vest is designed for children 50 pounds to 90 pounds. This vest will optimally fit those with a chest measuring 26 inches to 29 inches.
This life vest is available in three colors and is very affordable.
- The Stearns Life Vest is an affordable option.
- The life vest is constructed of nylon with PE flotation foam.
- The vest has a closed side design.
Cons:
- The Stearns Life Vest is a Type III flotation device which is basically an aid.
- The sizing is not true to size. Runs very small.
- The neck is very small so it could be uncomfortable for wearing long period of time.
The Stearns Youth Boating Vest offers a more secure vest for those who want their child more covered. The 1 inch secure webbing makes for a better made vest. And it always makes you feel better when the product is US Coast Guard Approved.
My main concern is that this vest states that it is great for tubing, swimming, and boating. However, it is a Type III flotation device.
I would feel better about the boating and tubing if it was a Type II. I’m also concerned that the sizing is not true to size and that it runs small. It is always concerning when you purchase something and it is a crap shoot on what size it will turn out to be.
Speedo Kids’ UPF 50+ Begin to Swim Classic Swim Vest
Wouldn’t it be great if a swim vest helped protect your little one from the sun? Well the Speedo Kids’ UPF 50+ Begin to Swim Classic Swim Vest does just that.
This swim vest has UV50+ protection to block the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA sun rays.
This Speedo Swim Vest is constructed of neoprene for durability that will keep your child warm and help keep them light and buoyant in the water. The vest has a front zipper that goes all the way down that makes the vest easy to get off and on. There is also a safety strap that has a buckle closure.
To fit your child properly, this vest comes in two sizes – medium and large. The medium is appropriate for children ages 2 to 4 years old who are approximately 33 pounds to 45 pounds. The large is appropriate for children ages 4 to 6 years old who are approximately 45 pounds to 60 pounds.
This Speedo Vest is American Red Cross Licensed.
This vest is a great swimming aid when learning to swim and helps build confidence while in the water.
This affordable vest comes in two color block designs.
- Vest is great for aiding in learning to swim and building confidence in the water.
- There are two sizes so your child can get the proper fit.
- This swim vest has UV50+ protection to block the sun’s harmful UVB and UVA sun rays.
Cons:
- This vest is not US Coast Guard Approved.
- The Speedo Vest is not very buoyant.
- This vest does not meet regulation as a life jacket.
While the Speedo Kids’ UPF 50+ Begin to Swim Classic Swim Vest has some great features, it is not actually a life jacket. In addition, it is not approved by the US Coast Guard.
If you are just looking for an aid in learning to swim in a shallow pool with supervision, this may do the trick, but this is not by any means a lifesaving life jacket.
The Speedo Swim Vest may be one of the top sellers but it is not a life jacket and it is not very buoyant. If you are concerned about your child’s safety around water and want a life jacket, I would absolutely look elsewhere.
Full Throttle Child Water Buddies Life Vest
If you are looking to give your child an adventure whenever they hop in the water, then let them try the Full Throttle Child Water Buddies Life Vest. This vest has a unique foam shape to the back of the life vest that bring the characters on the vest to life.
This life vest features a zippered front and waist belts. There is even a leg strap that will help keep the life vest from riding up on the wearer.
This life vest is US Coast Guard Approved as a Type III personal flotation device. This vest will ideally fit children between 30 pounds to 50 pounds.
This life vest comes in 6 colorful, imaginative designs such as a princess, a turtle, a ladybug, an astronaut, a dinosaur, and a firefly.
- This life vest comes in 6 imaginative designs.
- The Full Throttle Life Vest is US Coast Guard Approved.
- This life vest has a leg strap to aid in keeping the vest from riding up.
Cons:
- This vest is a Type III floatation device which is not ideal in all water situations.
- This vest tends to tip forward and would place the child on their face if they could not swim.
- The Full Throttle tends to run small.
Safety should be your number one concern when you are looking for a life vest for your child. The Full Throttle Child Water Buddies Life Vest has a great look to it that makes it super cool.
However, regardless of how it looks, if it is not safe, it does not matter what a life vest looks like. The design of the back of the vest makes the vest tend to tip over if a child loses balance and the child will land on their stomach with their face in the water.
If there is not someone on hand to immediately lend a hand or if the child cannot swim, this can wind up to be a deadly situation when you were trying to make things safer.
Regardless of all the other features, for this one reason alone, I would look elsewhere for a life vest or jacket. It only takes one time for an accident to occur.
Stohlquist Infant Personal Floatation Device
If a type II flotation device is important to you, then look at the Stohlquist Infant Personal Floatation Device. This life jacket is US Coast Guard Approved with a 7 pound 6 ounce sea buoyancy level.
This life jacket has an entry zipper with a quick release buckle that is for added security. To support your child’s head, there is a double collar.
For optimal floatation, there is an adjustable crotch strap. As an added safety feature, there is a grab handle for convenience.
For a comfortable fit, there is a wide neck opening. In case of an emergency, the unique wrap around jacket will quickly turn your child over onto their back.
The Stohlquist is ideal for children 8 pounds to 30 pounds.
The jacket features low profile back and sides to make arm movement easier. The adjustable crotch harness ensures the jacket stays in place and promotes that your child floats high.
The grab handle is extra wide and stays open whether the jacket is out or in the water to make it faster and easier for hand and grab access.
When your child is seated, the high collar is thin enough to clear the back of seat and make it comfortable enough to sit down. The open neck allows the child to move their head easily.
- This life jacket is available in three colors.
- The Stohlquist has dual neck support.
- The grab handle stays open in and out of water.
- Type II life jacket.
Cons:
- More expensive than some other life jackets.
- For smaller babies, the zipper at the neck can chafe.
The Stohlquist Infant Personal Floatation Device is a great example of a US Coast Guard approved Type II Personal Floatation Device.
This life jacket has many features that will suit both a newborn and a toddler. The dual neck support ensures their comfort while also helping with flipping them onto their back in a body of water. The adjustable crotch strap keeps the jacket from riding up.
Overall, I give this life jacket high marks and think that the added expense for the safety of your child is well worth it.
O’Neill Wake Waterski Infant USCG Vest
If you are looking for a full life vest for your child that has the US Coast Guard Approval, then you may want to consider the O’Neill Wake Waterski Infant USCG Vest. This life jacket is approved for children up to 30 pounds.
This nylon shell vest is made over closed cell PVC marine shaped foam. This enables the child to float face up. The nylon exterior panels have PVC backing.
There are adjustable safety belts that have Delrin buckles that are quick release. On the head cushion, you will find an easy to find grab loop.
The design of the life jacket makes it easy to get in and out of. The jacket also provides Ultraviolet protection from harmful rays.
The crotch strap helps prevent the jacket from slipping out of place. The bright color makes it easy to spot your child in the water.
- The O’Neill Life Vest is a Type II Personal Floatation Device.
- The vest is brightly colored so it is easy to spot your child in the water.
- This life vest is US Coast Guard Approved.
- This vest is available in three bright colors.
Cons:
- This vest is only suitable up to 30 pounds so you will need to get a bigger size as your child grows.
- This vest is more expensive than some other life jackets on the market.
- The vest is not true to size as it runs small.
The O’Neill Wake Waterski Infant USCG Vest is a well-designed life jacket that will suit any child up to 30 pounds. The fact that it is US Coast Guard Approved paired with the fact that the way the design shape enables the vest to float the child face up make this life jacket a true winner in my book.
The major concern with this life vest is making sure that the life vest fits your child properly. With the vest not running true to size, it is important to make sure that the vest will fit your child.
Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends 100 Flotation Vest
Do you need a life vest that comes in several sizes? Then you may want to try the Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends 100 Flotation Vest.
This vest comes in three children sizes. The infant vest is for infants and toddlers weighing up to 30 pounds. The child’s vest is for toddlers and children weighing from 30 pounds to 50 pounds. The youth vest is for children and youth weighing from 50 pounds to 90 pounds. Pick the one that will best fit your child.
This vest is US Coast Guard Type II Approved. Advanced field testing places Lil’ Legend 100 as a top safety performer.
The Lil’ Legend 100 was designed with coastal boating activities in mind. The vest helps reduce thermal burden and improves mobility.
For safety, the life vest has a grab strap that is heavy duty.
To keep your child’s head from rolling sideways in the water, the head pillow is segmented and shaped to cradle your child’s head.
The AirSoft floatation foam is segmented and helps keep the vest in place all day in comfort. The mobility panels that are shaped help with movement that is unrestricted and comfort.
The mesh back is ventilating and the Cooling Channeled Back Interior Panel help keep your child from getting hot and overheated.
This life vest is available in three colors.
- This vest is a Type II US Coast Guard Approved Floatation Device.
- This vest has cooling channels to keep your child from overheating.
- The Mustang has AirSoft foam to keep your child comfortable all day long.
- The Lil’ Legend 100 was designed with coastal boating activities in mind.
- This vest is available in three sizes: infant, child, and youth.
Cons:
- This vest is more expensive than some other life jackets on the market.
- Not all sizes come with a crotch strap.
- This life jacket may not run true to size – they seem to run small.
The Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends 100 Flotation Vest has a lot of great things going for it. The fact that it comes in several sizes is a great perk so you can get one for all the children in your family and it will also be handy to size up when it is time.
It is Type II US Coast Guard Approved so it is great for different types of water sources. In addition, the Lil’ Legend 100 was designed with coastal boating activities in mind.
A couple of words of caution. Be sure that the vest you purchase comes with a crotch strap – even for the youth vests. Also make sure that when you order, you weigh your child so you get the proper size.
Full Throttle Child Hinged Rapid-Dry Flex-Back Life Jacket
If you want a life jacket that dries quickly, then you may want to consider the Full Throttle Child Hinged Rapid-Dry Flex-Back Life Jacket. This life jacket is a US Coast Guard Approved Type III personal flotation device.
For mobility, this life jacket has five segmented hinge points. The life jacket has a rapid dry flex back that is stretchable and a smooth inner span for drainage and comfort.
This life jacket will fit children 30 pounds to 50 pounds. This life jacket comes in 2 colorful designs.
The Full Throttle Life Jacket has a four way stretch fabric that has foam that is flexibly sculpted. The bright colors of the vest make it easier to see your child in the water.
The crotch strap keeps the jacket from riding up.
- The life jacket comes in 2 colorful designs that make it easier to see your child in the water.
- The life jacket is rapid dry.
- This life jacket is a US Coast Guard Approved.
Cons:
- This vest is a Type III floatation device which is not ideal in all water situations.
- The jacket does not run true to size – runs very small.
- This jacket was not very buoyant.
If you are looking for a floatation device that runs the span of the weight limit, then the Full Throttle Child Hinged Rapid-Dry Flex-Back Life Jacket may not be what you are looking for. This life jacket tends to run very small.
In addition, this jacket does not seem to be very buoyant as children seem to sink lower in water than in some other similar life jackets.
In addition, this life jacket is more expensive than some other life jackets in the Type III class of floatation devices. This just gives one more reason to skip this life jacket.
Rrtizan Children Portable Inflatable Life Jacket Snorkel Vest
If you are looking for an inflatable life vest that is made for a specific water sport, then you may want to consider the Rrtizan Children Portable Inflatable Life Jacket Snorkel Vest. This life jacket is perfect for snorkeling in the pool.
This life jacket is made of a canvas material. The snorkeling vest has an adjustable belt and shoulder strap that can be adjusted.
The Rrtizan is made for children from 40 pounds to 130 pounds. The vest is easy to take on and off.
This vest inflates and deflates fast. Because it is lightweight, you can pack it up and tote it easily.
The Rrtizan is designed for snorkeling so you can actually put your head safely in the water. With the oral inflation tube, you can adjust the buoyancy while you are in the water.
This vest comes in two colors and is affordable.
- The Rrtizan is lightweight and takes up little to no room.
- The life jacket is made for snorkeling in the pool for hours of fun.
- You can adjust your buoyancy without getting out of the water.
- This life jacket is inexpensive.
Cons:
- This life jacket is not US Coast Guard Approved.
- This life vest allows your little one the ability to put their head under water.
- It will sometimes deflate on its own.
Color me not impressed. The Rrtizan Children Portable Inflatable Life Jacket Snorkel Vest is what I am not looking for in a life jacket – something that will allow my child to put their head under water.
Now if the child is a very good swimmer and older, I might let them use this just for the snorkeling aspect of it. But not as a life jacket.
Save your money and buy a real life jacket. I just feel that this life jacket is not safe enough to call a life jacket and is more of a novelty item. Stick to life jackets that are US Coast Guard Approved and keep your child’s head above the water.
Connelly Youth Nylon Vest
When looking for a dependable youth life vest that is US Coast Guard Approved, look at the Connelly Youth Nylon Vest.
This youth vest is recommended for children who are 50 pounds to 90 pounds. It is also best for those who are 26 inches to 29 inches in the chest.
The Connelly has three adjustable straps with quick release buckles. The design is in an eye catching color so you can easily spot your child on the water. The color design is also very appealing to children of this age range.
- This vest is US Coast Guard Approved
- The Connelly has adjustable straps with quick release buckles.
- The eye catching design is easy to spot on the water.
Cons:
- Youth vests do not have a crotch strap.
- This vest is a Type III floatation device which is not ideal in all water situations.
Overall, the Connelly Youth Nylon Vest is a pretty good life vest. It fits large youth, it is US Coast Guard Approved, and it has a color design that is appealing to many children and easy to spot on the water.
For a basic vest, it is okay. I wish it had a few more features for the price but you can’t have everything.
TRC Recreation Kid’s Super Soft Vinyl Vest
If you are looking for a soft life vest that comes in many colors, then you may want to consider the TRC Recreation Kid’s Super Soft Vinyl Vest. This Vinyl Vest comes in 5 vivid colors in several kids sizes.
This US Coast Guard Approved Type III life vest is made from waterproof vinyl and closed cell foam with a safety application. This vest is lightweight making is comfortable to wear and easy to carry.
This life vest has two quick snap buckles. This vest also has a crotch strap in sizes extra small and small. This vest will fit children under 50 pounds and with a chest size of approximately 23 inches to 24 inches.
- This vest is lightweight, making it comfortable to wear and carry.
- This vest comes in 5 bright colors so your child is easy to see in the water.
- The TRC vest is soft.
Cons:
- This vest is a Type III floatation device which is not ideal in all water situations.
- This vest is more expensive than other vests in its type class.
- The size chart is not spelled out very clearly.
- Not all sizes come with a crotch strap.
The cons vastly outweigh the pros on the TRC Recreation Kid’s Super Soft Vinyl Vest, even though it is a top rated life vest. I am sure that it serves its purpose well, however, when looking at one product versus another, it is just coming up short.
While the softness of the material and how lightweight it is are great attributes, it has a lot of faults. It is costly for being a Type III floatation device, the size chart is not clearly marked, and not all sizes come with a crotch strap.
You can spend the same amount of money and get a really top rated USCG Approved Type II Life Jacket and know that your child has the best.
The Winner
When looking for a child’s life jacket, safety is the main concern. For that reason alone, my winner is the Stohlquist Infant Personal Floatation Device.
This life jacket is US Coast Guard Approved with a 7 pound 6 ounce sea buoyancy level.
This life jacket has an entry zipper with a quick release buckle that is for added security. To support your child’s head, there is a double collar.
For optimal floatation, there is an adjustable crotch strap. As an added safety feature, there is a grab handle for convenience.
For a comfortable fit, there is a wide neck opening. In case of an emergency, the unique wrap around jacket will quickly turn your child over onto their back.
The Stohlquist is ideal for children 8 pounds to 30 pounds.
The jacket features low profile back and sides to make arm movement easier. The adjustable crotch harness ensures the jacket stays in place and promotes that your child floats high.
The grab handle is extra wide and stays open whether the jacket is out or in the water to make it faster and easier for hand and grab access.
When your child is seated, the high collar is thin enough to clear the back of seat and make it comfortable enough to sit down. The open neck allows the child to move their head easily.
When safety is your number one concern, you can’t go wrong with the Stohlquist Infant Personal Floatation Device.
