kid on the water with life vest on

Best Infant Life Jacket

Before going on a boat with your baby, one of your biggest worries is: what is the best infant life jacket to put on your child. This is the most important item on everyone’s boat. Not only that, but children in every state must have a life jacket on, either according to a state law or the United State Coast Guard’s interim rule.

It is always better to be safe than sorry, my mother always says. If you make sure your child has the best infant life jacket money can buy, then your mind will definitely be at ease. Well, as much as a parent’s mind can be put to ease.

So, what should you look for in the best infant life jacket?

Comparison Table

What Is a Life Jacket?

little girl playing in the sand near the beach

Image Source: Pixabay.com

A life jacket is a personal floatation device made to help you and your loved ones stay above water, potentially saving lives. The jackets are either inflatable or companies make them with materials that keep them afloat in the water.

The inflatable life jacket has a small cartridge of carbon dioxide gas. When you activate this cartridge, it will fill your life jacket with this carbon dioxide gas. If for any reason you can not manually activate this cartridge, then there is a tube on the life jacket for you or someone else to blow up your vest.

The outside of life jackets is made from vinyl or nylon material which holds in specific material to keep you afloat. The material inside a life vest is either polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene. These materials are like a plastic foam which adds buoyancy.

Different types of life jackets

There are five different types of life jackets. For example, all Type I life jackets are bulky, which makes it perfect for those who have to wait a long time in rough seas. You must also know how to swim if you are using one of these life jackets. There are not any of the Type I life jackets at this moment that the Coast Guard approves.

Now for your little ones you, of course, need the best infant life jacket, which is a Type II. This is considered a “near-shore life jacket” but can be used on infants or small children while out in the ocean or in a pool.

Other life jackets are:

  • The Type III life jacket is for those who know how to swim and can keep their own head above water
  • Type IV is a device you throw to people who are in danger
  • Type V is a life jacket that is made for specific water activities and those who know how to swim

The function of an infant life jacket

Of course, the purpose of the best infant life jacket is to save your child’s life in the case of an emergency. It also helps your little one learn how to stay afloat and can give them a break if they are tired.

How long is a life jacket good for?

Most life jackets are good for up to 10 years. If your life jacket has a tear or it seems to be falling apart inside, then it is highly recommended for you to buy another life jacket.

You do not want to take a chance of wearing a faulty life jacket in an emergency.

The amount of weight a life jacket can hold

The best infant life jacket can hold up to 30 pounds, but your child also needs to fit inside the life jacket correctly. If the life jacket is too loose, the infant could fall right out of it. If the infant life jacket is too tight, it could harm your infant, and they may cry from discomfort.

Watch the video below to learn how to choose the right size for your baby and older kids:

Places you can purchase an infant life jacket

You can buy most life jackets in boating stores or other local stores that carry boat or pool safety items. We found that shopping online was the best because not only did we have more options but we also could read what customers really thought about the product.

When you purchase from a store, the employee may push a sale and not tell you all the good and bad things about that item. Where online, the customers do not receive anything for their comments and can be more open with their opinions.

How We Reviewed the Best Infant Life Jacket

man putting lifejacket on a kid

Image Source: CC BY-SA 2.0, by Quinn Dombrowski via Flickr

We picked the life jackets in this review by consulting a number of sources, including Amazon and parent reviews. We also checked to see that each of the best infant life jackets is made from the right materials. You want to make sure that you are not accidentally buying a child’s life jacket for an infant, after all.

Finally, we made sure that all of the life jackets had 4.0 out of 5.0 stars or more.

The Best Infant Life Jacket

When you are buying a product that could help save your child’s life, it is best to review all your options. Check out our suggestions below:

Level Six Puffer Baby Flotation Vest for Infants


Level Six Puffer Baby Flotation Vest for Infants

  • 3-piece collar design contours around the baby’s head for upright support
  • Three buckles: one at the lower front (to make diaper changes easier), and two at shoulder straps for easy on/off by an adult. Adjustable waist strap.
  • Designed for babies 9 to 25 pounds (4 to 9 kg). Soft neoprene harness and shell for comfort.

Stearns Infant Classic Series Vest


STEARNS Infant Classic Series Vest, Blue

  • US Coast Guard-approved toddler life jacket
  • Great for introducing little swimmers to the water
  • Durable nylon shell with PE flotation foam

Stearns Infant Classic is approved by the Coast Guard and is for children under 30 pounds. The company makes this life jacket with durable nylon material. This product has a grab handle and another strap next to the legs.

The Stearns Infant Classic Series Vest has a rating of 4.2 out of 5.0 stars. Customers so delighted with this life jacket and say it easy it is to p​​ut on their child. A couple of customers are upset they got a fake Stearns life jacket, and it did not say Coast Guard approved.

O’Neill Wake Waterski Infant USCG Vest


O’Neill Wake Waterski Infant USCG Vest, Pet/White/Col

  • Infant vest for 30lbs and under
  • USCG Approved Vest Head Support Panel with Safety Loop
  • Adjustable Safety Belt between legs

The O’Neill infant life jacket is Coast Guard approved and is a Type II vest. The company claims the life jacket is soft and durable. The straps are adjustable, and the company makes it out of nylon.

This product has a rating of 4.3 out of 5.0 stars. The customers are thrilled with how well this life jacket works. There are a few customers that say this vest pushes their children’s face-up, but with what we have learned if that happens, then this is not the correct size for their child.

O’Neill Infant Superlite USCG Life Vest


O’Neill Infant Superlite USCG Life Vest, Turquoise/Berry/Lime/White,…

  • Lightweight Polyethylene Foam
  • Coated Polyester Shell
  • Soft and Comfortable

O’Neill Wetsuits makes the Superlite USCG infant life jacket. The company makes this life jacket with polyethylene foam and has a polyester cover layer. O’Neill Wetsuits claims the life jacket is durable and soft with quick-release straps.

Superlite life jacket has a rating of 4.4 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. Customers are loving the durability of this life jacket. Unfortunately, a few customers are upset the proof of this being certified by the Coast Guard is not on the product.

Airhead GNAR Child and Infant Life Jacket


Airhead GNAR Child and Infant Life Jacket

  • SIZING – The Gnar 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.
  • USCG APPROVED – this personal flotation device meets USCG requirements for a Type II (Infant) and III (Child) Life Jackets. Closed sides, buckle and zipper closures, additional crotch belt and rapid rescue handle for safety and peace of mind.
  • MATERIAL – Durable, Quick-drying, and super soft. This fabric stays comfortable against your child’s skin. Quick Dry Neolite is designed to wick away moisture and feel light and airy for a full day of fun on the water.

The Airhead GNAR Child and Infant Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Life Jacket is an excellent choice for parents who want to keep their children safe while they’re swimming or participating in other water activities. This life jacket is US Coast Guard-approved, which means that it meets the highest safety standards for life jackets.

One of the standout features of this life jacket is its Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex material, which is designed to dry quickly and provide a comfortable fit. This material is also lightweight, so it won’t weigh down children or restrict their movement in the water.

The life jacket features adjustable straps, which make it easy for parents to customize the fit to their child’s size and shape. The straps also have buckles for added security, ensuring that the life jacket stays in place while children are in the water.

Overall, the Airhead GNAR Child and Infant Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Life Jacket is a great choice for parents who want a high-quality, safe, and comfortable life jacket for their children. Its US Coast Guard approval, Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex material, and adjustable straps make it an excellent investment for any family who spends time on the water.

CWB Connelly Baby-Soft Infant Life Vest


CWB Connelly Baby-Soft Infant Life Vest

  • Super soft nylon to keep your infant comfortable and happy around the water
  • U.S. Coast Guard approved
  • Infant up to 30lbs

The CWB Connelly Baby-Soft Infant Life Vest in Teal is an excellent option for parents who want to keep their infants safe and comfortable while they enjoy water activities. This life vest is specially designed for infants and is made with high-quality materials to ensure both safety and comfort.

One of the standout features of this life vest is its soft, durable neoprene fabric, which is gentle on infants’ delicate skin. The fabric also provides excellent buoyancy and helps keep infants afloat in the water.

The life vest has a convenient front zipper, making it easy to put on and take off. It also features adjustable straps that allow parents to customize the fit to their infant’s size and shape, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.

Overall, the CWB Connelly Baby-Soft Infant Life Vest in Teal is a top-quality life vest that offers both safety and comfort for infants. Its durable neoprene fabric, easy-to-use front zipper, and adjustable straps make it an excellent investment for any family who loves spending time on the water with their little ones.

 

Salus Bijoux Baby Vest: Flotation Jacket for Infants


Salus Bijoux Baby Vest – Pink

  • Winner of the Canadian Safe Boating Award (CASB) for Best New Safety Product
  • Designed for babies 9 to 25 pounds (chest size 12 to 18 inches around). Adjustable mesh and webbing harness system for…
  • Three piece collar design with additional flotation on sides to cradle baby’s head in center of collar for security and…

Salus makes this flotation jacket for children under 25 pounds. The mesh and web harness is adjustable. The company makes this jacket with a three-piece design to help hold the infant’s head in the middle. Coast Guard does not approve this life jacket, but parents are thrilled with how well it works.

Salus Floatation jacket has a rating of 4.6 out of 5.0 stars. Customers say this jacket is excellent at keeping their children above water.

Body Glove Infant PFD Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket

The Body Glove Infant PFD Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket in Pink and Blue Palm is an excellent choice for parents who want to keep their infants safe while enjoying water activities. This life jacket is US Coast Guard-approved, which means that it meets the highest safety standards for life jackets.

One of the standout features of this life jacket is its bright and attractive pink and blue palm design, which is sure to appeal to infants and make them excited to wear it. The life jacket is made with high-quality materials, including a durable nylon exterior and comfortable foam interior, to ensure both safety and comfort.

The life jacket has a convenient front zipper and adjustable straps that make it easy to put on and take off and customize the fit to your infant’s size and shape. The jacket also has a grab handle at the top, making it easy to pick up and carry your infant in and out of the water.

Overall, the Body Glove Infant PFD Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket in Pink and Blue Palm is an excellent investment for parents who want a safe, comfortable, and attractive life jacket for their infant. Its high-quality materials, adjustable straps, and grab handle make it a top choice for any family who loves spending time on the water with their little ones.

 

OldPAPA Swim Trainer Vest with Head Supportive Buoyancy Collar


OldPAPA Swim Trainer Vest with Head Supportive Buoyancy Collar,…

  • SWIM TRAINER VEST – LEVEL 2 – PROMOTE CONFIDENCE & PLAY: Swim Trainer Vest supports your child in feeling…
  • Safety buckle of our SWIM VEST can be adjusted. You can choose a suitable size for your child according to our size…
  • ADJUSTABLE, SECURE FIT: Trainer vest is easy to wear and remove with head supportive buoyancy collar, padded shoulders,…

OldPAPA makes this life vest for children up to 36 pounds. It has two adjustable straps and a heavy-duty zipper. The company states this life jacket is best for children who are learning how to swim, not those who can only float.

This life jacket has a rating of 4.1 out of 5.0 stars. Customers love that it fits tightly around their child and is lightweight. A couple of customers are not happy that the Coast Guard does not approve this life jacket. However, we added it to our list because parents really like it.

Boglia Toddler Swim Vest, Double Buckles Floaties for Kids


Boglia Toddler Swim Vest, Double Buckles Floaties for Kids

  • BEST PROTECTION FOR KIDS: When it comes to providing the best protection for kids during water activities, this swim vest is an excellent choice. It features adjustable safety straps that secure the vest under the child’s crotch, ensuring that it stays in place and sticks to the toddler’s body, preventing it from slipping off. Moreover, the release buckles of the float vest are designed to be extra strong, giving you peace of mind that the vest will not easily get damaged. With this added feature, you can let your child enjoy water activities without having to constantly worry about the safety and security of the vest.
  • GOOD MATERIALS: The life vest is made from a neoprene outer and EPE foam inner. Neoprene material can make it dry very quickly and easy to pack. Also, the float jacket is light, compact, and durable, making it ideal for a trip.
  • SIZE GUIDE: S: 8-18kg/17.6-39.6lb Age 1-3 M: 18-25kg/39.6-55lb Age 4-6 L: 25-35kg/55-77lb Age 7-9

The Boglia Toddler Swim Vest is an excellent flotation device for children aged 1-9 years and weighing between 18-75 lbs. It features double buckles and an adjustable safety strap, which ensures a secure and comfortable fit, allowing children to play and swim in the water with confidence.

The vest is made from high-quality, durable materials that are designed to last through multiple swimming seasons. The flotation foam is lightweight, which allows for maximum mobility and ease of movement in the water, making it an ideal choice for children who are learning to swim.

One of the standout features of the Boglia Toddler Swim Vest is its bright and attractive design, which appeals to children and makes them excited to wear it. It also has a convenient grab handle at the top, which allows parents to easily pick up and carry their child in and out of the water.

Full Throttle Infant Baby-Safe Vest


Full Throttle Infant Baby-Safe Life Jacket

  • Oversized collar for improved head support
  • Convenient buckle opening at collar makes it easy to put on
  • Elasticized fabric leg strap for added comfort

Full Throttle makes an infant life vest with an oversized collar to help hold the head in place. The company makes the life jacket with two elasticized adjustable straps. This product also comes with a grab handle in the case of an emergency. Full Throttle recommends this life jacket for children under 30 pounds.

This life jacket has a rating of 4.1 out of 5.0 stars. Most customers like how great it fit on their babies and how it did not dig into their neck. There are a few customers who say it is too bulky.

Oceans7 Infant Life Jacket


Oceans7 Us Coast Guard Approved, Infant Life Jacket, Type II Vest,…

  • Us Coast guard approved life vest – Passes highest USCG standards and testing.
  • Uscg approved sizing for infant/child/Youth pfd’s. Uscg approved children’s life jackets are labeled for Infant,…
  • Infant size PFDs: 8–30 pounds (if weight is 8 lbs. To 25 lbs. — try Infant size.; If weight is 25 lbs. To 45 lbs….

The Coast Guard approves this infant life jacket, and it is Type II. Oceans7 makes this product with three adjustable straps and with nylon material. The company states this infant life jacket is for babies weighing 8 to 25 pounds.

Oceans7 infant life jacket has a rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. Many customers are saying it is very comfortable for their babies and works excellent. A few customers are upset that the size guide is wrong and life jacket did not fit correctly.

Which Is the Best Infant Life Jacket for Your Baby?

Are you searching for the best infant life jacket for your little one? We understand that it can be challenging to choose one as it largely depends on the style and the number of straps you prefer. Once you have decided on these factors, you can narrow down your search criteria and select the best one that fits your needs.

With so many great infant life jackets available, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, but fret not. As long as you purchase a life jacket that is approved by the US Coast Guard, you are on the right track towards ensuring the safety of your child during water activities.

We would love to hear your opinion if you already own an infant life jacket. What do you think is the best thing about it, and is there anything you wish the company could change? Kindly share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Featured Image: Wikimedia.org

 

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