Comments on: Life Vests for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers

By: Chris Ellis

Chris Ellis — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 09:21:29 +0000

This is excellent and informative article. I was a lifeguard, swim instructor and trainer for lifeguards, /instructors for many years. So many parents believe anything that floats will keep their child safe. I cannot count the times that lifeguards, where I have worked, have gone in after kids whose arm floaties have come off or innertube type floats have had issues. I’ve also worked with a number of kids who have been overly reliant on their flotation aid.
It would be great to see a refreashed version posted, so people don’t bypass it based on the date

By: Jaime

Jaime — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 20:33:37 +0000

In reply to Amelia. Thanks never thought about that

By: Crystal

Crystal — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 11:45:58 +0000

For an infant, the Salus infant vest is by far the best. It is similar in style to the infant Overton vest, but it’s even less cumbersome.

By: Life Jacket Pro

Life Jacket Pro — Wed, 16 May 2018 14:33:52 +0000

Just a really great article! Tells parents exactly what they need to know and it’s hard to argue with your recommendations. I also appreciate the comment from the parent saying NOT to buy second hand. It’s not worth it!

By: andreas

andreas — Thu, 22 Dec 2016 16:15:15 +0000

I also agree with some comment above that tell to buy infant life jacket in store near yor place, because you have to fit it with your child

By: Karen from ihomepet

Karen from ihomepet — Tue, 01 Nov 2016 23:41:26 +0000

Different jackets will fit different kids. Hubby and I did a ton of research online, decided on the best jacket, bought it on amazon and when we got it – it just didn’t fit our dd right. She looked more squished than the kid in the blue jacket pictured above. We had to return it. We went to west marine and tried a few on our daughter and found one that fit right.
Thanks for that!

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 13:12:04 +0000

I would strongly recommend taking a look at the Salus Marine Bijoux life jacket.

Salus is a Canadian company and all of their life jackets are certified by the Canadian Coast Guard. They are accepted by the USCG to satisfy the life preserver requirement for each person aboard.

The main difference is this – the minimum size the USCG will certify is 30lbs. The Salus Marine is certified by the CCG for 9-25lbs. We’ve used it for both our son and then our daughter.

Their jackets are comfortable and nicely proportioned for small kids. We bought the next size up for my son and will do it again when he needs it!

By: Jacy

Jacy — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 11:58:05 +0000

Might I add, I recommend the Speedo life jacket for infants up to 30 lbs? My son is 8.5 months and about 19-20 lbs, and the infant size speedo was a good fit for him. Its straps are nice and adjustable, including two crotch straps for a little less crotch-crushing. I like that it is neoprene, so it’s comfortable and not scratchy. It also has the rear head/neck piece and a grab strap, and is USCG approved. He didn’t mind it once he was used to the idea. We have now tried it in a river and a pool, and will be using it on a boat / at a lake later this summer.
Here’s the link, though I think the “girls” one is hideous.
https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Infant-Life-Jacket-Electric/dp/B07H45R1VD/?tag=lucslis-20
Not sure if this will work, but here’s a link for a pic of my little guy in his life vest. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10100260201282027&l=563809e0af

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 03:39:04 +0000

As a former swimming instructor with many years of experience, I can say that life jackets are important for boating and open water. I see people using life jackets at the pool all the time, and they use them as babysitters. A life jacket can’t prevent a mean kid from dunking yours, water wings (which I NEVER recommend) can pop a hole, and all kinds of unpredictable things can happen. Sign your kids up for lessons so that they don’t have to rely on a PFD at the pool. Pay attention to what they learn in lessons and have them practice (without the PFD!). And please, please watch your kids. Drowning is scary and happens in an instant.

By: Adam Nagy

Adam Nagy — Wed, 03 Dec 2014 02:35:16 +0000

I agree with all of Lucie’s recommendations. The most important aspect of purchasing a lifejacket is checking to make sure it is US Coast Guard approved.
I manage many commercial swimming pools where the lifeguard checks to ensure the jacket is USCG approved. Unfortunately, many parents mistakenly purchase jackets that are not approved. If it is happening at pools, I’m sure it is happening on boats.
The CDC and most professional water safety associations only recommend USCG approved lifejackets.