Anytime around the water with an infant requires strict supervision and most definitely the use of an infant life jacket. There are many life jackets on the market but it pays to research the best and safest models.
To help find the right design, I have compiled the best infant life jackets on the market!
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What Age can a Baby Go on A Boat?
When it comes to babies and being around the water whether swimming or on watercraft there are a few guidelines for buying life jackets. Infants under the age of 6 months or under 18 pounds are not advised to be taken on boats.
This can be overly difficult for families who spend a lot of time on their boats. The reason behind this is that newborns and infants might not be able to support their heads.
It is advisable to test the functionality of the life jacket in a swimming pool to see if the device floats their head or not. If it doesn’t then it won’t work in the way intended.
If you are a very big boating family then invest in a quality life jacket, test it out and remain very vigilant of your child while on the water.
Best Infant Life Jackets
1. O’Neill Wake Waterski Infant USCG Vest
O'Neill Wake Waterski Infant USCG Vest
Features
- Infant vest for 30lbs and under
- USCG Approved Vest Head Support Panel with Safety Loop
- Adjustable Safety Belt between legs
- Lightweight Fluid Foam Neoprene Shell
- Quick Release Dual Safety Buckles
O’Neill make high quality life vests and the same craftsmanship goes into their Wake Waterski Infant Vest.
Key Features
- Nylon
- Adjustable Safety Belt between legs
- Lightweight Fluid Foam Neoprene Shell
- Quick Release Dual Safety Buckles
With a lightweight fluid foam, neoprene shell and nylon material this is a durable vest that will last a long time.
This infant vest is for babies weighing under 30 pounds and comes with the US Coast Guard approval. Including the head support panel as well as a safety loop.
This vest is comfortable for little ones and is adjustable making it easy to fit. There are quick release safety buckles as well as a rescue handle.
Designed as a life saving device the Wake Waterski Infant Vest has all the flotation material in the front which forces the infant onto their back.
With top reviews the question is which of the 3 colors will you choose?
2. Stearns INFANT CLASSIC SERIES VEST BLUE
Stearns INFANT CLASSIC SERIES VEST BLUE
Features
- Stearns
- 3000004469
- 1
- NEW
- 0.63
Stearns Infant Classic Vest is a US Coast Guard approved design specifically designed for children that are under 30 pounds.
Key Features
- Nylon shell
- PE foam interior
- Head rest
- Adjustable chest and leg straps
- Rescue handle
Great for a day at the beach, boat, pool, lake and beyond the life jacket is suited to infants and is approved.
With a front zipper and closed side the front webbing and adjustable leg straps make it a very easy fit. Although for the same reason this vest is not known for its comfort.
Stearns Infant Classic Vest is available in blue and red this vest is well priced and is a great budget model.
3.Stohlquist Kids Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved Life Vest for Children
Stohlquist Kids Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved
Features
- 200 Denier oxford shell and liner.
- Quick release buckle over entry zipper for added security. Adjustable crotch strap.
- Infant PFD is type II PFD.
- Hand Wash Soap and Water
- China
The Stohlquist Kids Life Jacket is US Coast Guard Approved for children weighing 30-50 pounds.
Key Features
- Quick release buckle
- Padded head support
- Large rescue/grab handle
- Wide neck opening
This design helps children float in the upright position so would be suited to swimming in a pool or learning to swim.
Designed as a wrap around vest this turns your little one face up in the event of falling over board. There is also a dual support collar that cradles the head.
With a front zipper entry as well as adjustable straps for the crotch, securing this life jacket is easy.
Available in blue/black, yellow/red and yellow/blue the Stohlquist Kids Life Jacket is well priced and highly rated.
4. Salus Bijoux Baby Vest – Lime
Salus Bijoux Baby Vest - Lime
$79.97
Free shipping
Features
- Winner of the Canadian Safe Boating Award (CASB) for Best New Safety Product
- Designed for babies 9 to 25 pounds (chest size 12 to 18 inches around). Adjustable mesh and webbing harness system for security, venting, and comfort
- Three piece collar design with additional flotation on sides to cradle baby's head in center of collar for security and comfort
- Dry-Lex Aerospacer liner for breathability, temperature control, drainage, and baby's comfort. Mesh back allows the baby to lie comfortably on a blanket or in a baby carrier.
- Note: This vest is not USCG or Transport Canada approved since there is currently no testing standard to certify PFDs for children under 9 kilograms (20 pounds).
The Salus Bijoux is a premium infant life jacket that won the Canadian Safe Boating Award.
Key Features
- Three piece collar design
- Adjustable mesh and webbing harness
- Aerospacer for breathability
- Mesh back
- Available in 5 different colors
This life jacket is suited for babies weighing 9 pounds to 25 pounds or with a chest size between 12-18 inches around.
Comfortable to wear, this vest has adjustable mesh as well as webbing works together for ventilation and comfort.
In addition there is a dry-lex aerospacer liner which works as a temperature control, drainage and most importantly for comfort.
Infants heads are cradled in the centre of the collar which has a unique three piece design. There is also mesh on the back of the Salus Bijoux which makes it comfortable for little ones to lay on a blanket or seat on the boat.
5. Full Throttle Infant/Child Character Life Vest, Fish
Full Throttle Infant/Child Character Life Vest
$18.59
Free shipping
Features
- Vest features a leg strap to keep vest from riding up or shifting
- Pop-up pillow provides added head support and additional safety
- Includes a grab strap for quick recovery if necessary
- Fits Infants up to 50lbs
- USCG Type II PFD
The Full Throttle Infant Vest is a budget life jacket that is US Coast Guard approved.
Key Features
- Suited for infants up to 50 pounds
- USCG Type II Personal Flotation Device
- Adjustable
- Head support pillow
- Grab strap
- 3 fun designs
The great thing about this life jacket is that it is suitable for infants up to 50 pounds meaning you can get quite an extended use from it.
With a pop up head support pillow this vest is safe and comfortable enough to nap with. The straps are adjustable and there are a few customer complaints of the strap rubbing on infants inner thighs.
As the Full Throttle Infant Vest is US Coast Guard approved this vest has the floatation material in the front. This works to flip your young one onto their back in an emergency situation.
Cost of Infant Life Jackets?
If you plan to spend a lot of time on the water then it pays to invest in a quality, life jacket. There are many companies that manufacture high quality jackets.
Finding the right life jacket within your price range should be based on a cost per use basis. If you consider the time spent on the water and the rate your little one grows you may not get as much use as intended. So bear this in mind while you are looking for the right life jacket.
Comfort of Infant Life Jackets
Investing in a comfortable jacket will have both you and your little one at ease. If your infant is happy then your time on the water is going to be much happier.
If possible you really want to test the life jacket in a swimming pool. Being able to see the way your little one behaves and reacts in the water before heading out in a boat would be ideal.
Safety First
This goes without saying, the whole purpose of the infant life jacket is to ensure the safety of your loved one. There has been a few parents who have the idea that a car seat is an ok solution. In all honesty, if the car seat goes overboard then it will sink, along with your baby.
While you want your child to be comfortable they need to be safe. A vest with a full collar is important as well as secure fastenings and high visibility.
Bottom Line
An infant life jacket is a necessity for boating and water sports. There are many different designs on the market so read through these reviews and take your pick!
The Review
Best Infant Life Jacket
Infant life jackets are a must have for any water activities. With the chance of saving your young ones life it pays to take them very seriously indeed. Those listed above are all high quality so take your time to read through the reviews and make the right choice for your little one.
Review Breakdown
-
O'Neill Wake Waterski Infant USCG Vest
-
Stearns INFANT CLASSIC SERIES VEST BLUE
-
Stohlquist Kids Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved
-
Salus Bijoux Baby Vest - Lime
-
Full Throttle Infant/Child Character Life Vest
