Before you embark on any water adventure with a baby, you need to consider the best infant life jacket. Why? Because it could mean literally life or death for your little babe and that should be reason enough to have a look at our list.
Whether you are frolicking around at the beach, taking a leisurely cruise on your new speed boat or simply going for a day trip to see the seals, having your baby’s own life jacket is a good idea. When it comes to these day cruises, more often than not they don’t have a life jacket that fits small babies properly. And if they do, they always look a little worn and worse for wear. Not to mention the tasteful smell.
| Infant Life Jacket | Competency | Price | Our Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Classic Series Infant Vest | A+ | $$ | |
| Body-Glove Approved Neoprene Vest | A | $$$ | |
| Stearns Antimicrobial Nylon Child Vest | B | $ | |
| Mustang Lil' Legends 70 Child Vest - 30-50lbs | B+ | $$ | |
| Speed Waves Child Float Life Jacket | A | $$ |
What to Look Out for When Shopping for The Best Infant Life Jacket
First, some manufacturers refer to life jackets as PFD’s i.e. Personal Flotation Devices or sometimes Life Vests. Let us take a look at a few pointers to watch out for.
Buoyancy
Whether your baby or toddler can swim or not, and the majority can’t till they are around 4 or 5 years old, you want the life jacket they wear to hold them up in the water. No point having them all tied into a death sentence jacket. The vest needs to be anchored heavier on the back so that when they fall in they will be pulled onto their backs, face out of the water.
Quality Material
This goes hand in hand with the Buoyancy requirement. Quite a few of today’s genuine life jackets have a light, waterproof outer and are filled with kapok, a vegetable fiber found in tropical tree pods. The waxy coating which covers the kapok is what provides the necessary buoyancy. However, there are other, just as good life jackets, made with a foam inner. And we all know that foam floats well.
Color
While you can get all sorts of pretty designs, you want the color to be bright. The brighter the better! Orange being the favorite color when it comes to life jackets. Blue not so much, for obvious reasons. But any bright color will do.
Size
You want to make sure the size is perfect. You can’t have baby slipping out the jacket or even having the jacket that is too tight. Manufacturers normally give you the minimum and maximum weight allowed for each life jacket. As the jackets are adjustable you can at least be assured that your baby can use the life jacket for a while.
Approved
If all else fails make sure the life jacket is Coast Guard Approved. You are then assured that the factors above have been adhered to.
Ok, so now we have the low down on what to look out for in the best infant life jacket, let us move on to what there is on offer.
| Infant Life Jacket | Competency | Price | Our Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coleman Classic Series Infant Vest | A+ | $$ | |
| Body-Glove Approved Neoprene Vest | A | $$$ | |
| Stearns Antimicrobial Nylon Child Vest | B | $ | |
| Mustang Lil' Legends 70 Child Vest - 30-50lbs | B+ | $$ | |
| Speed Waves Child Float Life Jacket | A | $$ |
The Best Infant Life Jacket Full Proof List
We are going to break up the information overload into 4 drown-proof headings (excuse the pun):
Coleman Classic Series Infant Vest
PRICE
At $22.43 this is a good price and look at all you are getting.
MATERIAL & COLOR
Here we have their Gold vest trimmed in grey, but they also offer a bright blue and red vest. The vest is made from Stearns Antimicrobial Nylon, which has been treated with antimicrobial protection to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew. The interior is foam and has a webbed strapping which will allow you to adjust the vest as baby grows.
SIZE
This Coleman life jacket will take baby right up to 30 lbs. with its adjustable chest strap, zipper and crotch strap.
SAFETY
The US Guard-approved design will leave you feeling secure in that baby will be floatable and safe.
Body-Glove Approved Neoprene Vest
PRICE
PRICEWhile not the cheapest, Body-Glove is well known for their ‘suiting-up” of goods. Let us take a look at what $54.95 gets you.
MATERIAL & COLOR
They boast an ultra durable neoprene outer shell and lining that comes in this bright Lemon and Black but also Hot Pink ,and Navy and Yellow.
SIZE
This funky vest caters for an up to 30 lbs. baby and has 2 adjustable heavy-duty 1-inch belts with durable quick release buckles.
SAFETY
It has been designed with the upright head flotation for ultimate safety. In addition, there are strategically placed drain holes.
Stearns Antimicrobial Nylon Child Vest
PRICE
PRICEA full house for $25.35.
MATERIAL & COLOR
Bright yellow and grey adorn this ship-shape life jacket. The material has been coated with a protective antimicrobial layer to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew. Always good to know.
SIZE
This vest is for the small child and not a baby. Weight range is between 30 and 50 lbs. With adjustable chest strap, a zipper, adjustable leg strap and closed sides for a better fit, you can be assured that this life jacket will see your child through for quite a while.
SAFETY
Proudly US Coast Guard-approved!
Mustang Lil’ Legends 70 Child Vest – 30-50lbs
PRICE
$60.64 may seem a hefty sum to pay for a child’s life jacket, but Mustang has designed a unique vest.
MATERIAL & COLOR
Made from a soft, non-chafing neoprene material, your little one will want to wear this vest all day. The general PFD style life jacket can sit a little stiffly on those wiggly worms of ours, but this vest is so comfy that your toddler will easily fall asleep wearing it. They have only brought one color out so far in this bright, very visible yellow. Now your little buddy can look just like Dad in his Lil Sport Neoprene vest.
SIZE
Mustang caters for the small child between 30 and 50 lbs. with room to grow.
SAFETY
Mustang provides all sorts of survival goods and we are assured this product is super safe.
Speed Waves Baby Child Float Swimming Aid Life Jacket
PRICE
Speed Waves brings us another neoprene coated life vest at an impressive price of $21.56.
MATERIAL & COLOR
Available in this mix of colors – bright lemon yellow and turquoise blue, as well as a red and blue design. The inserts are made from floatable EPE foam with the soft neoprene cover. For children learning to swim, the foam inserts can be removed as well.
SIZE
Sized for a toddler between 22 to 28 lbs. (more or less a 1 to 3-year-old).
SAFETY
It must be said that this vest is only suitable for children that have an idea of swimming and what we mean is that they can either swim or are learning to swim. This is not a baby life jacket unless the baby can swim. Heavy-duty belts and buckles, as well as a front zipper, make for a snug, secure fit.
So, don your sailor caps and strap up baby, all ready for a day on the sea or in the pool, whichever your fancy, in the best infant life jacket on the market. Happy Sailing!
