When it comes to finding the best life jackets for kids, it boils down to three key factors; safety, comfort, and
your budget.
Let’s explore…
- The best life jacket options for an infant, toddler, and youth
- How to choose the best life jacket
- Safety features to know
- Commonly asked questions and answers
Here is what you need to know in this ultimate buyers guide to make the most informed purchasing decision.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
Be sure to stick around from start to finish to access helpful links throughout along with your bonus resource!
O’Neill Wetsuits Child Reactor Life Vest
For Ages: 2-6 years (30 to 50 pounds)
Best For: Wake Sports, Water Skiing, Kayaking, Tubing, Swimming
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
What to Know
If your kiddo is into water sports, this life vest’s versatile design makes moving in the water a breeze.
The relaxed fit provides unrestricted movement.
An added bonus?
It is not bulky to wear which makes moving around that much easier!
Safety Features
- Quick-release safety buckles
- Easily adjustable crotch strap for snug fitting
- Coast guard approved
Final Verdict: For kids actively into water sports, this is one of the most comfortable and best-fitting life jackets to use.
►► View Now: O’Neill Wetsuits Child Reactor Life Vest ◄◄
Stearns Heads-Up Child Vest
For Ages: 2-6 years (30 to 50 pounds)
Best For: Swimming
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
What to Know
Two words ring true with the Stearns Heads-Up Child Vest…safety first!
It encourages “face-up” flotation.
Simply adjust the vest with the two adjustable straps.
Safety Features
- Extra contoured float above the neck (acts like a pillow)
- Rescue handle to easily move your kid out of the water
- Material is bright and reflective to spot your little one in a flash
- Crotch strap ensures a snug fit
Final Verdict: If you need a safe life vest to hold your child upright in the water while at the pool, beach, or lake, this is the one.
►► View Now: Stearns Heads-Up Child Vest ◄◄
Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket
For Ages: Infant to 3 years (8 to 30 pounds)
Best For: Boats, Swimming
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
What to Know
When you have a baby, supporting their head is a must.
This life vest makes a great buoyancy aid for infants while keeping their heads upright.
The wonderful design provides added comfort to wiggle and squirm!
Safety Features
- Cozy dual support collar to cradle an infants head
- Front zipper and adjustable crotch strap to secure the jacket in place
- Grab handle to hold onto your kiddo from behind
- Coast guard approved
Final Verdict: This is one of the best life jackets to support a baby’s head.
►► View Now: Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket◄◄
Absolute Outdoor Onyx Inflatable Life Jacket
For Ages: Youth (kids over 80 pounds)
Best For: Boats, Kayaking, Canoeing
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
What to Know
One of the standout features of this life vest is it automatically inflates when you fall into the water.
The tough fabric prevents puncture holes and tears.
But don’t let the fabric fool you into thinking its’ not comfortable to wear.
It’s super comfy and convenient to keep on for several reasons…
- Lightweight
- The open design keeps you cool in hot weather
- The soft neoprene material around the neckline is made for all-day wear
Safety Features
- Inflates with manual movement of T-cord
- Inflates automatically when immersed into water
Final Verdict: If you are fishing or boating all day, this is a comfy life vest to wear for hours on end and keeps you safe if you happened to fall overboard.
►► View Now: Absolute Outdoor Onyx Inflatable Life Jacket ◄◄
Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket
For Ages: 2 to 6 years (30 to 50 pounds)
Best For: Boats, Swimming
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
What to Know
This is an excellent life vest to give kids the confidence boost they need to be in the water.
The design makes you feel independent while providing maximum support.
Plus, it’s comfy to swim in.
Safety Features
- Safety buckle snap-in back (makes it difficult for a child to remove)
- Adjustable strap for a secure fit
- Coast guard approved
Final Verdict: This is a wonderful life jacket for early swimmers or beginners.
►► View Now: Stearns Original Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket ◄◄
Airhead Wicked Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Life Vest
For Ages: Infant to 6 years (15 to 60 pounds)
Best For: Active Water Sports
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
What to Know
This bold and brightly colored jacket is a coast guard safety-approved type III vest.
Type III means the floating aid is actually “marked” for specialized water activities like…
- Boating
- Kayaking
- Water Skiing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
It’s lightweight and enjoyable to wear due to the soft foam polyester material.
Safety Features
- Coast guard approved (level III)
- Adjustable body strap
- Quick-release buckles
Final Verdict: This is an excellent life vest for kids actively into water sports.
►► View Now: Airhead Wicked Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Life Vest ◄◄
Body Glove Paddle Pals Learn to Swim Life Jacket
For Ages: 2 to 6 years (30 to 50 pounds)
Best For: Boats, Swimming
Overall Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars
What to Know
The life jacket design (attached flotation arms and shoulder harness) helps kids learn to swim in the water safely.
An added bonus feature is the shoulder harness which does a couple of things…
- Prevents it from sliding off during use
- Discourages a child from removing the vest on their own
Plus, the polyester material makes this life jacket soothing to wear.
Safety Features
- Shoulder harness
- Adjustable chest strap
- Quick-release rear safety buckle
- Coast guard safety-approved type III vest
Final Verdict: For toddlers learning to swim, this makes a great first jacket to get.
►► View Now: Body Glove Paddle Pals Learn to Swim Life Jacket ◄◄
Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket
For Ages: 3 to 7 years (under 47pounds)
Best For: Boats, Swimming
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
What to Know
When you look at this life jacket think of comfort, warmth, and buoyancy.
It’s durable and lightweight to wear.
The high-quality neoprene material gives kids the confidence and luxury they need to learn how to swim.
Safety Features
- Coast guard approved
- Adjustable leg strap
- Two easy-snap buckles
Final Verdict: This life vest is perfect for kids with sensory challenges or who are picky about what they wear.
►► View Now: Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket ◄◄
Salus Bijoux Baby Vest
For Ages: Infant (9 to 25 pounds)
Best For: Swimming
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
What to Know
Simply place your little one inside the comfy mesh harness to sit.
For added safety, there is a soft collar to cradle your baby’s head in the middle of the harness.
The breathable mesh design provides temperature control.
This jacket won the “Canadian Safe Boating Award” for the best new safety product for infants.
Safety Features
- Adjustable mesh webbing harness
- Three-piece collar design with flotations on each side to support a baby’s head
- Four adjustment straps for maximum comfort and fit
Final Verdict: To avoid the hassle of “putting on and taking off” your baby’s life vest each time you hop in the water, the breathable open-back keeps your kid cool while lying on a towel or in a baby carrier.
►► View Now: Salus Bijoux Baby Vest ◄◄
HeySplash Life Jacket for Kids
For Ages: Toddler to Youth (35 to 75 pounds)
Best For: Water Activities
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
What to Know
This vest encompasses some cool safety features you don’t normally see on life jackets for kids, like a whistle.
Safety Features
- Heavy-duty gear zipper
- Built-in survival whistle and whistle pocket
- Leg straps to prevent the vest from riding up
- Safety buckles
Final Verdict: If you need the added safety feature (like the whistle), this vest is a great option for general water activities.
►► View Now: HeySplash Life Jacket for Kids ◄◄
Speedo Unisex Kids Float Vest
For Ages: 2 to 6 years (33 to 60 pounds)
Best For: Swimming
Overall Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars
What to Know
For early swimmers used to the water, this life vest inspires courage to swim.
The cozy design is made with soft, durable neoprene to provide…
- Comfort
- Warmth
- Buoyancy
With the vests, UV50 sunblock protection, your kiddo is protected from harsh rays!
Safety Features
- Secure front zipper
- Adjustable buckle strap
Final Verdict: For toddlers and older, this makes an excellent float vest to swim comfortably in the pool.
►► View Now: Speedo Unisex Kids Float Vest ◄◄
Stearns Youth Boating Vest
For Ages: 6-16 years (50 to 90 pounds)
Best For: Boats, Swimming, Kayaking, Tubing
Overall Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars
What to Know
This life vest naturally fitted design makes it great to wear during water adventures like boating, swimming, kayaking, or tubing.
Again, Stearns brand is known for its added “safety” elements.
Its open-sided design allows you to easily perform water activities.
Safety Features
- Adjustable buckles for secure fitting
- Durable flotation foam
- Coast guard approved
Final Verdict: If your kiddo needs a comfy and secure-fitting life vest to wear during various water adventures, this one has you covered. Plus, it doesn’t break the bank. 🙂
►► View Now: Stearns Youth Boating Vest ◄◄
How to Choose a Kids Life Vest
Finding the right size life vest is super important for safety reasons.
How do you know what to choose?
Here are helpful tips to know when searching for the right one…
- Read the manufacture’s recommendations on sizing based upon your child’s weight
- The life vest needs to fit snug but not overly tight
- All fasteners should be able to close
- The life jacket should be worn for the appropriate water activity
These tips are a good rule of thumb to keep in mind when buying a life jacket for your kiddo.
Common Questions and Answers
What should I look for in a kid’s life jacket?
For infants and small kids, padded head support is crucial to keeping a child’s head above water.
You also want an accessible grab handle to pull your little one out of the water.
Why do life jackets have crotch straps?
Crotch straps are an important feature to prevent the vest from riding up over a child’s head.
How do I size a life jacket for my child?
A general rule is to follow the manufacture’s recommendations on sizing based upon your child’s weight.
You want the life vest to be “snug” but still comfortable to keep on.
If you can’t make the life vest fit snuggly, then it too big in size.
What life vest should kids wear when boating?
Make sure the life vest is Coast Guard approved.
This ensures you are wearing a jacket that’s safe for boating.
What does Coast Guard approved life jacket mean?
These life vests are designed to keep you safe in a couple of ways…
- Keep your head above water
- Remain in an upright position to allow you to breathe
What’s the difference between a life jacket and a personal flotation device (PFD)?
PFDs are comfier to wear because they are designed to swim in or to wear for longer periods.
However, PFDs do not have the same level of protection as life jackets do.
Life jackets are made to keep you afloat or to turn an unconscious person onto their back to properly breathe.
Thank You!
I want to wrap up by extending my gratitude to thank you for stopping by today!
If you have questions or anything to add that I did not cover, please comment below.
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→ BONUS RESOURCE: The BoatUS Foundation is dedicated to keeping kids safe in the water. Check out this Life Jacket Loaner Program to rent a life jacket for your kiddo. ←
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How do I find a swimming life jacket for my 8 year old daughter with Down syndrome? She is 42 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds
Hi Kimberly! The Stearns life vest is a Coast Guard-approved life jacket that may be a great option for your daughter (see link below). It’s for 90 pounds and up. You may also want to check out the Inflatable Buoyancy Vest for swimming (see link below).
A general rule of thumb is to follow the manufacture’s recommendations on sizing based upon your child’s weight. You want it to be snug yet comfy to wear. If it doesn’t fit snug then it’s too big. 🙂
Hopefully, this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
==> Stearns Life Vest: https://amzn.to/3zmRXDl <== ==> Inflatable Buoyancy Vest: https://amzn.to/2Snw4TW <==
Thank you for this very well researched review – 12 Best Life Jackets for Kids in 2021 (Ultimate Buyers Guide) We all love to have fun and be outdoors as a family. Safety should be the first and most important rule. Accidents do happen however if we should be prepared by gearing up our children with the best life jacket
Thanks Diana! I appreciate your feedback about the post. 🙂
This post was a difficult one for me to read, as many years ago my 6-year-old daughter drowned. We were staying at a cabin on a lake; she asked if she could go out and play in the water. We said yes, but to be sure she put on her life jacket.
Twenty minutes later, we went to check on her, and noticed with great concern that her life jacket was still hanging on the line. When we reached the lake, we discovered she had fallen off the little pier into about two feet of water. She apparently hit her head on something — she was on her back and no longer alive.
I hope that anyone reading this remark who has a small child will buy one of these life jackets if you are taking that child swimming, and then be diligent enough to make sure the child wears it. I’ve punished myself extensively for not making sure my daughter was wearing hers. Such equipment is essential both for the child’s safety and for your own peace of mind.
Fran, reading your story was deeply moving. I am so so sorry for your loss and can’t even imagine what you went through (and still are going through). Thank you so much for sharing your story to help other families reading this post. That was such a compassionate choice you made to be vulnerable and tell us about your daughter. I am grateful to have crossed paths with you through this post. Keep on inspiring those around you!
Fantastic products. When I had my boats and had children onboard they were my number one priority. We would never leave the dock without have life vest on all the children prior to boarding and all adults prior to departure.
Every one of your products seems to meet all of the Coast Guard Safety Standards. Thank you for sharing and market these lifesaving devices. Please update us as you add new products to you line.
Hey Richard, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate you taking the time to share your story. You’re right, life vest’s are so important. I will definitely keep you all in the loop when new products emerge that meet the highest standards of safety (as well as quality for our children).
Hi, Lindsey.
thanks for doing the proper research and product reviews for kids life jacket and sharing the best with us. I like the second option – Kiefer Cushion Float Collar. it is so simple to use and a perfect design for the little kid. I was searching for a gift for my sister’s daughter and I happen to be on the website. What a perfect gift with safety and peace of mind on the pool.
Warm Regards,
Gaurav Gaur
Thank you for sharing Gaurav! Glad you found the post helpful and a life jacket that you like. 🙂
As parents, putting the right precautions in advance for kids especially when it has to do with swimming can never be enough as this can be the deciding factor in some very dangerous circumstances for the kids. Seeing what you have shared here concerning life jacket and the various ones that you have reviewed is great. Actually I like the Kiefer Cushion Float Collar among all the ones you have reviewed here.
Thanks so much Sherry, I appreciate you letting me know your thoughts and glad you enjoyed the Kiefer Cushion Float Collar. 🙂
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I really like the Stearns Heads-Up Child Vest. It looks like it would provide the comfort and security my 7 year old granddaughter needs. However, she is a bit larger than the 30-50 pound weight. She is closer to 100 pounds. The other vests are hot and uncomfortable and she gets bored easily if she is hot and uncomfortable. In your research, have you found a life best for a sensory disorder child who is heavier set? My granddaughter loves to play in the water. She would be in it all day if we would let her. But we need the safety of a vest that is comfortable and not too hot. Any suggestions? We are out of options locally.
Thanks for sharing and taking the time to learn about the different life jacket options for your granddaughter! Glad you found value in the post. I believe one of the top sensory life vests (which is more of a floating aid) but still assists with swimming, allows a child the freedom to move around, and it’s very comfortable bc it’s made out of 100% polyester is the Tyr Kids Progressive Swim Aid you may want to look into. It’s sensory friendly material that a lot of kiddos enjoy wearing. Hopefully that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂