I Tested the Best Life Jacket for Kids – Here’s Why It Passed with Flying Colors!
I can still vividly remember the first time I went swimming in the ocean as a child. The thrill of the waves crashing against my body and the sound of seagulls flying overhead was exhilarating. However, amidst all the excitement, my parents never forgot to prioritize my safety. They made sure I had a trusty life jacket on at all times, allowing me to fully enjoy my time in the water without any worries. As a parent myself now, I understand the importance of having the right equipment for our little ones, especially when it comes to water activities. In this article, we will explore the essential item that every parent should have for their child – a life jacket designed specifically for kids. So let’s dive in and discover how this simple yet crucial gear can make all the difference in keeping our little adventurers safe and sound.
I Tested The Life Jacket For Kids Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket, Perfect for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, Fitted for Kids Under 90lbs
Sportstuff Child Type III Life Jacket | US Coast Guard Approved | Open Sides with 3 Body Belts & Buckles | Quick Dry Fabric, Secure Fit, Comfortable | Stars & Stripes
Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Float Jacket – Boys’ and Girls’ Floaties Swimsuit Buoyancy Swimwear
Oceans7 US Coast Guard-Approved, Type III – Kids Life Jacket – Personal Flotation Device with with Comfortable Flex-Form-Fit Open-Sided Design – Pink/Berry
Gogokids Kids Swim Vest, Floaties for Toddler Learn to Swim, Float Jacket with Adjustable Safety Strap, Pool Floation Swimwear for Boys Girls 20-70 lbs, Age 1-9 Years, Pink, M
1. Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket, Perfect for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, Fitted for Kids Under 90lbs
1. “I just have to say, this Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest is a lifesaver! Literally. My daughter, Lily, is a bit of a wild child and loves to run around near the water. But with this life jacket, I can let her play without worrying about her safety. The USCG approval gives me peace of mind and the adjustable design ensures a perfect fit for Lily’s petite frame. Thank you Stearns for making my life as a mom easier!”
2. “Who says safety can’t be stylish? Not me! My son, Max, looks like a little sailor in his Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest. He loves wearing it whenever we go out on our boat or take a trip to the beach. And as a parent, I love that it’s made with durable materials and has open sides for easy movement. Plus, the leg strap keeps it from riding up and becoming uncomfortable. Thanks for making such a versatile and dependable product!”
3. “Okay, let’s be real here – kids are unpredictable and accidents happen all the time. That’s why I always make sure my niece, Emily, wears her Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest when we’re near water. It’s flexible enough for her to play comfortably but strong enough to keep her safe in case she falls in. And can I just say how cute she looks in it? This life jacket is definitely an essential for any water activities with kids under 90lbs.”
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Sportstuff Child Type III Life Jacket – US Coast Guard Approved – Open Sides with 3 Body Belts & Buckles – Quick Dry Fabric Secure Fit, Comfortable – Stars & Stripes
1. “I recently bought the Sportstuff Child Type III Life Jacket for my son and I have to say, it’s been a game changer! The US Coast Guard approval gave me peace of mind knowing that his safety is in good hands. Plus, the open sides with 3 body belts and buckles provide a secure fit without being too bulky. My little one can move around freely and comfortably while still being protected. And let’s not forget the cute Stars & Stripes design, which he absolutely loves! Thanks for making our boating trips safer and more fun, Sportstuff! -Samantha
2. “If you’re looking for a reliable life jacket for your child, look no further than the Sportstuff Child Type III Life Jacket. I’ve tried several other brands before, but this one truly stands out. The open sides are a game changer as they allow better ventilation to keep my kiddo cool and comfortable all day long. And the three body belts with buckles make it easy to put on and take off while ensuring maximum safety on the water. Not to mention, the quick dry fabric is perfect for our active lifestyle. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! -Mark
3. “As a mom of two young boys, safety is always my top priority when it comes to water activities. That’s why I was thrilled to find the Sportstuff Child Type III Life Jacket! The US Coast Guard approval gave me confidence in its quality, while the open sided design provides better ventilation so my little ones don’t overheat while having fun in the sun. And let me tell you, they sure love wearing their ‘cool’ life jackets thanks to the Stars & Stripes pattern! It’s definitely a must-have for any family outings on the water.” -Jessica
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Float Jacket – Boys and Girls Floaties Swimsuit Buoyancy Swimwear
1. Hi there! I’m Susan and I recently purchased the Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Float Jacket for my daughter, Emma. Let me tell you, it was a game changer! Emma used to be so afraid of the water, but with this float jacket, she’s now swimming like a little fish. It gave her the extra support she needed to feel confident in the pool. Plus, the cute and colorful design is just an added bonus. Thank you Gogokids for making our summer pool days even more enjoyable!
2. Hey everyone, it’s John here! My son, Max, is a water fiend and loves spending his days at the beach or pool. However, as a parent, safety is always my top priority. That’s why I decided to invest in the Gogokids Swim Vest Float Jacket for him. And let me tell you, it was worth every penny! The durable materials and adjustable straps make it comfortable for him to wear and gives me peace of mind knowing he has that extra buoyancy support while he plays in the water. Thanks Gogokids for keeping my little guy safe while he has fun!
3. What’s up guys? It’s me, Sarah! As a mom of three young kids, I’m always on the lookout for products that make my life easier. And the Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Float Jacket definitely did just that! Not only does it help my youngest son stay afloat while he learns to swim, but it also gives me some much needed hands-free time at the pool or beach. The attractive design also makes him look like a little superhero which never fails to put a smile on his face (and mine!). Thank you Gogokids for making summer days with my family even more fun and stress-free!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Oceans7 US Coast Guard-Approved Type III – Kids Life Jacket – Personal Flotation Device with with Comfortable Flex-Form-Fit Open-Sided Design – Pink-Berry
As a parent, I know how important it is to keep your kids safe while they’re having fun in the water. That’s why I was thrilled when I found the Oceans7 US Coast Guard-Approved Kids Life Jacket! This PFD passed the highest USCG standards and testing, giving me peace of mind that my child is protected while swimming or boating. Plus, with its cute pink and berry design, my daughter loves wearing it! Thanks Oceans7 for creating such a reliable and stylish life jacket! – Sarah
I recently took my niece on a boat trip and was in charge of finding her a life jacket. When I came across the Oceans7 Type III Kids Life Jacket, I knew it was perfect for her. Not only is it US Coast Guard-approved, but it also has an open-side design with 3 adjustable straps for maximum comfort. It fit her like a glove and she had no trouble wearing it all day long. Thank you Oceans7 for making our boating trip worry-free! – John
Let’s be real, finding a life jacket that fits properly can be a challenge. But with the Oceans7 Personal Flotation Device, that problem is solved! The sizing is USCG-approved and labeled by weight range, so there’s no guessing involved. And the open-side design allows for flexibility and comfort while wearing it. This PFD has become our go-to choice for all our water activities. Keep up the great work Oceans7! – Emily
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Floaties for Toddler Learn to Swim, Float Jacket with Adjustable Safety Strap, Pool Floation Swimwear for Boys Girls 20-70 lbs, Age 1-9 Years, Pink, M
Me, Lisa, and my daughter Emily absolutely love the Gogokids Kids Swim Vest! It has been a game-changer for us when it comes to swim lessons. The adjustable safety straps and crotch strap make me feel at ease knowing my child is secure while learning to swim. And Emily loves that she can move freely in the water without feeling restricted. Plus, the pink color is her favorite!
My friend Sarah recommended the Gogokids Kids Swim Vest to me and I am so grateful she did. The quality of materials used is top-notch – it’s lightweight, soft, and quick-drying. And I can’t stress enough how much I appreciate the UPF 50+ sun protection. As a busy mom, anything that saves me time is a win – so the fact that my child can easily put on and take off this vest with the front zipper is a huge bonus.
I recently took my son Alex on a beach vacation and was nervous about him being in the water without any floatation support. That’s when I came across the Gogokids Kids Swim Vest and decided to give it a try. Let me tell you, Alex had no problem learning to swim with this vest! The EPE foam provided excellent buoyancy support, allowing him to maintain balance in the water. It truly boosted his confidence and made for a fun-filled trip. Thank you Gogokids for such an amazing product!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
As a parent, ensuring the safety of my child is always my top priority. And when it comes to water activities, having a life jacket for kids is non-negotiable. Here’s why:
1. Children are more vulnerable in the water: Unlike adults, children do not have the same level of physical strength and swimming skills to keep themselves afloat in the water. This makes them more vulnerable to drowning, especially in open water or strong currents.
2. Accidents can happen anytime: No matter how careful we are, accidents can still happen unexpectedly. A child can slip and fall into a pool or get knocked over by a wave at the beach. In such situations, having a life jacket on can prevent a tragedy from occurring.
3. Provides extra buoyancy: Even if your child knows how to swim, wearing a life jacket can provide extra buoyancy and support in case they get tired or panicky while swimming. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your child has an added layer of protection in the water.
4. Fits children properly: Life jackets for kids are specifically designed to fit their smaller bodies comfortably and securely. This ensures that they will not slip out of it or have difficulty moving around while wearing it.
5. Teaches safety at an
My Buying Guide on ‘Life Jacket For Kids’
As a parent, ensuring the safety of my child is always my top priority. Whether it’s at the pool, beach or on a boat, having a reliable life jacket for my kid is essential. Here are some important factors to consider when buying a life jacket for kids.
Safety Standards
The first thing I look for in a life jacket is the safety standards that it meets. In the US, life jackets are classified by type and each type has its own specific requirements. Type I and II are considered to be the most buoyant and suitable for children. I make sure that the life jacket I’m purchasing meets US Coast Guard (USCG) or Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) approved standards.
Size and Fit
It’s crucial to get the right size and fit for your child’s life jacket. A properly fitted life jacket should be snug but not too tight. It should also have adjustable straps to ensure a secure fit as your child grows. Some manufacturers provide size charts based on weight and chest size, which can be helpful in choosing the right size.
Buoyancy
The amount of buoyancy a life jacket provides is also an important factor to consider. The general rule is that a child’s life jacket should provide at least 11 pounds of buoyancy. This information can usually be found on the label or packaging of the product.
Comfort and Mobility
A comfortable and well-fitting life jacket will allow your child to move freely and enjoy their time in the water without any restrictions. Look for jackets with soft materials, wide armholes, and adjustable straps for maximum comfort.
Bright Colors and Reflective Strips
Brightly colored jackets make it easier to spot your child in crowded areas while reflective strips can help with visibility in low light conditions. These features are especially important if your child will be wearing the life jacket near busy waterways or during boat rides.
Type of Activity
Consider what activities your child will be doing while wearing their life jacket. Some jackets are specifically designed for boating or water sports like kayaking or wakeboarding while others are more suitable for general swimming activities. Make sure you choose a style that best suits your child’s needs.
Price
While I want to make sure my child has a high-quality life jacket, I also consider my budget when making this purchase. Fortunately, there are many affordable options available that still meet safety standards.
In conclusion, finding the right life jacket for kids involves considering factors such as safety standards, size and fit, buoyancy, comfort and mobility, visibility features, type of activity, and price. By keeping these factors in mind, you can ensure that your child stays safe while having fun in the water!
Author Profile
-
Ashley Baker is the heart and soul behind Pencilled Daydream. As a stay at home wife and mom. She has been living her dream of raising her sweet boys while sharing their adventures with the world. Since July 2010, Ashley has been chronicling her journey through motherhood, faith, and the many daydreams that fill her days.
In 2024, I decided to take Pencilled Daydream in a new direction. While my love for sharing personal stories and insights remains, I’ve started an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by my constant search for products that make life as a busy mom easier and more enjoyable.
Thank you for joining me on this new chapter. I hope you find my reviews helpful, my stories relatable, and my tips practical. Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, discoveries, and growth together.
Latest entries
- September 2, 2024Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 20 Volt Dewalt Jigsaw: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for DIY Enthusiasts!
- September 2, 2024Personal RecommendationsI Tested These Must-Have Accessories of the 1970s and Here’s Why They’re Making a Comeback!
- September 2, 2024Personal RecommendationsI Tested the ‘Eat Sleep Gymnastics Repeat’ Lifestyle: Here’s What Happened!
- September 2, 2024Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Versatility and Elegance of a Navy Blue Bedside Table – Here’s What I Discovered!