Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4? In fact, it’s also the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the best thing you can do to limit the risk of drowning is enroll your child in swimming lessons and water safety classes, Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition board member Cory Stuhmer recommends individuals wear a life jacket “anywhere where there’s a body of water you’re going to be going into where you can’t touch. Whether it’s at the beach, in the river, at the pool or on a lake, life jackets can be a very important part of water safety.”
Plus, it’s Texas state law that all children younger than 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved (USCGA) life jacket on any vessel that is under 26 feet in length when underway, including when drifting or not at anchor.
But remember: “PFDs [personal flotation devices] are not babysitters. Even though a child wears a PFD when on or near the water, an adult should always be there too. Parents should remember that inflatable toys and rafts should not be used in place of PFDs,” according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Read on for more information on how to choose the best life jacket for your kids, and a few of our picks. All of the life jackets on our list are USCGA.
How to Choose the Best Life Jacket for Your Kids
There are five types of personal flotation devices that are USCGA. Typically, for children who are in calm water, you’ll want to choose Type 2 for infants or Type 3 for toddlers and older kids. Type 2 PFDs are designed to turn wearers face up in the water, while Type 3 PFDs are designed to provide support for children with some swimming skills. If you’re looking for life jackets for kids to use on open or remote water, look for a Type 1 life jacket.
You’ll want your child’s life jacket to fit snugly. In fact, according to the USCG, “to work right, a PFD must fit snugly on a child. To check for a good fit, pick the child up by the shoulders of the PFD. If the PFD fits right, the child’s chin and ears will not slip through.” So be sure to choose a size that’s appropriate for your child’s weight:
- Infant: less than 30 pounds
- Child: 30–50 pounds
- Youth: 50–90 pounds
The USCG urges parents to test the PFDs in a swimming pool immediately after purchase to ensure it fits and works for your child. Below we share some great options, listed by age group. Please note that these are not affiliate links.
The Best Life Jackets for Infants
When selecting a life jacket for infants (under 30 pounds), the Coast Guard recommends a Type 2 life jacket. (Note: USCG recommends younger infants shouldn’t be taken on boats, at least until they weigh at least 18 pounds.) REI suggests parents choose life jackets that have padded head support to help keep the child’s head above water, a grab handle to help with pulling the child out of the water, and a leg strap to help keep the PFD from riding up.
1. Full Throttle Infant Baby-Safe Life Jacket
Brightly colored in orange or pink, this infant life jacket is designed to keep your baby safe and comfortable. The buckle at the collar makes it easier to get your baby in and out of the life jacket. Plus, it has an elasticized, fabric leg strap for added comfort on little legs.
Price: $34.99
Where to find: fullthrottlewatersports.com
2. Airhead Classic Life Vest for Infants
This Type 2 life jacket features closed sides to offer a tighter and more secure fit and a bright yellow head rest. Plus, the three strong buckles keep little ones strapped in no matter how much they wiggle, but are easy to open and close quickly.
Price: $26.99
Where to find: airhead.com
3. O’Neill Wake Waterski Infant Vest
Backed by the O’Neill name, which was made popular by the surfing community, this PFD features adjustable safety belts around the torso and the leg with quick-release buckles and a zippered chest closure. Plus, it comes in neon green, bright pink or vibrant yellow.
Price: $69.95
Where to find: amazon.com
4. Stohlquist Kids Life Jacket
This infant life jacket features fully adjustable leg and side straps, an easy-entry front zipper, a double collar to support your tot’s head and larger arm holes to prevent chafing and give kids full mobility. Bonus: It comes in three colorways that give off 90s vibes: Aqua/Pint, Blue/Green and Orange/Yellow.
Price: $69.99
Where to find: amazon.com
5. Bass Pro Shops Recreational Life Vest for Babies
This is the most affordable option on our list for infants, from a trusted brand in the outdoor recreation industry. The life vest features an adjustable belt for a snug fit, a durable nylon shell and leg strap. Plus, it matches the kid, youth and adult versions, so the whole family can match.
Price: $19.99
Where to find: basspro.com
The Best Life Jackets for Toddlers
Like with infants, it’s ideal for the life jacket for your toddler (30–50 pounds) to have a grab handle to help with pulling the child out of the water and a leg strap to help keep the PFD from riding up.
1. Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Swim Shifters Child Life Jacket
A lot of little ones don’t like to wear life jackets because they’re bulky, but we think they’ll love this option. It features the safety features you want—adjustable straps and fitted design—along with a playful design that changes color in the water.
Price: $24.98
Where to find: walmart.com
2. Full Throttle Child Rapid-Dry Flex-Back Life Jacket
Sure, this life jacket is on the pricier side, but we think it’s worth it for one reason: The segmented hinge points on the vest give kids more flexibility and a better range of motion. It also features a zipper front closure, two adjustable straps across the torso and a covered leg strap to prevent the vest from riding up.
Price: $79.99
Where to find: fullthrottlewatersports.com
3. O’Brien Youth Neoprene Life Vest
Another option on the pricier side, this life vest is made with lightweight, breathable and eco-friendly BioLite fabric. The zip closure allows for a snug, secure fit that’s easy to put on and take off. Plus, the wide armholes give kids more mobility.
Price: $79.99
Where to find: dickssportinggoods.com
4. Body Glove Child Boy Evoprene PFD
Designed with lightweight, ultra-durable neoprene, this life jacket for kids is soft yet durable. It features oversized armholes for increased mobility, two heavy-duty buckles to ensure the vest fits well and a zipper front closure.
Price: $29.97
Where to find: walmart.com
5. XPS Neoprene Life Jacket for Kids
Made with neoprene in a segmented design, this PFD provides water safety for kids without hindering movement. It features a full zippered front closure and two adjustable torso belts for a secure fit, along with a leg strap.
Price: $49.99
Where to find: basspro.com
The Best Life Jackets for Kids
Life jackets for kids who weigh 50–90 pounds are designed to look like the adult versions (i.e. without the grab handle or leg straps). If your children are old enough, the American Academy of Pediatrics’ healthychildren.org recommends teaching them how to put on their own life jacket.
1. Kids’ L.L.Bean Allsport PFD
This kids’ PFD has sculpted front and back panels, which create a great fir and versatility for a variety of water sports. The lightweight vest features three buckle closures with adjustable straps, and it comes in three colors: orange, yellow and teal.
Price: $39.95
Where to find: llbean.com
2. O’Brien Youth Neoprene Life Vest
Like the toddler version, this life vest for kids is made with lightweight, breathable and eco-friendly BioLite fabric, making it comfortable for all-day wear. It has a zip closure for a snug, secure fit, two adjustable snap belts and wide armholes for increased mobility.
Price: $89.99
Where to find: dickssportinggoods.com
3. XPS Neoprene Life Jacket for Youth
This life jacket, made with neoprene, has a full-zip front and two heavy-duty, adjustable belts to customize the fit. Plus, it’s designed with enhanced comfort, flexibility and durability—and mesh drainage so it doesn’t hold any excess water.
Price: $49.99
Where to find: cabelas.com
4. Bass Pro Shops Deluxe Hinged Life Jacket for Kids
Another great option from Bass Pro Shops, this PFD features seven segmented hinge points for increased flexibility, range of motion and comfort. It has a full front zipper, plus two buckles with adjustable belts for a snug fit.
Price: $24.99
Where to find: basspro.com
5. Stohlquist Fit Youth
This high-mobility life jacket for kids has sculpted front and back panels that create a better fit for paddlesports while still being usable in other boating activities. The three-buckle front closures make it easy for kids to put on themselves. Plus, it comes in lime, bright blue, red, and black.
Price: $39.99
Where to find: stohlquist.com
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Top image: iStock
