Adult Wearing Life Savers With Inflatables Funny Pics
Best Infant Life Jackets, According to Experts
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on April 11, 2022
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Your little tadpole may not be ready for swim lessons yet, but she can still enjoy a day of visiting a friend with a backyard pool, digging in the sand next to a lake or sailing on the open waters — as long as she's wearing the right safety gear. If you're planning to spend any time around water, an infant life jacket is as important for your child's safety as a proper car seat.
Here's what you need to know.
Why you need an infant life jacket and when to use one
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that babies should wear a life jacket whenever they're near water (from a lake to a river to the ocean), even if you don't actually plan on putting them in the water. That's because open water (even an inch or two) poses the threat of drowning, especially for babies and young kids who can't swim.
That includes when you're near swimming pools, too. If your baby is mobile, it makes sense for her to wear a life jacket on the pool deck, especially during busy times like parties when you might be distracted, says Livington.
It's also important to remember that life jackets are just one part of your overall water safety strategy as a parent. "Life jackets are not a 'set it and forget it' type approach," says safety expert Natalie Livingston, a Certified Parks and Recreation Operator (CPRO), Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO), lifeguard instructor trainer and the co-founder of Alive Solutions, Inc., an educational and consulting firm focused on aquatic safety. "They do not take the place of adult supervision or of learning to swim." The AAP suggests assigning a water watcher at all times — aka an adult who pays constant attention to kids in the water.
For children who can't swim, Livingston likes to make the distinction between what she calls "recreational" and "instructional" swim opportunities — with the former always requiring a life jacket. If your baby is learning how to swim during a special instruction time, that would likely be a time where they wouldn't need a life jacket, because they're being so closely supervised by an instructor — but every other time near water calls for a jacket.
It's also crucial to "mind the gap" with life jacket use, Livingston says. "Often drowning events happen when a life jacket was removed to eat or use the restroom, or getting to the water, or before leaving. Put the life jacket on before you arrive and keep it on until they no longer have access to the water," she advises. If you do need to remove the life jacket (like to change a diaper), try to do it in a place where your child's access to the water is restricted, like behind fencing or barriers, and (as always) treat it with caution and plenty of supervision.
It's understandable if this sounds like a lot to keep track of, but there is reason to be cautious: Tragically, drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury and death for children between the ages of 1 and 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
How to choose the right infant life jacket
Here are some things to consider when looking for a life jacket for your little one:
- Look for Coast Guard approval. The AAP recommends that children only wear life jackets approved by the Coast Guard. You can confirm it's okayed by the Coast Guard light by looking for an approval number, which will be included on the life jacket tag.
- Know your numbers. Currently, the Coast Guard recommends all infants 33 pounds or less wear Type II life jackets, which can turn some users' heads from a face-down position in the water into one in which they can breathe.Note that over the next few years, the life jacket labeling system will change from a "type" system to a numerical one. If you see any of the new numerical jackets (which will be labeled with a level number, such as "Level 50"), pick the number and size that's best for your little one and the activity you're doing. (The label should spell this out, but the National Safe Boating Council has a helpful primer as well.) In the meantime, "type" jackets are safe to use as long as they're in good condition, appropriate for the activity and Coast Guard-approved.
- Select a life jacket that's designed for your baby's weight. As a general rule, infant life jackets tend to be designed for babies that weigh 33 pounds or less, according to the Coast Guard. That said, specific weight ranges for life jackets can vary based on the manufacturer, so always check the label to make sure the vest matches up with your little one's weight.
- Check the fit. Foam life jackets should be snug when worn correctly, and shouldn't rise above your little one's chin or ears, according to the Coast Guard. Always try the vest on before you venture near the water with your little one. Strap the life jacket onto baby, then lift up the jacket at the shoulders. "If the child's chin and ears slip through the neck opening, it might be too big," says Emily Samuel, the program director of Safe Kids Worldwide. "If the life jacket straps cannot be buckled, zipped or tied, it may be too small." (This video from Boat-Ed, which provides state-approved boater safety courses and is recognized by the Coast Guard, has excellent tips about fit as well.)
- Look for a neck collar, crotch strap and grab handle. The collar will give your baby's developing muscles some extra head support, and the strap will help keep the vest from inching up. The handle can be used to quickly yank your kiddo out of the water if he falls in, or prevent her from going in in the first place.
- Skip inflatables. According to Livingston, life jackets that are inflatable, or a mix of foam and inflatable material (sometimes called hybrid), are not recommended for infants.
- Evaluate the condition. "Check for any rips, tears, broken buckles or anything that would prevent it from doing its job," says Livingston.
- Take a float test. Ideally you would be able to test out your baby's life jacket in the water before you went on, say, a two-week vacation at a beach house. Do a float test in a nearby pool or even your bathtub (under very close supervision) to make sure the life jacket stays where it's supposed to, keeps baby's airway clear of water, doesn't cover her nose and mouth, keeps her at the surface and rolls her over if it's rated to do so, advises Livingston.
How to get your child ready to wear a life jacket
Once you buy your little one a life jacket, encourage her to wear it. This can be tricky at first because, as Livingston says, they are meant to fit snugly and this can take some getting used to. "Infant life jackets can tend to be a little awkward when the tiny human is upright and dry, because they are meant to keep them floating on their back in the water." she says. She suggests wearing the life jacket around the house, and even in the bathtub so they practice floating. Older children might also like to put it on their stuffed animals and teach them about why they need to wear it.
Another good strategy? Model wearing a life jacket yourself. Remember that kids learn by example. "Adults wearing them and normalizing them is important," says Livingston, adding, "You want to make sure you are protected as an adult so you can help others and little ones if needed."
How we chose the best infant life jackets
We researched dozens of life jackets online and combed through customer reviews, as well as feedback from What to Expect community members about which infant life jackets worked best for their families. Each life jacket featured is approved by the Coast Guard and is a Type II jacket which, again, is recommended for infants. All of them have a grab handle, crotch strap (or some kind of support) and neck collar, and we also looked for vivid colors, which aquatic experts prefer for visibility.
Below, the best life jackets for infants.
Best Infant Life Jacket Overall
Stearns Infant Classic Series Vest
Registry List:
Buying Options:
Pros: Lower cost, fits babies comfortably, durable
Cons: Some parents didn't like the thick neck foam
Why We Love It
You can't go wrong with the Stearns life jacket, which comes in bright blue or fire-engine red. This open-sided vest features a durable nylon shell, a leg strap and a grab handle for extra security. Parents and caregivers also love the headrest, which makes it comfortable for back-floating in a pool or calm body of water (with touch supervision, of course!). Plus, at this price point, it's one of the most affordable options on the market. Note that the area around the neck is quite padded, so it may not be as comfortable for babies who aren't mobile, since they may have trouble looking around. Parents also noted that some older children had figured out how to pull the zipper down part way.
Recommended weight: Up to 30 pounds
Best Classic Life Jacket
Airhead Classic Infant Life Jacket
Registry List:
Buying Options:
Pros: Bright colors, plenty of head support
Cons: Bulky and ill-fitting for some
Why We Love It
Infant life jackets can be tricky to fit, but the Airhead Infant Life Jacket can help take some of the guesswork out of the process. The vest comes with three adjustable front straps (plus a crotch strap), each with side-release buckles for simple on-and-off access when it's time to put it on. The closed-sided design stays snug on the child no matter how much they move around. The bright yellow headrests and straps are great, too.
Recommended weight: Less than 30 pounds
Best Life Jacket for Mobility
Stohlquist Infant Life Jacket
Registry List:
Buying Options:
Pros: Large armholes, open back design
Cons: Bulky on smaller babies
Why We Love It
The Stohlquist life jacket earns major points for its snug, secure fit that also doesn't limit your infant's ability to move around. Credit goes to the large armholes (which will also ward off chafing) and open back design — great for ensuring your baby won't feel constricted in or out of the water. Many parents said their children seemed comfortable in it, too. The bright yellow color is also favored by safety experts for its high visibility.
Recommended weight: Up to 30 pounds
Most Fun Life Jacket
Airhead Treasure Life Vest
Registry List:
Buying Options:
Pros: Fun design, zipper adds convenience, two-part headrest
Cons: Size won't work for every baby
Why We Love It
It's hard not to fall head over heels for this adorable life jacket, complete with bright pops of color (read: easier to spot in the water) and cartoon fish. The Airhead Treasure Infant Life Jacket also features a two-part head rest, which will help keep baby's head afloat, along with a waist belt, crotch strap and grab handle. And like the other Airhead life jacket listed above, this one is closed-sided for a secure fit around your little ones sides. Bonus: You're guaranteed to get a ton of cute photos.
Recommended weight: Less than 30 pounds
Best Swaddle-Style Life Jacket
Overton's Infant Vest
Pros: Oversized head support, elastic fabric crotch, bright color
Cons: Better for smaller babies
Why We Love It
Babies can be fussy about what they wear. If your child won't take to any of the life jackets you've bought her, you may want to try the Overton's Infant Vest. This Type II vest looks more like a floatable swaddle blanket than a life jacket, and features an oversized head-support collar, an elasticized fabric leg strap and a grab strap. The elastic material at the crotch helps guarantee a more secure, comfortable fit.
Recommended weight: Up to 30 pounds
Best Life Jacket with Wide Armholes
O'Brien Infant Life Jacket
Pros: Wide armholes, big head rest
Cons: Not widely available
Why We Love It
When it comes to life jackets, safety is your first priority. Still, comfort is important, too — and the O'Brien Infant Life Jacket delivers on both. The life jacket features safety features that include an adjustable belt, leg strap and grab strap, all in bright, sporty pink color. The wide armholes improves mobility, which is nice, too.
Recommended weight: 30 pounds or less
Most Comfortable Life Jacket
L. L. Bean Infants' Discovery IPFD
Why We Love It
L. L. Bean is known for its outdoor gear, and they make wonderful life vests for babies, too. You can rely on the brand's classic, Coast Guard-approved infant life jacket design to keep your little one safe and secure. There's a supportive collar to make every boat ride comfy, and reviewers consistently remark how comfortable their little ones feel in the jacket. The straps are adjustable, and the vest also comes in a neon yellow color, too.
Recommended weight: Up to 30 pounds
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Drowning Prevention for Curious Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know, March 2019.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Infant Water Safety: Protect Your New Baby from Drowning, November 2019.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Life Jackets and Life Preservers, November 2015.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Pool Dangers and Drowning Prevention?When It's Not Swimming Time, July 2020.
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Swim Lessons: When to Start & What Parents Should Know, March 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Drowning Facts, March 2022.
- Natalie Livingston, Certified Parks and Recreation Operator, Aquatic Facility Operator, Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor Trainer and Co-Founder of Alive Solutions, Inc.
- National Safe Boating Council, Choose the Right Life Jacket.
- National Safe Boating Council, Life Jackets.
- Oregon State Marine Board, All About Life Jackets.
- U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division, How to Choose the Right Life Jacket Brochure.
- U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division, Life Jacket Wear/Wearing Your Life Jacket.
- Emily Samuel, Program Director of Safe Kids Worldwide, Washington, D.C.
Source: https://www.whattoexpect.com/baby-products/best-infant-life-jackets/
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