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Best Life Vest For Kids (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a way to keep your kids safe while they’re out on the water, a life vest is an absolute must-have. Not only do they help children who are still learning to swim stay afloat, but they also provide an added layer of protection in case of unexpected accidents.

When shopping for a life vest for your child, there are several factors you’ll want to consider. First and foremost, you’ll need to find one that fits properly. This means taking accurate measurements of your child’s chest, waist, and weight to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. You’ll also want to check the vest’s weight capacity and adjustability, as well as its buoyancy rating and safety features.

As a parent, your child’s safety is always a top priority. That’s why it’s essential to invest in a high-quality life vest that meets all safety standards and guidelines. But with so many different options available on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. How do you know which features are most important? Which materials are the best for lasting durability? And how do you choose a design that your kids will actually want to wear? With our expert guide to life vests for kids, we’ll answer all these questions and more, so you can make an informed purchase that keeps your little ones safe and happy on the water.

10 Best Life Vest For Kids

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for children who are learning to swim or participate in water sports.
2
Ideal for providing buoyancy and aiding in swim training for young children during surfing, bathing or water activities.
3
The product is ideal for ensuring the safety of children while participating in water activities.
4
This product is ideal for children and juniors who need a Coast Guard approved life jacket vest with high mobility.
5
The product bundle is ideal for parents who want to ensure their children's safety while swimming and having fun in water.
6
This product is an ideal buoyancy swimming aid for children, with a modern design and drawstring bag included.
7
The product is ideal for children, weighing 46-77 lbs who want to participate in water activities with a cute and functional swim vest.
8
The product is ideal for children and youths who weigh between 50 to 90 pounds, and need a life vest for water activities.
9
This product is ideal for providing buoyancy and support to children during watersports activities.
10
This product is ideal for providing safe and practical child transportation in various travel modes, including rideshares and rental cars.
This product is ideal for children who are learning to swim or participate in water sports.
Ideal for providing buoyancy and aiding in swim training for young children during surfing, bathing or water activities.
The product is ideal for ensuring the safety of children while participating in water activities.
This product is ideal for children and juniors who need a Coast Guard approved life jacket vest with high mobility.
The product bundle is ideal for parents who want to ensure their children's safety while swimming and having fun in water.
This product is an ideal buoyancy swimming aid for children, with a modern design and drawstring bag included.
The product is ideal for children, weighing 46-77 lbs who want to participate in water activities with a cute and functional swim vest.
The product is ideal for children and youths who weigh between 50 to 90 pounds, and need a life vest for water activities.
This product is ideal for providing buoyancy and support to children during watersports activities.
This product is ideal for providing safe and practical child transportation in various travel modes, including rideshares and rental cars.

1. Kid's Watersports Swim Vest With Whistle – Heysplash

Ensure that your kids are safe while swimming with this durable and reliable swim vest. Made with professional SBR Neoprene & EPE (Expandable Polyethylene) material, this vest has a safety buoyancy of up to 25kg / 55lbs, making it suitable for kids of various sizes. It has undergone testing and has passed the UL 12402-5 (Level 50) certification, ensuring its quality and safety.

The vest comes with a reinforced safety buckle and adjustable high-density nylon webbing for added security. It also features a built-in survival whistle and whistle pocket, with the whistle range reaching up to 10m, making it easy to call for help in case of an emergency.

Designed for maximum movement, the vest has large armholes that allow your kids to swim comfortably. The leg straps keep the vest from riding up, ensuring that it stays in place. For proper maintenance, it is recommended to dry the vest before storing it away. Avoid exposing it to the sun for extended periods to prevent damage and ensure a longer service life.

Pros

  • Professional SBR Neoprene & EPE material for safety buoyancy of up to 25kg / 55lbs
  • Passed UL 12402-5 (Level 50) certification
  • Reinforced safety buckle and adjustable high-density nylon webbing
  • Built-in survival whistle and whistle pocket
  • Large armholes for maximum movement
  • Leg straps to keep the vest from riding up

Cons

  • – Requires proper maintenance to ensure a longer service life

2. Floatsuit – Adjustable Dino Swimwear For Toddlers

The Safe Float Swimsuit for Kids is an essential swimwear for children who are learning how to swim. This unisex baby swimming float suit comes with 8 pieces of EVA removable float cotton sticks that promote the correct learning to swim position and increase the children's confidence by adding or removing float cotton sticks. The swimsuit has a UPF 50+ sun protection and quick-drying design, making it the perfect assistant for learning to swim on vacation. With its swimming flotation rashguard swimsuit, child girls and boys are provided with holiday sun protection beachwear clothing.

The swimsuit has an exquisite design that features a one-piece swimsuit with an elasticity strap design. The bottoms are available in boxer and triangle styles, which allow children to learn to swim without any sense of restraint. The swimming vest with 8 removable buoyancy is both safety and pretty, and it can be used as a safety buoyancy swimsuit or as a beautiful swimsuit. The bright colors and beautiful patterns, such as dinosaurs, clouds, and flowers, make children more interesting and lovely in swimming, and it will make your child fall in love with swimming.

The Toddler short sleeve swimming aids vest is made of Polyeste + Spandex; Inside: Polyester, one-piece conjoined bodysuit, and jumpsuit pants practical design, with excellent workmanship and exquisite stitching. It is not easy to deform and offers enough space for a child. The material is soft and comfortable to wear, and it does not cause any itchy feeling. It is perfect for the beach, holiday party, swimming pool, indoor or outdoor swim infant water float baby toddler girls boys floating swimsuit float suit swim life jacket vest.

This Float Swimsuit is perfect for various occasions, such as the toddler learning to swim for the first time, swimming pool, photograph, beach, summer holiday, playing in and out of water, swimming training aid, or other water sports. It is a great gift deal for your little kids. The Float Swimsuit applies to baby boys and girls' swimwear suitable for ages 18-24 months baby, 2 to 3, and 4 to 5 years old kids. To avoid inappropriate size purchases, it is best to check the size chart before placing an order. Please note that the baby floatation swimsuit is a way to learn to swim and not a life-saving device, and adult supervision is required at all times.

Pros

  • Comes with 8 pieces of EVA removable float cotton sticks that promote the correct learning to swim position and increase the children's confidence
  • Has a UPF 50+ sun protection and quick-drying design, making it the perfect assistant for learning to swim on vacation
  • Exquisite design features a one-piece swimsuit with an elasticity strap design, allowing children to learn to swim without any sense of restraint
  • Bright colors and beautiful patterns make children more interesting and lovely in swimming
  • Made of Polyeste + Spandex; Inside: Polyester, one-piece conjoined bodysuit, and jumpsuit pants practical design, with excellent workmanship and exquisite stitching
  • Perfect for various occasions, such as the toddler learning to swim for the first time, swimming pool, photograph, beach, summer holiday, playing in and out of water, swimming training aid, or other water sports

Cons

  • – Not a life-saving device, and adult supervision is required at all times
  • – It is best to check the size chart before placing an order to avoid inappropriate size purchases

3. Coast Guard Approved Child Life Jacket – Oceans 7

The US Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is an excellent choice for parents who want to ensure their child's safety while on the water. The life jacket passes the highest USCG standards and testing and is labeled for infant, child or youth by weight range. The child-size PFD is designed for children that weigh 30-50 pounds, and the actual comfort, fit, and sizing may vary. For children over 45 pounds, it is recommended to try the youth size. The life vest should not rise above the child's head when securely fastened.

The PFD has an open-side design that ensures a comfortable fit, and the three adjustable straps allow for maximum size and fit range. The chest straps are lengthened to provide additional support and ensure the life jacket stays securely fastened. The durable Nylon construction and thick EPE flotation foam make this PFD great for swimming or general boating activities.

Please note that the packaging may vary, but rest assured that you will receive a high-quality US Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device that meets the highest safety standards.

Pros

  • US Coast Guard-approved and passes highest standards and testing
  • Labeled for infant, child, or youth by weight range
  • Open-side design and three adjustable straps provide a comfortable fit
  • Durable Nylon construction and thick EPE flotation foam
  • Suitable for swimming or general boating activities

4. Youth High-Mobility Life Vest – Coast Guard Approved

The Stohlquist kids PFD life jacket has been designed with the essentials of comfort and safety in mind. Made of super-soft, low-profile buoyancy foam, this life jacket provides maximum comfort to the child. The efficient forward pull side adjusters ensure extra security, letting them know they're safe. The life jacket has a zippered pocket that can be used to securely hold personal items on land or on water, such as accessories and snacks. The life jacket has a buoyancy of 12-14 lbs and is made of polyethylene foam material.

This kids PFD life jacket has been designed to offer full adjustability at the sides and shoulders to secure its placement on the child's torso. It has eight points of adjustability, ensuring an excellent fit for any height and shape. The buckle around the waist has been wrapped in a nylon inner flap to enhance comfort and prevent any rubbing irritation.

Stohlquist products are the result of a lifetime of hands-on paddling and entrepreneurial spirit of founder Jim Stohlquist. Each model follows the lineage of 40+ years of product innovation and refinement to provide customers with the best WaterWare available today.

Pros

  • Made of super-soft, low-profile buoyancy foam for maximum comfort
  • Efficient forward pull side adjusters for extra security
  • Zippered pocket to securely hold personal items
  • Eight points of adjustability for an excellent fit for any height and shape
  • Buckle around the waist has been wrapped in a nylon inner flap to enhance comfort

5. Swim Buddies Bundle: Life Jacket & Diapers

The Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Life Jackets are the perfect solution for parents who want to keep their kids safe while they have fun in the water. These life jackets have been tested and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard as Type V/III personal flotation devices, ensuring they meet strict requirements for use on boats, in public pools, and at water parks that require Coast Guard-approved devices. The nylon shell provides durability and the playful designs make water safety fun for kids.

Pampers Splashers disposable swim diapers are designed to make water fun at the pool, beach, splash park, and more. Unlike regular diapers, these swim diapers don't swell in water, providing a comfortable fit whether wet or dry. The dual leak-guard barriers fit snug around baby's legs, helping to contain messes. The 360° stretchy waistband provides an all-around stretchy fit that fits like swimwear, ensuring your baby is comfortable and secure.

Pros

  • Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Life Jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard as Type V/III personal flotation devices
  • Nylon shell provides durability
  • Playful designs make water safety fun for kids
  • Pampers Splashers disposable swim diapers don't swell in water, providing a comfortable fit whether wet or dry
  • Dual leak-guard barriers fit snug around baby's legs, helping to contain messes
  • 360° stretchy waistband provides an all-around stretchy fit that fits like swimwear

6. Limmy's Neoprene Swim Vest: Buoyant Swim Aid.

Limmys swim vests are the perfect gift for kids who love water and are eager to learn. The vest helps toddlers and young children gain confidence in the water while having fun and learning an important life skill. The vest is designed with safety, warmth, and comfort in mind, and it is created by parents for parents.

The unique design of Limmys swim vest sets it apart from other swim vests on the market. It features an added strap that secures under the child's crotch, which ensures that the vest stays in place and adds to the product's safety. The extra-strong zip makes sure that it doesn't break easily with multiple uses. The product is available in various sizes, and the photos provided help customers choose the right size for their little ones.

It is important to note that Limmys swim vest is a buoyancy aid/swim vest, not a life vest. It is designed to help children gain confidence in the water while learning how to swim.

Limmys is a UK family-owned business that has been supplying quality kids' products to the UK and Europe for many years. Their emphasis is on fun while learning, functionality, affordability, and safety. The company's performance is judged based on the happiness of their customers, and their priority is to maintain their 100% seller rating score. Customers can reach out to them anytime for assistance with their products.

Pros

  • Designed for safety, warmth, and comfort
  • Unique design with added strap and extra-strong zip
  • Photos provided to help customers choose the right size
  • Buoyancy aid/swim vest to help children gain confidence in water
  • Affordable and functional
  • Excellent customer service

7. Moko Kids Swim Vest – Cute & Safe!

The High-Quality Swim Vest is perfect for kids who are just starting to learn how to swim. It is made of 25mm EPE (Expandable Polyethylene) padding, which is a high-quality material that provides good buoyancy. With a weight range of 46 to 77 pounds (21 to 35 kg) and a height range of 110-125 cm / 3'7"-4'1", this swim vest is great for swimming beginners.

The vest comes in a bright color that makes it more visible in the water, which is essential for finding your children quickly. It also has a cute whale pattern that will attract your kids and make them excited to wear it. Your kids will feel confident, secure, and safe in the water at all times.

The swim vest is designed to be comfortable and safe. It is lightweight and allows for plenty of arm movement. You can adjust it to snug your kids well, and it will not pop up over their head. The vest is also equipped with a survival whistle and a whistle pocket, which can be used in case of an emergency.

Putting on the swim vest is easy for kids to do by themselves. It is designed with a zipper closure and quick-release buckles with adjustable straps. Please remember to dry the swimming vest before putting it away, and do not expose it to the sun after it has dried. Children should always swim under adult supervision.

Pros

  • Made of high-quality 25mm EPE padding that provides good buoyancy
  • Bright color and cute whale pattern make it more visible and attractive for kids
  • Designed to be comfortable and safe, allowing for plenty of arm movement
  • Equipped with a survival whistle and whistle pocket in case of emergency
  • Easy for kids to put on by themselves with a zipper closure and quick-release buckles

Cons

  • – Limited weight and height range may not fit all children
  • – May not provide enough buoyancy for more advanced swimmers

8. Stearns Kids Life Vest | Youth Hydroprene Life Jacket | 50 To 90 Pounds, Blue

Ensure the safety of your children while they enjoy water activities with the US Coast Guard-approved youth life jacket. It is specially designed for youths weighing 50 to 90 pounds, with a soft and flexible Hydroprene shell and lightweight Crosstech PE flotation foam that provide maximum comfort and buoyancy. The contemporary ergonomic design of this life jacket ensures better movement and flexibility, allowing your children to move freely without any discomfort.

The life jacket features two webbed straps and a zipper that offer a secure and snug fit, keeping the jacket in place even during rough water activities. With its bright color and reflective accents, the life jacket provides high visibility, making it easier to spot your child in the water. Ensuring your child's safety and comfort during water activities has never been easier with this US Coast Guard-approved youth life jacket.

Pros

  • US Coast Guard-approved for maximum safety
  • Soft and flexible Hydroprene shell for comfort
  • Lightweight Crosstech PE flotation foam for buoyancy
  • Contemporary ergonomic design for better movement and flexibility
  • Two webbed straps and a zipper for a secure fit
  • Bright color and reflective accents for high visibility

9. Airhead Children's Wicked Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Life Vest, Hot Pink (10077-02-B-Hp)

Ensure your child's safety while they have fun in the water with the USCG approved Wicked Personal Flotation Device. This PFD meets the USCG requirements for Type II (Infant) and III (Child) Life Jackets. With a closed-sided design, buckle and zipper closures, additional crotch belt, and a rapid rescue handle, parents can have peace of mind knowing their child is safe.

The Wicked life jacket offers both comfort and safety with its less bulky design, which allows a larger range of motion for water activities. The closed sides, zipper, crotch strap, and double buckle closure ensure the life jacket stays securely in place. The quick grab rescue handle provides a secure grip/lift option for any emergency situation.

Made from durable, quick-drying, and super soft Quick Dry Neolite fabric, this life jacket stays comfortable against your child's skin. The fabric is designed to wick away moisture and feel light and airy, ensuring your child stays comfortable all day long.

The Wicked life jacket follows the sizing determined by the USGC and is designed to fit children that weigh 30-50 pounds and have a 22-25-inch chest size and Infants 15-30 pounds.

The Airhead Sports Group, a family of watersports, wintersports, and leisure brands focused on creating quality, fun promoting products, has been providing family fun since 1991. Their brands encourage kids and adults to get outdoors, be active, and, most importantly, have FUN.

Pros

  • USCG approved for Type II and III Life Jackets
  • Closed-sided design, buckle and zipper closures, additional crotch belt, and rapid rescue handle for safety
  • Less bulky design for a larger range of motion during water activities
  • Quick Dry Neolite fabric is durable, quick-drying, and super soft
  • Designed to fit children that weigh 30-50 pounds and have a 22-25-inch chest size, and Infants 15-30 pounds
  • Airhead Sports Group encourages outdoor activities and fun for families

10. Compact Travel Vest With Portable Car Seat.

Introducing an innovative and unconventional vest type Child Restraint System that is designed to optimize the adult seat belt fit for the little traveler, ensuring maximum safety during travel. This revolutionary technology is compact, ultra-lightweight, and portable, making it the perfect solution for family travel, ridesharing, taxi, or rental car. The vest can comfortably fit three children in the same row of a vehicle, making it a great option for grandparents and caregivers.

This Child Restraint System is certified for use in motor vehicles and meets all applicable FMVSS 213 requirements, making it both safe and legal for use in all US states. The vest can be used with or without tether, providing flexibility and convenience for parents and caregivers. To use the vest with a vehicle lap belt and top tether, secure the vest with a top tether anchor in the vehicle. Alternatively, the vest can be used with a lap and shoulder belt only without a tether strap.

The vest is recommended for children aged 3 years and above, with a weight between 30lbs and 60lbs. With its easy installation and use, the vest is the perfect choice for parents and caregivers looking for a safe and convenient way to transport their little ones.

Pros

  • Revolutionary technology optimizes adult seat belt fit for maximum safety
  • Compact, ultra-lightweight, and portable design makes it perfect for travel
  • Certified for use in motor vehicles and meets all applicable FMVSS 213 requirements
  • Can be used with or without tether for flexibility and convenience
  • Easy installation and use

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for larger or heavier children

Best Life Vest For Kids FAQs

Are there any regulations or standards that life vests for kids must meet to be considered safe?

Yes, there are regulations and standards that life vests for kids must meet to be considered safe. In the United States, the Coast Guard requires that all life vests for children under 90 pounds must be approved by the agency. These vests must also meet certain performance standards, such as being able to keep a child afloat with their head above water, and providing enough buoyancy to prevent the child from sinking. Additionally, the vests must be properly sized to fit the child and be in good condition, with no rips or tears.

It's important for parents and caregivers to ensure that the life vest they choose for their child is appropriate for their size and weight, and that it meets the required safety standards. They should also make sure the vest is properly fastened and adjusted before allowing their child to go in the water. By following these guidelines, parents can help keep their children safe while enjoying aquatic activities.

Can a child wear a life vest while participating in water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding?

Yes, absolutely! In fact, it's highly recommended that children wear a properly fitted life vest while participating in any kind of water sport, including kayaking and paddleboarding. Life vests, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), are designed to keep a person afloat and help them stay safe in the water. They come in different sizes and types, so it's important to choose the right one for your child based on their weight and the activity they'll be doing. For example, a child who is kayaking in calm waters may need a different type of PFD than one who is paddleboarding in rougher waters. It's also important to make sure the life vest is properly fastened and adjusted to ensure maximum safety. By wearing a life vest, children can enjoy water sports while also staying safe and protected.

How do I properly fit a life vest for my child and ensure their safety while swimming or boating?

Ensuring the safety of your child while swimming or boating is of utmost importance, and fitting them with a life vest is a crucial step towards achieving that goal. Here's how to properly fit a life vest for your child and ensure their safety:

1. Choose the right size: Make sure you choose a life vest that is appropriate for your child's weight and size. A life vest that is too big or too small may not provide the necessary protection.

2. Adjust the straps: Once you have chosen the right size, adjust the straps to ensure a snug fit. The life vest should fit snugly around your child's chest and torso, but not be too tight that it restricts their movement or breathing.

3. Check the buoyancy: Make sure the life vest provides enough buoyancy to keep your child afloat in the water. The life vest should be able to support your child's weight and keep their head above water.

4. Inspect the vest: Before your child gets in the water, inspect the life vest for any signs of wear or tear, such as frayed straps or holes. If the life vest is damaged, do not use it.

5. Supervise your child: Even with a properly fitted life vest, it is important to supervise your child at all times while they are in or near the water.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your child is properly fitted with a life vest and stays safe while swimming or boating.

What are some tips for teaching children about the importance of wearing a life vest and staying safe around water?

Teaching children about the importance of wearing a life vest and staying safe around water is a crucial responsibility for parents and caregivers. Here are some tips that can help in this regard:

1. Start early: Teach your children about water safety from a young age. As soon as they start to interact with water (e.g., in the bathtub), start talking to them about the importance of staying safe.

2. Make it fun: Use games and activities to teach children about water safety. For example, play a game of "red light, green light" in the pool where the "red light" means stop and put on your life vest.

3. Lead by example: Wear a life vest yourself and follow all the water safety rules. Children learn from their parents and caregivers, so make sure you set a good example.

4. Explain the risks: Talk to your children about the dangers of drowning and the importance of staying safe. Use age-appropriate language and make sure they understand the risks.

5. Practice, practice, practice: Reinforce the importance of wearing a life vest and staying safe around water by practicing regularly. Make sure your children wear their life vest whenever they are near water and remind them of the rules.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your children stay safe around water and understand the importance of wearing a life vest.

What are the best life vests for kids and what features should I look for?

When it comes to choosing the best life vests for kids, safety should always be the top priority. It is important to select a life vest that fits the child properly and has a buoyancy rating appropriate for their weight. A life vest with a crotch strap and a collar can provide additional support and help keep the child's head above water.

The type of activity the child will be participating in should also be taken into consideration. For example, a child who will be kayaking or paddleboarding may benefit from a life vest with a high back for added comfort and support. Additionally, a life vest with reflective tape or bright colors can help increase visibility in the water.

Other features to look for in a life vest for kids include adjustable straps for a customizable fit, a durable and easy-to-clean material, and a whistle for emergency situations.

Overall, it is important to choose a life vest that is comfortable, properly fitting, and designed for the specific activity the child will be participating in. By selecting the right life vest, parents can ensure their child's safety while enjoying water activities.

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