This is our official list of the best toddler float jackets on the market today. With the following toddler swim vests and life jackets for kids, you can be confident that your loved ones are well equipped and safe to enjoy the water.
Highest Reviewed Toddler Float Jackets
For many families, fishing trips are a tradition that they can’t wait to pass down on to their own children. A fishing trip is a great way to spend time together and enjoy the outdoors without squandering their budget. But while fishing can be one of the most enjoyable family activities, it can also be one of the most dangerous if the parents don’t take important safety precautions.
These precautions include teaching children to be careful around hooks, giving everyone a safety whistle, and most importantly, equipping everyone in the boat with their own life jacket. A life jacket can literally save lives, keeping children afloat if they fall out of the boat and into the water.
According to Discover Boating, a good life jacket has strong, tight straps, a handle on the collar, and a bright color for good visibility. Some might think it’s an unnecessary precaution if they’re not going swimming, but boating trips can be as unpredictable as they are enjoyable.
Whether they’re fishing on a lake or boating several miles away from the shore, every occupant of the boat should be equipped with a sturdy life jacket. For those looking for a good toddler float jacket, here are five of the most high-quality products around the Internet.
1.) Stearns Puddle Jumper Deluxe Life Jacket
Approved by the Coast Guard, this jacket is designed to act as a swimming aid and a flotation device. With a patent-pending design to keep toddlers’ faces out of the water, this jacket is made of soft, comfortable fabric to reduce the possibility of chafing.
This deluxe option is made of high-quality woven polyester for maximum safety and comfort. The colorful design is also attractive to children, who might otherwise not want to wear a life jacket.
PROS
- The jacket is made of soft, comfortable polyester.
- The patent-pending design keeps children’s faces out of the water.
- The jacket is designed for both swimming and emergency situations.
CONS
- The dark green design might blend in with the water, reducing visibility in an emergency situation.
2.) Stearns Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket
This toddler float jacket is Coast Guard-approved, with a durable nylon shell that keeps the floats from bursting or tearing. The material is sturdy but soft so that it won’t irritate a toddler’s skin. The jacket comes in a variety of bright colors, with friendly designs that appeal to children and make them easy to spot in the water.
The jacket is easy to put on, adjust, and remove, with an easy-to-use buckle that adjusts in the back. Like other jackets, the material is infused with antimicrobial properties to prevent odors, mold, and mildew.
PROS
- The jacket is made of soft but durable material.
- The design allows for flexibility and a free range of motion.
- The bright colors are easy to see in the water.
CONS
- The style doesn’t provide as much security and coverage as a vest-style jacket with straps
3.) Splash About Collections Float Suit, Apple Daisy
This float suit is perfect for children who want to play in the water, but don’t yet know how to swim. The suit contains 16 removable floats, giving parents the ability to add and remove floats as their child gains confidence in the water. Unlike traditional life jackets, this float suit is much less bulky and more comfortable for a child.
This design also allows for more movement and flexibility in the water. The design is also colorful and appealing, much like a traditional swimsuit. However, this suit is intended for children learning how to swim and should not be used as a safety device.
PROS
- The flexible design makes it easy for children to learn how to swim.
- The removable floats help children build confidence in the water.
- The material is specifically made to block out the sun.
CONS
- This is not a life jacket and should not be used as an emergency flotation device.
4.) Titop Life Jacket for Child
Unlike some other life jackets on the market, the Titop life jacket is a full vest with straps to hold the jacket securely in place. This vest was specifically designed for children learning how to swim, but it can also be used as a life jacket in emergency situations.
The fabric is soft to keep children warm and comfortable in the water. This jacket has passed safety tests and meets European safety regulations, making it safe to use in the water. The bright colors are appealing to children and make for increased visibility. Pink and blue options are available.
PROS
- Bright colors make for high levels of visibility.
- The straps keep the jacket tied securely in place.
- The fabric is soft and comfortable to protect toddlers’ skin.
CONS
- This product has not been tested outside of Europe, so it may not meet other safety standards.
5.) Coleman’s Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket
Officially approved by the Coast Guard, this life jacket offers safety and protection for children while they’re in the water. It’s built not only for safety precautions but for children who need support while they’re learning to swim. The material contains antimicrobial properties that prevent the growth of odors, like the smell of seawater.
Each jacket is light and flexible enough to support the child in the water while allowing a free range of motion. The fabric is also soft so that it won’t chafe a toddler’s delicate skin. Children can enjoy swimming and playing in the water before they learn how to swim.
PROS
- This jacket is approved by the Coast Guard.
- The antibacterial properties in the material prevent the development of odors like fish and seawater.
- The characters on the jacket are appealing to children.
CONS
- The relatively dark colors may result in low visibility.