The 9 Best Kid’s Life Jackets (& How To Choose The Right One)

MORE PICKS TO CHOOSE FROM

• Best for Toddlers | Speedo | Find On Target
• Best Infant Life Jacket | O'Neill | Find On Amazon
• Best for Boating | Body Glove | Find On Amazon
• Worth the splurge | Astral | Find On Amazon
• Best for Big Kids & Teens | O'Neill | Find On Amazon
• Best for Swimming | Hurley | Find On Macys

Searching for a life jacket that can do it all? Look no further than the Rev Kid's Personal Flotation Device from Mustang Survival. The multi-purpose vest is crafted by an American manufacturer that supplies the Coast Guard and commercial mariners with PFDs. It's got all the safety and comfort features you could ask for segmented foam for improved mobility, a grab loop for easy lifting, a ventilated mesh back for added comfort, and a built-in crotch strap for added security.

Check out Mustang Survivals's Lil Legends Foam Vest for younger wearers and weaker swimmers. It features a similar fit through the body with a pillow neck for added head support. Both styles are US Coast Guard-approved.

If your child complains that their current life jacket is too bulky, upgrade it to the NRS Crew Kid's Life Jacket. Its streamlined design features improved shoulder and armhole shape for ease of movement. One front and four side adjustments ensure a safe, comfortable fit.

Consider it the perfect vest for paddleboarding, swimming near shore, fishing, or spending a leisurely day on the boat. Crafted from durable 200D nylon fabric and high-quality foam, it'll last until they're ready for an adult-size vest.

Water sports like wakeboarding, water skiing, paddle boarding, and kayaking require a life jacket with minimal bulk. Stick with a US Coast Guard-approved Type III jacket, like the AIRHEAD Wicked Flex Life Vest. It's made with a quick-drying NeoLite outer shell for improved comfort and a better range of motion during high-intensity water activities. Closed sides offer a tighter and more secure fit, while a crotch strap and grab handle allow for a safe and speedy exit from the water.

Speedo's Splash Jammer Aqua Splash Life Jacket Vest is a US Coast Guard-approved Type V personal flotation device designed specifically for younger swimmers (weighing 30-50 lbs). Its easy on-off design features sturdy shoulder straps for a secure fit and armbands for added buoyancy. Offered in an assortment of adorable designs, your toddler's new swim vest is sure to put a smile on their face!

Infants and toddlers weighing less than 30 lbs should wear a life vest with added head support. O'Neill's US Coast Guard-approved Wake Waterski Infant Life Jacket features a pillowy head cushion specifically designed to keep its wearer floating face-up. Adjustable side and crotch straps ensure a secure fit on growing bodies, while a grab loop guarantees a quick exit from the water.

Body Glove's Vision Youth Life Jacket is designed to improve your child's safety on the water. Offered in infant, child, and youth sizes, it's a practical (and affordable) option for any pint-sized water enthusiast.

The US Coast Guard-approved vest is constructed with a lightweight, form-fitting PE foam interior and a woven polymer shell. Four heavy-duty chest, waist, and leg straps with quick-release buckles prevent slipping for a secure fit. A sturdy grab handle at the back neck makes it easy to lift your little one out of the water.

For those in search of superior safety, durability, and comfort, there's the Otter 2.0 Personal Flotation Device from Astral. The versatile life vest is crafted with ripstop nylon fabric, PolyPro webbing, heavy-duty hardware, a corrosion-resistant zipper, and Kapok and PE foam inserts for better buoyancy. Its USCG-approved Flotation technology offers enhanced rib and organ protection.

The splurge-worthy life jacket comes complete with a whistle lanyard for extra safety. Stash it in one of the two zippered chest pockets to keep it handy in case of emergency.

Big kids still require protection on the water— no matter their swimming abilities. This Reactor Teen Life Vest from O'Neill will keep them safe during wakeboarding, tubing, boating, and other adrenaline-pumping water activities. The USCG-approved life jacket is constructed with a segmented foam core and anatomical flex points for unrestricted movement. Quick-release safety buckles and a durable front zipper provide a sense of security, while strategic mesh panels improve water drainage.

The Hurley Swim Surfer Swim Trainer Vest promotes proper swimming technique by providing flotation support without limiting its wearer's range of motion. The added buoyancy will help boost your little one's confidence as they master their kicks and strokes. Its lightweight, zip-front design is made from high-quality neoprene material for maximum comfort and durability.

What age do kids need life jackets?

Kids of all ages should have a well-fitting life jacket for use on and in the water. They're often required for children to participate in water activities at camps, equipment rental stands, and boating excursions. Having one on hand ensures they're ready for any adventure the water brings their way. Here's a quick breakdown of the different types designed for each age group.

Infants

Infant life jackets focus on keeping your baby's head above water as they splash around under adult supervision. Look for styles with wide neck cushions for added head support, a grab strap for improved safety, and a buckled crotch strap for easy swim diaper changes.

Toddlers

Life jackets for toddlers are designed to support your child as they learn to swim. While new swimmers often prefer something with arm floaties, more confident swimmers will likely want something less bulky. The best kids' life jackets come with a grab strap for a quick and easy exit from the water. Those labeled toddler or child are downsized to accommodate smaller bodies weighing 30-50 lbs.

Big Kids

Even capable swimmers need to wear a life vest during high-intensity water activities like speed boating, rafting, wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. Big kids and teens can switch to a lightweight, flexible vest that won't inhibit their range of motion during fun water sports and adventures.

What type of life jacket is safest for children?

The safest kids life vest and jacket options on the market are those approved by the US Coast Guard. While there are five categories of personal flotation devices, most youth should use a Type III flotation aid. We've broken down each one in detail below help you understand the difference between the different types of jackets.

Type I— Offshore Life Jackets

Type I life jackets are designed to turn an unconscious wearer face up in the water. They offer the most buoyancy, as they're intended for use in open, rough, or remote water where rescue may take an extended period of time.

Type II— Near-Shore Life Jackets

Intended for use in calm waters, type II life vests are best-suited for situations where a quick rescue can be expected. Though highly buoyant, they can't always turn an unconscious wearer face up in rougher waters.

Type III— Flotation Aids

Type III life flotation aids are the most popular type of life vest. Most child and youth life jackets are type III, adding buoyancy to help keep the wearer afloat in calm waters with quick rescues. These versatile vests are commonly used for wakeboarding, water skiing, paddle boarding, and other water activities.

Type IV— Throwable Devices

Type IV personal flotation devices are not designed to be worn. Instead, they're thrown into the water to provide swimming support while waiting for rescue. They're required by law on most boats.

Type V— Special-Use PFDs

Type V personal flotation devices are designed for specific water sports and activities, and they improve safety on the water without inhibiting your movement during kayaking, wakeboarding, or windsurfing. Note that Type V life vests should only be used in accordance with their safety label.