Toddlers love the water, but parents understand that water poses a potential threat to their children and toddlers need the protection of a life preserver or floatation device when they are playing in water more than a few inches deep. If you plan on having a lot of playtime in the pool, lake, or other water sources, you should consider one of these best life preservers for toddlers before you water fun.
Stearns Child Classic Series Vest– When you’re looking for a life preserver that is a traditional life jacket for toddlers, the Stearns Child Classic Series Vest is a phenomenal choice. This child-size life jacket is approved by the US Coast Guard and designed for children between 30 and 50 pounds. The nylon shell is very durable and constructed with PE floatation foam. There are three adjustable buckles as well as a leg strap to ensure the proper fit for your toddler.
Pros:
- Designed for children between 30 pounds and 50 pounds
- Durable nylon shell
- PE Floatation foam
- Approved by the US Coastguard
- Traditional life jacket
- Three adjustable straps
- Choose red or blue color
Cons:
- These life preservers for toddlers can feel constricting for some children, and they may not want to wear them.
We love the traditional life jacket style life preservers for boating, canoeing, playing at the lake, or floating done the river and tubing. Life jackets are the best protection when your toddler is near deep water. The adjustable leg strap is an excellent addition to this life jacket that keeps the vest from rising when the children are in the water.
Hardcore Water Sports Life Jacket Vest- This life jacket fits children between 30 and 50 pounds and is designed to allow for the most mobility possible with open sides for breathability and two adjustable straps. A leg strap is also attached to stop the life vest from rising. The US Coast Guard also approves Hardcore Water Sports Life Vests. These particular jackets are designed to keep the wearer in an upright position in relatively calm waters.
Pros:
- US Coastguard Approved
- Two adjustable straps and leg strap
- Designed for mobility
- Choose red, yellow, blue, or pink for ultimate visibility
- Made from high-quality polyester Cordura fabric
- Closed-cell PE foam
Cons:
- Not suitable for fast-moving water or waves
We recommend the Hardcore Water Sports Life Jacket Vest for boating in calm waters such as lakes or ponds, kayaking, or canoeing. This jacket is not the best style for rough waters or waves, so we recommend choosing a different life preserver for toddlers when boating in fast-moving rivers or on the ocean.
Stearns Puddle Jumpers- When you’re playing at the swimming pool you’re toddler will be most comfortable using puddle jumpers which are what some people describe as floaties. The Stearns floaties are made from premium fabric and polyester which prevents chafing. There’s also an adjustable strap in the back to ensure a snug fit around the chest and freedom of movement. The Stearns Puddle Jumpers fit toddlers between 30 and 50 pounds.
Pros
- 17 different color patterns to choose from
- Fits kids between 30 and 50 pounds
- Adjustable buckle in the back
- Comfortable and designed for freedom of movement
Cons
- Not meant for life preservation in fast-moving water or rapids
- No leg strap to prevent chest piece from rising up
The Stearns floaties are a great choice if you want to avoid chafing that typically comes with these types of inflatable life preservers for toddlers. We love these floaties for playing on the beach or swimming pool with your toddler.
Body Glove Paddle Pals Learn to Swim Life Jacket– Paddle Pals Life Jacket by Body Glove advertises being the safest patented US Coast Guard Approved life jacket for toddlers. The life preserver has attached armbands and a safety shoulder harness that stops your toddler from taking off the life preserver themselves. Body Glove constructs their life jackets from durable polyester and a multi-panel design for optimal comfort and safety. This life jacket is designed for toddlers between 30 and 50 pounds and features an adjustable chest strap with rear safety buckle and quick release. This life preserver for toddlers is approved for recreational boating.
Pros
- US Coast Guard Approved
- durable polyester
- safety shoulder harness
- adjustable chest strap
- rear safety buckle
- Several different graphic designs to choose from
- Bright colors that stand out in all different types of water
- Amazon bestseller #1 in Swim Vests
Cons:
- No leg straps
The Body Glove company makes some of the best life preservers on the market and their best selling learn to swim life jacket is an excellent choice for toddlers who are playing at the pool, boating, or playing at the beach. The vests are wonderfully comfortable and designed to prevent chafing. These vests are also not inflatable. They are made from floatation foam which also helps them to have a more snug fit.
O’Neill Child Reactor USCG Life Vest- If your toddler hates the restriction of a traditional life vest, the O’Neill Child Reactor Life Vest is a great choice. This life vest is designed with segmented foam core and anatomical flex points that allow your child’s movements to be unrestricted. There are two adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit, a leg strap for safety when submerged, and a minimal bulk design with expansion panels to give optimal comfort.
Pros:
- Perfect for toddlers who love to move
- Great for boating and water sports
- Fits between 30 and 50 pounds
- Adjustable back strap
- Heavy-duty front zipper
- Quick-release safety buckles
- Relaxed fit
Cons:
- Only two-color options—pink/blue and neon green.
We love the O’Neill life preserver jacket for toddlers because of the comfortable slim fit design and fantastic safety features. The bright colors are easy to see in the water, and the back strap allows parents to pull toddlers out of the water quickly.
Spending time on the water is fun for the whole family, and as long as your toddler has on a life preserver there is no reason to not include them in your favorite water activities. There are many different floatation devices for toddlers, but you’ll need to choose the one that fits the activity you’re doing best. Make sure that the life vest for toddlers that you pick from our list is appropriate for the water sports your toddler is taking part in.
