Whether you’re on vacation, or simply want to keep your kids or grandkids safe in and around the backyard pool, a toddler life jacket is a vital purchase.
With toddler life jackets, what you’re looking for is a flotation device that will fully support them, including their head, without being too tight.
Many toddler life jackets will automatically right your child onto their back should they fall face down into the water, which can literally be a lifesaver.
The following reviews discuss five of the best toddler life vests, helping you make the right choice for the little ones in your life. It can be difficult choosing the best one for your toddlers, so we’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you.
Most of the following life jacket reviews are United States Coast Guard approved and are for toddlers of standard weight (8-30 lbs).
Best Life Jackets for Toddlers Reviews
Best Seller: Coleman Life Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Toddler Jacket Vest Children Outdoor recreation product
- The Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Life Jackets have been tested and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for use as Type V/III personal...
- Meet strict requirements for use on boats, in public pools, and at water parks that require Coast Guard-approved devices
- Nylon shell for durability
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 11:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
The Stearns Puddle Jumper features a range of cute sealife character designs that kids will love. It is the people’s top choice when picking floaties for toddlers 30 Lbs or less. The Puddle Jumper from Stearns is proudly is made in the USA and it in fact Coast Guard approved.
This water-wing is Type V/III approved, meeting requirements for a variety of water activities such as swimming pools, water parks, or anywhere a Coast Gaurd approved device is required.
It features full flotation aid, with no chafing, and has an adjustable strap to suit your child for proper fit. This comfortable design lends itself to the kiddos playing freely around water while being safe. Another safety feature worth noting is that the buckle snaps in the back, making it difficult for your little one to take it off on their own.
Stearns offers a series of fun options as far as colors and designs that make it suitable for your kids. Although the Puddle Jumper water wings are a little more expensive than many toddler life vests, it is comfortable, attractive, and safe. The Puddle Jumper gives your baby the freedom they deserve.
If you have little ones and regularly enjoy lakeside vacations, this could be the best investment you make for your young child. It is unfortunate, missing a grab handle as a safety feature. Keep in mind that this product is their original and their other models are made from different materials such as Polyester or even Ultra is made with Hydroperene.
Features
- Meet strict requirements for use on boats, in public pools, and at water parks that require Coast Guard-approved devices
- Heavy Duty Nylon shell for durability
- Playful designs make water safety fun for kids
Pros
- Coast Guard approved
- Child safe design
- No chafing
Cons
- Doesn’t turn the child’s face-up
- There are better materials
- Missing Grab Strap
Top Pick: Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved Life Vest for Infants
- FEEL COMFORTABLE IN THE WATER - Made of soft foam for maximum comfort, this child personal floatation device comes with a convenient grab...
- BUCKLE UP - The single quick release front buckle provides added security and even has an adjustable crotch strap to fit any size. You'll...
- FEEL THE MOVEMENT - Life vests can be iritating for children. That's why we've made sure to design this infant PFD with full arm mobility so...
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 13:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
Stohlquist Nemo life jacket offers superior safety by providing quick-release buckles and wraps around floatation, which keeps the head clear of the water. It offers the most customizable features out of all the jackets we’ve reviewed, not only providing the highest levels of safety, as well as the most customizable of the bunch.
Furthermore, you can enjoy features such as an adjustable crotch strap and even a grab strap, to grab control and pull up your child should you need to in case of emergency. The double collar offers supportive, full movement of your toddler’s neck and head.
As far as essential specifications are concerned, this life jacket is perfect for an infant and it is a type II PFD with a sea-level buoyancy of 6 pounds and 6 ounces. Rest assure with its approval from the US Coast Guard. A super important safety feature type II PFDs provide is that it returns your child into a face-up position.
Floating calmly and face-up does not come naturally to a child, therefore this feature is super-imperative. Granted, this goes without mentioning, this feature is not a substitution for parental supervision.
Some people have observed that the zipper can chafe, but this could be addressed by having your toddler wear a thin waterproof undershirt usually referred to as a rash guard.
By design, this is a slightly bulky life jacket but does provide excellent protection.
This flotation device is ideal for a variety of water sports and vacation experiences, including those where young children will be close to open water.
To be honest, it is a higher-priced life jacket but is very safe, and ideal for a range of environments and situations. Let’s take a look at some of its features as well as its pros and cons in comparison to the other models reviewed.
Features
- Quick-release buckle over entry zipper for added security
- Adjustable crotch strap
- Convenient grab handle
Pros
- Quick-release buckles
- Wrap around floatation
Cons
- Bulky
- Chafing from zipper
Best Value: Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50
- Swim Level 2: Water Confidence - These products provide the tools to build confidence for a child already familiar with the water and...
- UV50 plus Block the Burn protection from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays
- Soft, durable neoprene construction for warmth and buoyancy
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 05:01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
While this is more of a swimming aid than a life jacket for kids around 30 Lbs in calm water, it is approved by the American Red Cross, made from neoprene, it offers UV50+ protection. In comparison to the Puddle Jumper Life, it gives your toddler much more freedom to swim.
This kids’ float vest comes in a range of child-friendly colors and would be perfect for poolside vacations, where your toddler is surrounded by attentive adults, and the water is safe, with no tides or currents. This is a great infant life jacket keeping your baby safe while not inhibiting movement, allowing your child you be playful while learning to swim.
What this infant life jacket is more suitable for is family vacations at the pool or a backyard barbecue with the pool cover off. It’s fantastic because it comes with a leg strap to make better fitting adjustments than the rest of the other options presented in this review.
This is a good, affordable price for families who have a pool in their backyard, or who regularly take poolside vacations. Speedo is a household name when it comes to water sports products.
Not only does it come with UV protection, but it also offers a heavy-duty front zipper and an adjustable buckle strap. It comes in two sizes, the largest size is typically appropriate for a 4-6-year-old. Although there seem to be complaints about possible chaffing or rash, it can be alleviated by wearing a rash guard.
Features
- Swim Level 2: Water Confidence – These products provide the tools to build confidence for a child already familiar with the water
UV50+ Block the Burn protection from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays
Soft, durable neoprene construction for warmth and buoyancy.
Pros
- UV protection
- Household brand
- 100% Polyester
Cons
- Considered swimming aid
- Possible Chaffing or Rash
Runner Up: O’NEILL Superlite USCG Nylon Infant Life Vest Yellow/Pacific/Coal
- US Coast Guard Approved Type II PFD for babies up to 30 lbs body weight
- Comfortable nylon shell over closed cell PVC marine foam shaped to float baby face-up
- Adjustable safety belts with durable Delrin quick-release buckles and handy grab loop on the head cushion
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 11:55 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
First up is this life jacket from O’Neill. This product is USCG Approved Type II meaning as per their recommendation it can be used for boating by the Coast Guard. Don’t let this deter you from also using it in the pool.
It’s rated for babies and children weighing up to 30 Lbs. It comes with a grab strap/loop perfect for grabbing control, holding, or pulling up your toddler in case you need to. It is super lightweight and has full head support to keep your babies head above water.
Even though it’s a Chinese made product, It’s made out of high-quality flotation foam and durable nylon. Superficially there is only one color combination offered, which is yellow, pacific blue, and coal, which is a fairly gender-neutral bright color. In comparison, other life jacket models, offer a variety of color options.
What we didn’t like about this life jacket in comparison to others was that it can be rather large on toddlers, which can make them uncomfortable. No worries for parents that may think their child isn’t fully protected.
Although the ill fit can be uncomfortable, your toddler is still fully protected as long as they are strapped using the adjustable buckles. This model offers adjustable belts for the chest and weight and an It also offers a crotch strap for security. Rest assured, your baby would end up face up safely if they were to fall into the water.
On the same token, your toddler could grow into this life jacket. My own children wore this life jacket until they were about 3 years old. There is plenty of room for growth and upward mobility.
Furthermore, the life vest can also be a snug fit for older toddlers. This is a reasonably priced life vest, although there are better life jackets in the same price bracket. With that said, it is a very high-quality life jacket for toddlers.
Features
- USCG approved personal flotation device
- Mesh for Drainage
- Adjustable Safety Belt
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great head support
- Soft, comfortable, and lightweight
Cons
- Falls short
- The fit can be off
Also Consider: Full Throttle Child Water Buddies Life Vest
- Fun, bright and colorful graphics
- Unique shaped foam back
- 150 denier poly-twill
Last update on 2023-09-25 at 13:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / More info
This life jacket comes in a range of cute, child-friendly designs, suitable for both boys and girls, and is Coast Guard approved. It features fun and bright colors, not only making it fun at the same time increasing the visibility of your child. Your toddler can be a Dinosaur, Lady Bug a Princes, or a Turtle. It’s made in the USA and can be cleaned by handwashing.
It’s made from durable 150 denier poly-twill and features a heavy-duty front zipper with a customizable waist belt and leg strap for comfort. By adjusting these two facets, you can avoid the vest from riding up your toddler’s legs and waist.
It’s super light-weight and it is Coast Gaurd approved Type III, best fitting for children 30 Lbs – 50 Lbs. What this means for your child, is that unlike Type II, this jacket doesn’t flip face-up. It’s meant to just float. Therefore, I would recommend this for children that are stronger swimmers.
It is designed to flip a child onto their back should they fall face down into the water, and features a crotch strap to ensure the child cannot easily wriggle free.
This is a very reasonably priced toddler’s life jacket, and should definitely be on any parent’s shopping list.
Features
- Fun, bright and colorful graphics
- Unique shaped foam back
- 150 denier poly-twill
Pros
- Designed to right child onto their back should they fall face down
- Coast Guard approved
- Secure
Cons
- It doesn’t offer the best protection
- How to Choose the Best Life Jacket For Toddlers
Safety
Type
When selecting a PFD for your toddler, please understand the different types of PFD’s and the limitations and strengths each type provides and what it means for your toddler. Bear in mind, there are hybrid PFD’s can elevate some of the restrictions the standard type offers:
- Type I – The fit for this type is bulkier and less comfortable, however, they offer the greatest ability to turn your toddler face-up.
- Type II – They are comfortable however bulkier than the subsequent types mentioned below. This type will only turn up some toddlers into the face-up position.
- Type III – These are less bulky and more comfortable for longer-term use and water play. The downside is that these are not designed for children to turn face-up.
- Type V – This type of PFD offers the previous types with enhanced wearability and comfort. Please pay attention to the label to see what type it substitutes.
Weight Restrictions
As far as toddlers are concerned, the sizing depends on their weight as opposed to the adult PFD’s which would be selected using chest size. The toddler’s PFD’s weight restriction ranges from 8-30 Lbs. Anything above that 30 Lbs weight restriction moves into the child PFD category.
Weight restrictions can also be thought of as minimum and maximum Buoyancy requirements. In another word, it’s the weight requirement in order for the subject to float as well as sink using the water floating device. Buoyancy applies to both toddlers as well as adults. For example, Type I has a minimum Buoyancy of 11 lbs. for toddler size.
Color
The brighter colors offer increased visibility for added safety. Most vendors offer fun colors and designs for the added cuteness factor.
Grab-Handle
A grab handle could provide quick rescue in the event of your toddler going overboard for an unexpected swim. It can also be used for storage or even hanging to dry.
Comfort/Mobility
Here is the tricky part you need balance as a parent; It’s comfort vs safety.
Granted, either way, your toddler’s PFD can offer comfort features such as large armholes or straps that don’t twist or tangle prevent the vest to rise, or even prevent chafing or even an open back offering breathability and seat comfort.
Double collars can increase comfort and mobility greatly, by offering your toddler’s head support, while allowing for full neck movement.
Last, however not least, buckles and zippers allow you to get the life jacket on and off quickly and the specific adjustments make it a little more comfortable. Either way, I would strongly recommend looking into getting a rash guard for maximum comfort.
Safety Tips
When you have a child, and particularly a toddler, near water, it is important to remember to NEVER leave them unsupervised – even if they are wearing a life vest.
If your child cannot yet swim, you should be in the water with them, ideally alongside them.
A life jacket is no substitute for teaching your child to swim as early as possible, and for closely supervising them.
It’s recommended to teach your child how to safely float in shallow waters or a pool.
As regards the life jacket itself, it should fit snugly but not tightly, ensuring that it cannot get snagged on branches or underwater hazards, but, also that the child does not feel overly restricted by the life jacket, and also that they can’t wriggle out of it.
The Final Decision
For safety, peace of mind, and kid-appeal, form, and function the best all-around clear winner here is the Stohlquist as it offers full protection. With that said, the Full Throttle and O’Neill Superlite come in at a close second offering equal protection as they comfort. With the Puddle Jumper and Speedo being the most comfortable, offered as mostly afloat for added protection with close parental supervision during water play.