Table of Contents
Best Life Jackets for Youth Reviews 2020
The most significant way to guarantee the safety of your child, who may or may not have learned to swim yet, is by having them wear a youth life jacket. As a parent, your child’s safety is the most significant thing to you when you plan to take them out into the water, so we put a review some products and put a buying guide together to help you choose the right one that suits your youthful child. In this review, there are five of the best USCG approved life jackets that are custom made for youth swimmers or other water activity. We will talk about the features on these five products, what is vital to look for in youth life jackets, and discuss frequently asked questions at the final section.
Best Seller – O’Neill Youth SuperLite USCG Life Vest
- USCG Approved Type III Nylon PFD
- US Coast Guard rated 50 - 90 pounds, 24 - 26 inch chest. May not fit all children in the weight range; please measure child's chest and...
- Designed to fit VERY snugly for safety. Check for a good fit: pick the child up by the shoulders of the PFD while outside of the water. If...
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The O’Neill Youth SuperLite life vest has durable nylon construction with lightweight polyethylene foam for added smoothness and comfortability. This lightweight design offers the standard three quick-release Derlin buckles with two 1-inch adjustable torso straps and a 1-inch adjustable chest strap for closure. It doesn’t provide a crotch strap but provides four 1-inch vertical straps strategically sewn to the front and back of this youth vest, which secures the two horizontal adjustable torso straps in place for a better fit.
The design allows plenty of breathability to keep your child cool during water activities. The SuperLite is designed with a durable 100 percent coated polyester shell, which provides a strong outer layer to this life vest. The O’Neill life vest design has gone through testing to ensure the safety of your child and was stamped with approval of the US Coast Guard.
Features:
- Lightweight polyethylene foam
- Minimal bulk design permits full mobility
- Three quick-release Delrin buckles
- Durable 100 percent coated polyester shell
- US Coast Guard approved
- Durable nylon construction
- Two 1-inch torso straps and one chest strap
- Designed for kids weighing 50 to 90 pounds
Verdict: The O’Neill Youth SuperLite is an attractive unisex life vest which is made for youth and is an excellent choice for swimming and water sports. The SuperLite is designed for children weighing 50 to 90 pounds. This life vest design is also available for smaller children and infants as well. This life vest also has a minimal bulk design that permits full mobility without sliding upward which allows your child to play without feeling uncomfortable and is the best seller on the PFD market.
Pros:
- Provides a soft and comfortable fit
- Has a strong exterior shell
- Good quality vest design
- Has a lightweight structured design
Cons:
- Doesn’t have a zipper closure
- No crotch strap available with this design
Top Pick – Stearns Youth Boating Vest
- US Coast Guard-approved youth life jacket
- Great for boating, tubing, and swimming
- Durable nylon construction with PE flotation foam
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The Stearns Youth Boating Vest helps to keep your child protected and comfortable out on the water. This life vest passes all of the regulatory requirements necessary for boating use and is US Coast Guard approved. The one-sided life jacket has the standard three buckles design with two 1-inch adjustable straps that fasten around your torso and a 1-inch chest strap for a secure and relaxed fit. This youth life jacket has durable nylon construction with PE floatation foam; this design is strong enough to withstand daily use while swimming, tubing, and boating.
This 7.4-ounce design has durable synthetic nylon construction with long-lasting PE Crosstech floatation foam to keeping your child afloat and safe in rivers, lakes, and swimming pools. The Stearns Youth Boating life vest is an ideal type III PFD with sea level buoyancy of 15.5 pounds for an entire day of fun in the water. As parents, you already know how much your child likes to play and move around, so it goes without saying that the maneuverability aspect of this youth boating vest will not slow them down.
Features:
- Durable nylon construction with PE flotation foam
- US Coast Guard approved
- Open-sided design
- Three adjustable buckles for a secure fit
- Two 1-inch waist straps and one chest strap
- Designed for kids weighing 50 to 90 pounds
Verdict: With its excellent floatation ability, the Stearns Youth Boating Vest has become the top pick in the life jacket market. This boating vest is designed for children that weigh between 50 – 90 pounds and is US Coast Guard approved, so there are no worries about it keeping your child afloat.
Pros:
- Provides a snug and secure fit
- Able to move around easily
- Has a great flotation ability
Cons:
- The neck opening runs small, so it may be uncomfortable to some
- Sizes run slightly smaller than the standard size
Best Value – Stohlquist Youth Fit Life Jacket
- THE ESSENTIALS OF COMFORT AND SAFETY - Made of super-soft, low-profile buoyancy foam for maximum comfort. This life jacket gives the child...
- ZIPPER UP - Take your personable items on the go with the zippered pocket. Use it to securely hold whatever you need on land or on water...
- FEEL THE MOVEMENT - Life vests can be irritating for kids. That's why we've made sure to design this kids PFD with full adjustability at...
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This Stohlquist youth model has highly mobile, non-restrictive cut that allows plenty of room for your child to move around. This life vest has a three buckle front entry closure with adjustable 1-inch straps across the torso and chest. For extra security, this vest offers four vertical 1-inch straps on the outer layer of this vest, which prevents the adjustable straps from riding up and causing chafing. The Youth Fit design inner layer structure liner is made out of 200 denier oxford material with a 200 denier outer layer shell.
This lightweight PE foam design provides the right amount of buoyancy to keep your child afloat during any water emergency. This design is excellent for swimming at the beach, pool, or any water sport activities. The Stohlquist Youth vest is designed with large armholes, which allow your child better upper body movement during water activities. The 1-inch loop strap at the base of the neck allows the vest to be hung in between uses which give the vest plenty of airflow to dry out thoroughly.
Features:
- US Coast Guard approved
- Two adjustable 1-inch straps around the torso
- Adjustable 1-inch chest strap
- Three buckle front entry
- Lightweight PE buoyancy foam
- High mobility, non-restrictive cut
- Type-III PFD
- 200 denier nylon outer shell
- 200 denier oxford liner
Verdict: The Stohlquist youth personalized life vest has many features that work well for a youngster and has become the best-valued life vest on today’s market. This lightweight design is put together with safety and security in mind for your child; it has been tested and approved by the US Coast Guard. The Stohlquist Youth life vest is an ideal type III personal flotation device for children weighing 50 to 90 pounds.
Pros:
- Ideal for water sports and swimming
- Provides adjustability for a secure fit
- Lightweight design
Cons:
- If the chest strap is not tightened correctly, the vest may ride up
Runner Up – Stearns Antimicrobial Nylon Youth Vest
- US Coast Guard-approved life jacket
- Antimicrobial protection inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew
- Great for a day on the boat or beach and in the pool or lake
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The Stearns youth life vest is made out of antimicrobial nylon which inhibits the growth of odor triggering bacteria, mildew, and mold. This youth vest offers a secure closure with three squeeze-style quick-release buckles, two 1-inch adjustable torso straps, and a 1-inch chest strap; these three straps are webbed to ensure year-after-year use. The design is made out of durable nylon construction that strategically has three webbed, vertical straps that are sewn in the structured design to secure the adjustable straps in place.
This lightweight life vest has an inner layer of PE flotation foam to keep your child afloat during water activates. The vest is made with a collar dry ring that offers a quick and straightforward way to hang it up to dry after use. This comfortable design provides hassle-free and secure fit that can be worn for the entire day without causing any chafing or discomfort to your child, and because of this and other features, it is the runner up in the PFD market.
Features:
- Antimicrobial protection
- US Coast Guard approved
- Specially fitted for youth 50 to 90 pounds
- Two adjustable waist belts and buckle
- Adjustable chest strap and buckle
- Durable nylon construction with a collar dry ring
- PE flotation foam
Verdict: The Stearns youth custom-made life vest is designed for children who weigh between 50 – 90 pounds. This youth vest has the regulation guidelines necessary for all types of vessels and is US Coast Guard approved. This vest is excellent for an all-day adventure on the water; no matter, if it’s boating, hanging at the beach, or swimming, your child will have a blast in the sun.
Pros:
- Easy to store after use
- Provides a tight and secure fit
- Lightweight and durable PE flotation foam
- Great for boating and towable tubes
Cons:
- There is no crotch strap for extra security
Also Consider – O’Neill Youth/Teen Reactor USCG Life Vest
- USCG Approved Personal Flotation Device; Perfect for Wake Sports, Waterskiing, Tubing, and Swimming
- Segmented Foam Core And Anatomical Flex Points Allow Unrestricted Movement
- Quick Release Safety Buckles And Heavy Duty Front Zipper Create an Unparalleled Sense of Security
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The O’Neill Youth/Teen Reactor was also considered, in this review, because of the great features it has to offer the youth’s safety. If you look at the front of the life jacket closely, you will see a heavy-duty zipper and dual buckles for closure. It also has a zipper safety tab that makes it easier to move the zipper up and down and prevents chafing to the neck. The quick-release safety buckles have a sleeve that securely hides the buckle.
The anatomical flex points and segmented foam core provide unrestrictive movement, which is not found in all life vests. This minimal bulk design allows full mobility for your child, while expansion panels give a comfortable fit out on the water. The Youth/Teen Reactor life vest is designed with a segmented foam core for keeping your child afloat on the water. This lightweight design has strategic seam placement with overlock stitching, which provides a super-strong seam for long-lasting results.
Features:
- The minimal bulk design allows full mobility
- Quick-release safety buckles
- Heavy-duty front zipper closure
- Segmented foam core
- Anatomical flex points for unrestrictive movement
- US Coast Guard approved as a personal flotation device
Verdict: The O’Neill Youth/Teen Reactor life vest is designed for youth sizes and provides the same results as the teen life vest. The youth vest design is geared for those who weigh 50 – 90 pounds, while the teen vest has a capacity of 75-125 pounds. The life vest is available in Neoprene or nylon material; both material designs are US Coast Guard approved as a PFD.
Pros:
- Provides an unparalleled sense of security
- Allows unrestricted movement
- Relaxed comfortable fit
- Offers a zipper and buckles for closure
Cons:
- No draining mechanism, meaning you may need to squeeze the water out occasionally
Best Life Jacket for Youth Buying Guide 2019
Safety and Security
Sometimes, children at play don’t recognize the dangers that may happen at the ocean, pool, or river, leaving them vulnerable, which is where you come in. As a parent, you need to think of them and encouraging life jackets to be worn during dangerous situations. It is essential for them to wear a youth life vest that is designed specifically for the proper weight of your child. Otherwise, the vest could be too loose and bulky, which may cause it to ride up and be uncomfortable.
Comfort
Comfortability is necessary, especially if you’re planning on having your child in water for the better part of the day. A child that is uncomfortable may become agitated and upset, causing the whole outing to be unpleasant. It is best to purchase a youth life vest that has a comfortable lining, padding, and adjustability. Some youth life vest offers larger armholes, which will allow for better maneuverability and comfort.
Breathability
It does tend to get warm when wearing a youth life jacket. You will want to keep your child cool if you plan to be out in the sun most of the day. Some youth life vests have breathability in the design’s structure, which is called innovative vented channels. These channels allow an adequate amount of air to pass through the material to keep your child cool.
Color and Visibility
It is not always a good idea to choose your child’s favorite color when buying them a youth life jacket. If your child’s favorite color is black or dark navy blue, you would not want to choose those colors as it will be harder for the US Coast Guards to find them during an emergency. Think of your child’s safety first above any favorite color. Instead, choose bright colors such as yellow or orange.
Padding
Padding has a good bit to do with the comfortability of a youth life jacket. When you’re planning on taking your child on the water for the better part of the day, you will want the padding in the youth life jacket to be comfortable. Padding that is hard or bulky could be very uncomfortable for your child. As a parent, you most likely already know how your child would react to being uncomfortable. With that said, look for comfortable padding in the life vest you choose for them.
Buckles and Zippers
Many youth life jackets come with the standard three buckles that are connected to 1-inch straps for closure. Other youth life vest comes with a vertical zipper for closure, but also you will find some life jackets that have both closure features for a more snug and secure fit. These closure features are not to be taken lightly and should be fastened while out on the water.
US Coast Guard Approved
As a parent, you obviously are looking for the best possible youth life vest for your child, and the US Coast Guard has already tested and looked over many youth life jackets for you. Choosing a life vest that has the USCG seal of approval, you will know that your child will be safe out on the water. Usually, in the inside liner of the life vest, there is a stamp that labels it is USCG approved. Safety is always a factor when your child is swimming or enjoying another water activity. Ensure your child’s safety with a USCG approved life vest.
The Level of Buoyancy
Many people don’t think to check the level of buoyancy when purchasing a youth life jacket. As a parent, buoyancy is vital to protect your child from drowning while out in deep waters. A child weighing 50-90 pounds will need a minimum buoyancy of 11 pounds to keep them afloat. Always test your child’s life jacket in shallow water first before taking them out into the deep blue sea.
Weight Capacity
Determining the weight capacity of a youth life jacket before purchase is necessary for the safety of your child. You can find the weight restrictions on the inside liner of the life jacket. For a child’s life jacket, the weight capacity is 50-90 pounds. If the weight capacity is off even by a little bit, then your child may not stay afloat, leaving them unsafe.
Sizing
A youth life jacket should always be accurately sized to ensure the safety of your child out on the water. You must consider a few things, such as your child’s weight, your child’s chest size and the length of your child’s torso. Having the correct sizing for your child will ensure comfortability, security, and safety for them. Measure your child’s chest area and shoulder width to be sure you’re getting the best possible youth life jacket for them.
Getting the Right Fit for Your Child
Getting the correct size is merely the beginning. You must also have the perfect fit for your child. Fortunately, it is a simple process to manage. Firstly, you will want to loosen the shoulder straps of your child’s life vest. If there are no shoulder strap adjustments, skip that step. Next, loosen the straps that go around your child’s torso. At this point, have your child put the youth life jacket on; then, help them fasten the buckles, and if there is a zipper, make sure that it is fastened as well. Tighten the torso straps until your child’s life vest is snug; then, tighten the shoulder straps if the vest has any.
The Importance of Wearing a Life Jacket on Your Child
As a parent, you already know how important it is to have your child wear a youth life jacket. Anytime you take your child on a boat, kayak, or canoe you will want to have the US Coast Guard life vest on them. Even though you put a life jacket on your child, you should still keep an eye on them, especially for those who are weak swimmers or beginners. While youth life jackets are designed to save lives, nothing is a replacement for close supervision when it comes to toddlers, small children, and those who are not very good swimmers. To avoid any confusion about your child wearing a life jacket, always refer to the US Coast Guard regulation and guidelines.
Frequent Asked Questions
Does sizing matter when buying a youth life jacket?
Yes! As a parent, you may buy clothing for your child that is slightly bigger so it can be worn longer. With youth life jackets, the sizing must be precise and a snug fit to protect your child out on the water. Children are always moving around, and if the life jacket is not the correct sizing, it could leave them uncomfortable and unsafe.
There is more than one child in the family; can youth life jackets be shared?
Yes, youth life jackets can be shared as long as all of the children using the life vest are within the weight limitation. However, if you are planning an outing with more than one child that requires a life jacket, you should have one for each child to protect all of the children at once in case one tends to wander off.
How do you know if a youth life jacket is US Coast Guard approved?
Any life jacket that is made or sold in the United States is normally USCG approved. However, to be certain, look on the inside lining for a seal of approval. If it not there, then it’s not US Coast Guard approved.
How many years does a youth life jacket last?
The amount of time a youth vest will last your child will depend on a number of things. Children grow, and that may mean the life jacket may become too small before it is worn out. Otherwise, a youth life jacket can be reused for more than one year unless the foam is broken, cover is tore, or straps are unusable. If any of these things that were mentioned happen to the youth life vest, then it would be visible to purchase another US Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Will a youth life jacket turn your child on their back?
Yes, youth life jackets are designed to turn a child on their back within seconds of falling into the water. This feature keeps your child’s face out of the water and helps to prevent drowning even during an unconscious situation.
Can an undertow pull your child under with a youth life jacket on?
Undertow is a misleading term when it comes to rip currents. No, rip currents will not pull your child under the water. If your child can tread water or float, they will be safe until help should arrive.
Can my child drown wearing a youth life jacket?
There is always a slight chance in any given water situation that someone could drown. However, your child will have a better chance of survival if they have a youth life jacket on in the water. If your child is struggling in the water for a long time, then your child may have a lower risk of drowning while wearing a youth life jacket. Though the risk is still there, it may not be as high when they are wearing a youth life jacket.
How does a youth life jacket protect my child?
A youth life jacket will protect your child against hypothermia, which is a common threat in cold water. It will help keep your child’s head above water, to hold in body heat, and allow them to breathe normally. A youth life jacket will also save your child’s energy level.
If my child can swim well, is it necessary to make them wear a youth life jacket at the beach?
If your child can swim well but keeps getting knocked over by the hard waves and struggles with regaining their footing, a youth life jacket will allow better control. In fact, the waves will not have as much control over your child’s energy and safety anymore.
Does a youth life jacket need to be worn during a riverboat tour?
Riverboat tours are typically slow moving on the water. The US Coast Guard does require the riverboat company to have life vest aboard. If your child can’t swim or can’t sit still, ask the tour guide to give you a youth life jacket that will fit your child or bring one along that you already have purchased. Accidents happen quickly, so use your best judgment when it comes to your child.
Conclusion
That concludes our top five life jackets for youth 2019. When it comes to a youth life vest, you should consider the size and swimming level of your child. Even though your child may not want to wear a life jacket, it is always a safe idea anyway. While researching life jackets for this review, we looked at specific criteria that are necessary to keep your child safe and comfortable such as the adjustability, padding, material, and other safety features.
In this review, we explained in great detail about what each product has to offer in regards to your child’s safety. In the buying guide section, the product features are broken down and explained in great detail. We also mention what to look for in a youth life vest, and why it is essential to always have your child wear one. Always remember to choose a life jacket for your child that is US Coast Guard approved for youth.