When a child goes into a pool or on any type of a boat, a life vest is critical. Most states have boating laws that require the use of a children’s life vest for all minors under the age of 18, and they must wear the life vest for the duration of the time on the boat, even if the boat is not moving. Life vests should also be used when a child is simply playing in or near water, such as at the edge of a lake. Parental supervision combined with life vests can save lives. These are 10 of the best children’s life vests.
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1. Stearns Youth Boating Vest
This affordable Stearns USCG approved life vest is designed to fit youth weighing 50 to 90 pounds. It features three adjustable chest straps and plastic buckles. The straps and outer material feature durable nylon construction. Interior PE foam makes the vest lightweight and comfortable. This vest has an open-sided design in order to allow the child to have a full range of movement. It is ideal for tubing, boating, and swimming. The vest can be hosed off after an outing in freshwater or saltwater.
2. Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends 100 Flotation Vest
This cheap flotation vest by Mustang Survival features a mesh back for enhanced comfort and breathability on children. As an infant life jacket, it is approved by the USCG for marine buoyant devices. The three-sided pillow on the back provides a comfortable surface for babies. A heavy-duty grab strap on the back would allow a swimmer to grab onto the life vest when rescuing a baby that has fallen overboard. The vest also has reflective strips for improved visibility.
3. Stearns Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket
The low-cost Stearns Puddle Jumper Kids Life Jacket offers a cute design that appeals to babies and toddlers. The cute animal face on the front and bright colors make kids more likely to agree to wear it. The middle part goes around the child’s chest, and there are arm inserts to the sides. It is approved by the US Coast Guard as a flotation device. This life jacket features an exterior nylon shell and Crosstech flotation foam interior construction. It fits kids who weigh 30 to 50 pounds.
4. Stohlquist Kids Life Jacket
This United States Coast Guard-approved children’s boating life jacket has a wide opening for a comfortable fit. A zipper fits up against the chest, and nylon straps buckle around for a snug fit. A study grab handle made of woven nylon allows for a fast rescue if a child has an accident on the water. The low-cost Stohlquist kids’ life jacket has curved and padded head support that naturally causes a child to float with their face upward. A quick release buckle on the back side enhances the child’s security and safety.
5. Speedo Child Personal Life Jacket
The Speedo child personal life jacket is lightweight and durable. It features two woven nylon chest straps with sturdy buckles for a snug fit. The wide arm openings ensure that the child has their full range of motion. A grab handle on this cheap child life jacket by Speedo facilitates a rescue in case a child falls into the water or begins to drown.
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6. CWB Connelly Infant Nylon Vest
As an affordable infant life vest, this flotation device is for babies and toddlers who weigh less than 30 pounds. It features a pillow with a grab handle. The pillow promotes a head-upward position in case a child falls into the water. This life vest for babies is US Coast guard approved and made from durable nylon and PE foam. Adjustable straps ensure that it fits on the baby, and a quick release strap boosts the child’s safety.
7. Connelly Babysafe Nylon Vest
Fitting babies up to 30 pounds, this cheap Connelly Babysafe nylon vest is United States Coast Guard-approved. It has a head support section that is curved in order to promote a heads-up position. Adjustable straps ensure that it fits babies at a range of ages. This life vest for babies also has a quick-release buckle and a grab strap for enhanced safety on the water.
8. Stohlquist Kids Life Jacket
As a United States Coast Guard and Transport Canada-approved Type 3 personal flotation device, this Stohlquist kids’ life jacket is available in high-visibility colors with reflective strips sewn into the material. Durable nylon straps on this affordable children’s life vest create a snug yet comfortable fit. The entry zipper makes it easy to get on and off the child. The quick-release buckle fits over the zipper. An adjustable crotch strap increases the child’s safety.
9. O’Neill Child Superlite USCG Life Vest
This low-cost O’Neill Superlite life vest for kids is made from nylon with interior PE flotation foam. It is a Type III flotation device, and it is approved by the United States Coast Guard. Three woven nylon straps fit over the chest and allow for custom adjustments and a comfortable fit. The plastic buckles are easy to release when needed. A quick release buckle on the back facilitates the child’s safety in the event of an accident. This life vest has a plastic entry zipper and wide arm openings for flexibility.
10. O’Neill Wake Waterski Infant USCG Vest
Keep the baby safe in this O’Neill Wake Waterski infant life vest available in bright colors for visibility. It is made out of nylon and fits babies who weigh 30 pounds or less. The curved pillow promotes an upwards head position in case the infant falls into the water. A grab handle on the back of the pillow makes it easier for an adult to rescue the infant. Two straps fit across the child’s chest, and an adjustable safety belt also goes between the child’s legs. Quick release dual safety buckles allow an adult to remove the child from the vest in a hurry. This affordable infant life vest is made from neoprene on the outside for water resistance. It is filled with lightweight fluid foam.
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By BCR Staff
June 2019
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