Keeping your little ones safe near water with a swim float vest
One thing I have always loved about my children has been their sense of adventure, which extends to their fearless approach to water of any kind. However, when they were younger, this was also cause for more than one near heart attack and the feeling of unease that I couldn’t be close to all of them at once.
I’m sure other mums have experienced similar situations to mine, which is why I am such an advocate of swim aids for children of all ages. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at different kids’ swim vests and other swim aids from infants to older kids, so you’re sure to find what’s best for your own bub’s skill level in the water.
This post is part of our tried and tested essential family travel product reviews series
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Best Toddler Swim Vests and Life Jackets
Read on below for more details on why we have chosen these products and the key features to look for.
| Product | Best for | Child weight | Coast Guard Approved? | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | STEARNS Life Puddle Jumper | Beginners | 30 to 50 lbs | Yes/Type III Child's PFD |
  | Body Glove Swim Life Jacket | Beginners | 30 to 50 lbs | Yes/Type III Child's PFD |
 | Sunuva Float Suit | Beginners | Ages 1 to 4 | Complies to EU standard EN 13138-1: 2014 |
  | Speedo Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest | Intermediate | Medium 33 to 44 lbs Large 45 to 60 lbs | Yes/Type II Child's PFD |
  | Swimschool Swim Trainer Vest | Beginner/intermediate | Up to 50 lbs (Age 4 to 6) | |
  | Gogokids Swim Vest | Beginner/intermediate | 26 to 77 lbs (Age 3 to 8) | |
  | Full Throttle Infant Baby-Safe Vest | Beginners | Less than 30 lbs | Yes/Type II Life Jacket |
  | Stearns Child Classic Series Vest | Intermediate | 30 to 50 lbs | Yes |
  | Stohlquist Fit Youth Life Jacket | Intermediate/Experienced | 50 to 90 lbs | Yes |
Swimming Vest v Life Jacket v Arm Floaties
Your bub’s swimming skills and the type of water activity you’re going to be engaging in will determine which type of swim aid you’ll need.
Swim Trainers
Kids’ swim vests and arm floaties fall into this category, as they’re meant to bolster your child’s existing swim skills in the water. These are especially helpful for children who have had some level of swim training but are not totally comfortable in the water.
Swimming vests for kids are typically designed to be both buoyant and warm, but they are not as buoyant as life jackets. Therefore, you will still need to closely supervise your child while they’re in the water.
Float suits are where the floatation device is actually stitched into the swimsuit to provide extra buoyancy. Sometimes the float components are removable so as their swimming skills improve, fewer floats are needed.
Arm floaties for toddlers and kids perhaps for your most advanced swimmers, as they only fit around your child’s upper arms for minimal support; however, they’re an excellent way to add an extra layer of comfort for both you and your little one while they’re in the water.
Life Jacket
Life jackets, or buoyancy suits, are an essential (and often required) piece of equipment for any child under 13 years of age while in a boat or swimming in deep, open water. They are constructed of buoyant material intended to keep your child’s head above water even if they have no swimming experience. You’ll want to find one that is Coast Guard-approved, as these have passed rigorous safety testing. (This is a US requirement but appropriate guidance to follow for kids life jacket products worldwide).
Puddle Jumper Design
Stearns puddle jumpers really deserve to be in their own category, as they’re a combination of a toddler swim float suit, arm floaties, and a swim vest. They’re intended for children between 30-50 lbs as opposed to life jackets, which come in all sizes.
From my own personal experience, this is one of the best products out there for toddlers, as they keep the chest and arms out of the water to mimic the natural swimming position. You’ll still need to keep a watchful eye, but the puddle jumper will make both you and your bub feel much more at ease.
What to look for in a good swim vest for toddlers
Material: Most toddlers swim vests are made from waterproof neoprene, nylon, or polyester. These materials are especially lightweight and quick-drying.
Sun Protection: Added UV protection is not a guarantee in kids’ swim vests, but many of them have this additional protection as well. You’ll always want to make sure that you still use sunscreen on your bub regardless of the type of swim aid they’re wearing.
Comfort: Most swimming vests for toddlers and other swim aids are made from lightweight, comfortable material, but if they’re ill-fitting or worn for hours on end, chafing or rubbing could occur. You’ll want to make sure you consult the product’s size chart to ensure your child gets the right fit.
Level of Buoyancy: Toddler swim float suits come in different levels of buoyancy depending on the activity they’re designed for. For example, the most common types of life jackets are Type II and Type III.
Type II life jackets are intended for infants and children who don’t know how to swim yet, while Type III jackets are more versatile and comfortable to wear, but less buoyant. These are for children who have basic swimming skills but are not fully independent in the water.
Child’s Swim Skills: You know your bub’s skills in the water the best, as you’re probably the one who had to take them to swim lessons, or you have given them yourself. If you have an infant or younger toddler, you’ll obviously want to choose a more supportive swim aid, while older toddlers and kids might require less support.
Best swim vests for toddlers and kids
Best for Younger Toddlers: STEARNS Life Puddle Jumper
The Stearns Puddle Jumper is perhaps one of the most popular swim aids of all time, and for good reason. It has been rigorously tested and can be used anywhere that requires Coast Guard-approved swim aids. It helps build your bub’s confidence while learning how to swim and can be worn comfortably for hours of fun in the sun.
- Sun Protection: Minimal
- Product Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Material: Woven polyester for less chafing
- Available Colors: 12 Different Designs
- Size: 30-50 lbs
- Best Suited For: Beginning swimmers
- Coast Guard Approved: Yes/Type III Child’s PFD
Runner-Up: Body Glove Swim Life Jacket
I can best describe this toddler swim vest as a swim vest/life jacket hybrid, as it combines features of both to create a uniquely supportive product for your beginning swimmer. The vest design provides additional stability and less slipping, and it has a quick-release rear safety buckle. Your child will love all of the cute and colorful designs as well!
- Sun Protection: Minimal
- Product Weight: 9.17 ounces
- Material: Nylon
- Available Colors: 14 Available Designs
- Size: 30-50 lbs
- Best Suited For: Beginning Swimmers
- Coast Guard Approved: Yes/Type III Child’s PFD
Best all-in-one Float Suit: Sunuva Float Suit
This all-in-one swim float suit comes with a flotation device actually built into the romper-style toddler swimsuit. Available in several attractive beachy designs for both girls (with a high cut leg) and boys (with a trunk leg), the floats can be removed for washing but form an integral part of the swimsuit design. The lovely silky-soft fabric provides additional sun protection.
- Sun Protection:UPF 50+
- Material: 82% polyester, 18% elastane (silky smooth & stretchy)
- Available colours: 8 different attractive designs
- Best suited for: Beginner swimmers
- Size: Ages 1-2, 2-3 & 3-4
- Complies to EU standard EN 13138-1: 2014
Best for Older Toddlers/Intermediate Swimmers: Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest
For older toddlers and children who are already familiar with the water, this kids’ swim vest is an excellent option. The neoprene material adds warmth and extra buoyancy, and it also has UV50+ Block the Burn protection to help protect your child’s skin. It also has a safety strap that would easily fit over a swim diaper or swimsuit/shorts.
- Sun Protection: UV 50+
- Product Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Available Colors: 5 Available Colors
- Size: Medium (33-44 lbs) / Large (45-60 lbs)
- Best Suited For: Intermediate Swimmers
- Coast Guard Approved: Yes/Type II Child’s PFD
Runner-Up: Swimschool Swim Trainer Vest with Sun Protective Sleeves
This swim vest for kids combines both support and added UV protection. The foam within the vest promotes the correct swim position for your child to learn in, and the sleeves provide extra coverage for your child’s shoulders and upper arms. The chest straps are adjustable, and the swim vest also features a safety strap for additional fit customization.
- Sun Protection: UPF 50 fabric
- Product Weight: 8.8 ounces
- Material: Soft fabric w/built-in foam pads
- Available Colors: 4 different designs/colors
- Size: Up to 50 lbs/Ages 4-6
- Best Suited For: Beginner/Intermediate
Worth a Second Look: Gogokids Swim Vest Life Jacket
We love that this swimming vest for kids comes in a wide range of sizes, from ages 3-8 years. The neoprene material provides both warmth and buoyancy, and the reinforced safety strap fits securely between your child’s legs to prevent unwanted slipping. The chest strap has quick-release buckles in the event of an emergency, and the overall construction of the swim vest helps increase your child’s confidence as they learn to swim.
- Sun Protection: 100% UV protection on covered areas
- Product Weight: 12.98 ounces
- Material 2.5 mm neoprene
- Available Colors: Blue/Pink
- Size: S-XL/26-77lbs
- Best Suited For: Beginner/Intermediate
Best life jackets for toddlers and kids
Best for Infants: Full Throttle Infant Baby-Safe Vest
If you’re planning on being out on the water with your bub, this infant life jacket gets our top pick. This baby life vest is especially designed to flip your baby safely on his/her back in the event of a water emergency. The oversized collar provides improved head support, and the padded strap that fits between the legs can comfortably be worn over a diaper.
- Sun Protection: N/A
- Product Weight: N/A
- Material: Nylon
- Available Colors: Pink/Orange
- Size: For infants less than 30 lbs
- Best Suited For: Beginners
- Coast Guard Approved: Yes/USCG-approved Type II Life Jacket
Best for Toddlers: Stearns Child Classic Series Vest
If you’re planning on taking your toddler out for a day of boating fun, this life jacket is a great option that is specially designed for younger children. It is constructed with PE flotation foam and has three adjustable buckles for a secure and comfortable fit. The included leg strap also adds an extra level of safety, which is a plus.
- Sun Protection: N/A
- Product Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Material: Nylon shell with PE flotation foam
- Available Colors: Red/Blue
- Size: 30-50 lbs
- Best Suited For: Intermediate Swimmers
- Coast Guard Approved: Yes
Best for Older Toddlers/Intermediate Swimmers: Stohlquist Fit Youth Life Jacket
This kids life jacket is intended for your more experienced swimmer while you’re out boating. The sculpted design of the vest allows for increased arm movement, and it has three easily adjustable buckles. The hanging loop is a nice feature for drying, and its sporty design is sure to catch your child’s eye.
- Sun Protection: N/A
- Product Weight: 13.62 ounces
- Material: 200D Nylon outer shell and liner
- Available Colors: Red-Gray/Blue-Black
- Size: Youth 50-90 lbs
- Best Suited For: Intermediate/Experienced Swimmers
- Coast Guard Approved: Yes
A trip to the beach or pool should be a safe, worry-free experience for the whole family, and this can easily be achieved by finding the right swim aid for your bub. Our hope is that as our worlds slowly return to some semblance of normalcy, our families will be able to venture out into the sunshine (and water) safely and worry-free.
Found this toddler & kids gear review helpful? You may also like:
- Heading to the beach we also find a great pair of beach shoes essential – particularly living in a hot country, from the beach to splash plays these will keep little feet safe
- Best Baby & Toddler Sun Hats – keeping little heads protected outside, these hats will provide maximum UV coverage
- Best toddler wetsuits – swimming in cooler waters or on windy days at the beach, these toddler wetsuits will provide your child with the extra warmth and protection from the elements they need to still enjoy the water
- Best baby rashguards – the extra layer of sun protection your young infants need on a day out at the beach
- Best toddler beach toys – no day out at the beach or lake is complete without some sand and water toys to keep the little ones entertained
- Ultimate Beach Packing List – don’t forget a thing next time you head to the beach with our essentials packing list (downloadable!)
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