As parents of toddlers and young kids, water safety is always top of mind, especially as the weather starts to improve and we start spending time close to bodies of water – swimming pools, lakes, beaches, docks, open water, etc.
Having a high-quality swim vest or life jacket for toddlers can help give us peace of mind as we head out on water adventures. This post is a comprehensive guide to the best swim vest and life jackets for toddlers, including safety features to look for to help keep your child safe during water activities.
Importance of Water Safety:
Before diving into the specifics of swim vests and life jackets, let’s talk about the importance of water safety for our young kids. While it’s a hard statistic to swallow as a mom, the American Academy of Pediatrics (https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/drowning-prevention-and-water-safety/) reports that drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death among toddlers, making it so important for us to be informed on water safety, and to have good tools to help us whenever they are near water.
*DISCLAIMER* – It is each of our responsibilities to do everything we can to ensure our child is safe around water. Swim vests and life jackets are not a guarantee that your child will be safe. Remember that the most important thing is supervision, along with water safety training, swim lessons, appropriate barriers, and the use of these tools, to keep your child safe around water. See more information on this here.
Swim Vests vs Life Jackets for Toddlers:
There are various types of life jackets and swim vests available, each suited for different water environments and activities. From United States Coast Guard approved life jackets (Often called Personal Flotation Devices, or PFD) to swim vests to floaties (sometimes called puddle jumpers), choosing the right one based on your child’s age, size, and swimming skills is essential.
Life Jackets are bulkier than the other options, but they are designed that way because they can prevent a child from drowning. Kids should be wearing a life jacket anytime they are on or near open water, such as when they are on a dock, boat, innertube, or raft.
To learn more about the different levels of life jackets, check out this in-depth description, including the differences between “types” and what is recommended for different age groups from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Swim vests are a kind of happy medium between life jackets and floaties. They are NOT considered a life-saving personal floatation device. They fit tightly on their chests and are good for activities such as supervised swimming in a swimming pool or calm water (never a replacement for having an adult immediately supervising).
Finally, floaties (sometimes called water wings or puddle jumpers) are meant to give your child a little extra buoyancy and float. They’re a good tool for helping give your child a little more confidence when you are going to be swimming with them, and always within arms reach. Don’t let these give you a false sense of security!
Features to Look For When Buying A Swim Vest or Life Jacket For Your Toddler:
When selecting the best swim vest or life jacket for your toddler, your first consideration should be to make sure that you choose one that fits them well for their height and weight.
It is tempting to “size up” so we can stretch how long our child can use these swimming devices, it’s really important to get a perfect fit to ensure their safety. It is worth the investment to get the smaller size. Remember, if the swim vest or life jacket rides up, it is probably too big. Similarly, when they are too small, they won’t give your child the same level of buoyancy for their weight. Always go for a snug fit.
Also consider features such as adjustable straps, leg straps, grab handles, UVA/UVB sun protection, head and neck support and bright colors (especially pink and orange) for visibility. Additionally, prioritize comfort with soft fabric and neoprene material, ensuring a snug yet comfortable fit that won’t affect your child’s movement during swim lessons or water play.
Top Picks for the Best Toddler Swim Vest and Toddler Life Jacket for 2024:
Best Life Jackets for Toddlers:
Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket
Features:
- Type III
- High visibility colors
- Adjustable straps
- US Coast Guard Approved
- Collar that cradles child’s head
HyperLite Elite Kids Life Jacket
Features:
- Type III
- Adjustable straps
- Lightweight materials
- Quick Dry and Durable
- US Coast Guard Approved
- Collar that cradles child’s head
Oceans 7 Us Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket
Features:
- Type III
- Adjustable straps
- Open-sided design
- Quick dry and durable
- Adjustable chest strap
Best Swim Vests for Toddlers:
Gogo Kid’s Toddler Swim Vest:
Features:
- Marketed to make swimming easier for kids
- Durable neoprene fabric
- Adjustable padded leg straps
- Quick release buckes
- Grab handle
- UPF 50+
Limmys Premium Neoprene Swim Vest
Features:
- Drawstring storage bag included
- Velcro zip guard
- Soft neoprene fabric
- Adjustable and padded safety strap
- Removable and adjustable buoyancy system
- Marketed as a buoyancy aid and swim vest.
SwimWays Swim Vest
Features:
- 2 waist straps and a leg strap
- Easy to clean
- Comfortable outer twill cover
- Marketed as a pool float or a swimming aid with building confidence for children ages 2-4 years old as the key use of their product
Body Glove Paddle Pals Life Jacket
Features:
- US Coast Guard approved as a Type V/III (not the same as the life jackets above)
- Prevent chafing with unique design and high quality polyester fabric
- Lots of fun patterns and colors
- Safety Shoulder Harness
- Buckled strap in back to prevent kids from removing it
Tips for Proper Usage of Swim Vests and Life Jackets for Toddlers:
- Ensure your child’s swim vest or life jacket is the right size and properly fitted before each use.
- Remember to check for wear and tear regularly – every time before you put on or take off the life jacket.
- Never ever leave your child unattended around water, even with a flotation device.
Investing in the best swim vest or life jacket for your toddler is one thing you can do to help ensure their safety and well-being during water activities. By choosing an option that fits the body of water / type of activities you’ll be doing, picking the right features, and ensuring a proper fit, you’re providing your child with an added layer of protection they need while fostering your little swimmer’s confidence and swimming skills.
Remember, none of these swim vests or life jackets replace supervision anytime your child is near water.
This post was all about the best swim vests and life jackets for toddlers in 2024.
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