Best Infant Life Jacket

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!

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 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 excellent reviews the question is which of the 3 colors will you choose?

2. Stearns INFANT CLASSIC SERIES VEST BLUE

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

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

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

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.

6. Stearns Puddle Jumper Infant Hydroprene Life Jacket

Finding an ideal life jacket for your little one can be quite a hassle. But, as long as you get the specification regarding weight capacity, you can be sure the jacket will work for your baby. This particular one from Stearns is designed to provide the safety for your baby while allowing maximum fun in the water.

Key Features

• Hydroprene and foam material
• Leg straps and grab handle
• Head support
• Designed for infants less than 30 pounds

The life jacket is US Coast Guard approved to ensure you are getting the right quality and standard for safety. The jacket has an attractive design which features oversized head support that encourages your baby to float with it’s face up. The head pad fitted on the jacket provides a supportive base for your child ensuring that the head does not reach the water.

The quality of the materials used to make the jacket is outstanding and promises to last a long time. The jacket is made using a soft hydroprene shell with durable floatation foam. The foam provides the buoyancy needed to keep your little one afloat while the shell protects the quality of the foam.

This life jacket is made to ensure your baby is comfortable and safe in the water. The design features leg straps and a grab handle to add on to the safety and security of your baby. The straps are easy to use while securing the baby’s feet and the grab handle helps to control your toddler’s movements in the water.

Stearns Life jacket is made to work with kids less than 30 pounds with a guarantee of safety for your baby. The neck hole is spacious enough to fit your little bay’s neck without being too tight or too loose. Also, it has a full chest coverage to enhance the safety.

7. O’Neill Infant Superlite USCG Life Vest

When searching for a suitable life jacket for your baby, it is essential to find one that is soft enough on the delicate skin and that which does not irritate in water. This life vest from O’Neil is designed to ensure your little one is comfortable in the water and still gets the safety they need as they puddle.

Key Features

• Polyethylene foam
• Polyester shell
• Quick release buckles
• Suitable for infants under 30 pounds
• Blue, Yellow, Black

The life jacket comes in quality material to ensure it lasts a long time in the right conditions. It is equipped with polyethylene foam which has amazing floating quality. This feature makes it useful for infants that love to splash in the water with the safety guarantee it has.

The design features a head panel which ensures the head stays afloat when in the water. The head support feature adds on to the safety of the life jacket for your active infant. Also, it provides the right support to the neck so you can focus on having fun with your baby. It is soft enough on your baby’s skin, and you do not have to worry about irritations.

For a proper fit, the jacket has three buckles which you can easily adjust to achieve a comfortable, secure fit. The buckles operate on a quick release system to allow comfortable wearing and removing. The neck area is loose enough to allow head movements for your baby but still supportive enough to stay in place.

With the heavy-duty front zipper, you can easily close the life jacket to enhance the safety in the water. When needed, you can wash this life jacket by hand and drip dry on a shade. This will ensure the quality of the material is retained for long-term use.

8. AIRHEAD General Purpose Infant Vest

A life vest that conforms to your baby’s body shape provides the comfort needed while ensuring safety while in water. This one from Airhead is designed to take the natural form of the body with a smaller waist area for a proper fit.

Key Features

• Polyester and foam
• Head support
• Adjustable belt and leg straps
• Grab strap
• USCG approved type II

One of the essential factors to consider when getting a life jacket for your infant is if it has adjustable features. The right fit is critical to ensure it does not slip out as your little one puddles in water. This life jacket has an adjusting belt and leg straps to ensure your little one is well secured.

The life jacket also features an expanded collar at the back of the head to provide neck support. With this quality, your baby can play in the water without the fear of facing head down which could be risky. Also, the collar ensures the baby stays afloat and at no instance will the head go under the water level.

The grab strap provided helps you to control your little one in water while letting the baby puddle and play. The neck hole is large enough to allow easy neck movements yet small enough to keep the head in place and afloat.

The materials used to make this life jacket is top quality and hold up well with regular use. The foam inside is soft enough for comfort and ensures the jacket floats in balance while in the water. It has a bright yellow and blue combination which looks amazing for both girls and boys. The buckles are easy to release and close.

9. AIRHEAD GNAR Kwik-Dry Neolite Flex Vest

The quality of a life jacket is one of the essential factors to consider before you invest. The right material should withstand regular use in water and remain comfortable with your baby’s skin every other use. This life jacket from Airhead boasts of quality construction to provide safety, comfort, and durability.

Key Features

• Polyester
• Kwk-dry Neolite
• US Coast Guard approved
• Deep neckline
• Extra-large neckline
• Headrest provided

It comes as a full bodice piece to ensure the comfort of your little one. It has a deep neckline to provide enough space for your baby to move the head freely while staying secure in the water. Also, it has extra-large armholes so your child can puddle and have fun splashing the water.

The life jacket is designed to work for infants between 15 pounds to 30 pounds. It is US Coast Guard approved to guarantee safety and suitability for use in water. The life jacket comes in quality material to last long. It is made for 200 denier polyester and the Kwik-dry Neolite for quality.

Another quality feature that makes it suitable for infants is the additional headrest provided. It is made to give head and neck support to the baby as they play in water ensuring that the head stays in place and up above the water level. This feature contributes to the comfort of the life jacket and your baby will enjoy moments in the water.

The life jacket comes in a stylish color combination making it attractive for your little one. It has a mix of blue, yellow, lime green and purple. It has a leg strap for easy securing and an additional adjustable strap to hold the life jacket firmly. Also, it has a sturdy zipper to ensure it stays on while your child plays in the water.

10. O’Brien Infant Neoprene Life Vest

As much as safety is the first factor to consider when getting a life jacket for your infant, there is the need to check the weight. If you select heavy material, you can place unnecessary strain on the baby. This life jacket from O’ Brien has lightweight materials to ensure your baby can bear the weight.

Key Features

• One buckle
• Strong zipper
• Leg strap
• Breathable material
• Lightweight

This life jacket is designed to provide a worthwhile experience for your baby. It has safety features to ensure your baby is out of drowning danger. Additionally, the jacket comes with a buckled belt for easy adjustment and security. The zipper provided helps with a secure fitting of the vest on the baby and an easy time removing it after activity.

The materials are breathable to ensure it does not hold water while in use. Also, as the baby puddles in water, the material repels the water away to prevent unnecessary weight if it soaked up in water. This makes it a suitable option for skiing with your baby on board.

It has a full bodice style which is recommended for infants’ safety. Also, it comes with a grab strap which helps you to control the baby better in water and enhance the security.

The O’brien Life Jacket has a considerable size of the neck hole to allow comfort. Your baby’s head will fit well, and the design allows some area for head and neck movements without being too tight on the baby. The life jacket comes in a blue and lime green color combination for easy visibility in the water.

11. Stearns Hydro Infant Blue Jacket

Choosing a life jacket that your baby will remain comfortable in can be quite a challenge. The designs available all promise to provide comfort but not all do. This is yet another jacket by Stearns but it is of high quality and is carefully designed to mind baby’s delicate skin while allowing natural movements.

Key Features

• Premium quality materials
• Easily adjustable straps
• Back zipper provided
• US Coast Guard approved

The life jacket comes in quality material just like other Stearns life jackets. It is designed to provide comfort while ensuring your baby is safe in the water. The good thing is that it is easy to put on and remove with the zipper provided. The adjusting straps are easy to figure out and stay on pretty well even on an active baby.

The jacket is adequately puffed for buoyancy but lightweight for extra comfort. When in use, the material does not hold water which could add on to the weight if it soaked up. It is breathable and expels water away from the baby’s skin surface. Additionally, it comes as a full bodice piece which provides extra support while in use.

The life jacket has a headrest that extends from the main piece. This design makes it comfortable for the baby’s head to move freely while ensuring it has the needed support while in water. Also, it goes all around the child’s neck to ensure the face remains above the water level.

The area around the neck is wide enough for comfort but still tight to ensure proper head protection while in water. This life jacket works for infants up to 30 pounds with a comfort and safety guarantee. The bright blue and orange color combination makes it attractive and stylish for kids.

12. Jet Pilot Infant U.S Coast Guard Approved PFD Life Vest

The right life jacket for your infant should fit snug but again not too tight to strain your little one. The guiding factor is the weight limit indicated for suitability. This particular life jacket from Jet Pilot is designed to fit well for kids below 30 pounds for comfort and safety.

Key Features

• Two buckle design
• Pillow and crotch strap
• Chest zip entry
• US Coast Guard approved
• Fits infant less than 30lbs

The Jet Pilot infant life jacket is designed to fit well on your baby without being too tight around the chest area. The jacket has a two-buckle design which adds on to the safety features. Also, the buckles ensure a snug fit more to what the zipper closure provides. The zip is located at the front from the bottom up to the chest. It is strong enough to withstand the regular opening and closing. It holds up well in water.

The life jacket has a leg strap to fit your baby’s little feet apart while fixing it on the chest. It is also adjustable so you can get a snug fit and enhanced security. The top material of the life jacket is of high quality to last a long time and withstand regular use in water. It is highly breathable to wick away water to prevent unnecessary weight on your little one.

The neck hole of the Jet Pilot Jacket is large enough to allow comfortable neck and head movements. Again it is small enough to maintain a balance of the baby’s head above the water level. The headrest provides also adds on to the comfort and safety.

13. AIRHEAD General Purpose Infant Vest

The design features of a life jacket should all contribute to the safety and comfort while in use. This is in regards to the availability of adjusting straps, a grab strap, zippers, etc. This life jacket from airhead is an advanced version to guarantee comfort and safety for your little sporty child.

Key Features

• Open side design
• Polyester fabric
• Adjustable 1-inch belts
• Side release buckles
• Fits infants less than 30 pounds

The vests come in highly visible colors for both boys and girls. You can find a suitable one to match your preferred style and match the baby’s as well. The vest is designed to protected and ensure your baby floats appropriately in water. It has a built-in crotch strap for better control and safety.

The life jacket is made using high-quality polyester material which is known for its breathability and comfort. It is also lightweight, and hence the baby does not have to bear any weight when wearing it. It wicks away any trapped water to ensure your baby can wear it for hours while enjoying a water exploration.

Another design feature that stands out with this jacket is the head pillow that extends from the main piece of the jacket. The cushion provides additional support for your baby by ensuring the face is always up above the water level. Also, it makes it comfortable for the baby to lay the head and play safely in the water.

The front of the jacket has three adjustable straps which help to fine tune and find the right fit for your little one. The straps have side release squeeze style to make it easy to put it on and off when needed. The top handle helps to retrieve your baby from the water if needed and help to control your baby’s movements.

14. MW Watersports Life Jacket Vest

It makes sense to make a valuable investment in a quality life jacket that your baby can use for a long time. Babies grow quickly, and so it is essential to find a life jacket that expands. This one from MW is designed to provide the safety and comfort for the first few years of your baby’s life.

Key Features

• Two 1” adjustable belts
• Crotch strap
• Head-up design
• Comfortable pillow
• Bright color
• USCG approved
• Fits infants from 0 to 30 pounds.

As much as this life jacket is designed to expand, it comes with adjustable straps to fit your little one at any tender age. The straps have handy buckles to help you fasten easily and secure the baby firmly. Also, the life jacket comes with a crotch strap to add on to the support and safety in the water.

It has a head-up design which is the safest for infants. The padded material extends up to the back of the head. The baby lays the head to ensure the face remain above the level of water. The neck hole is big enough to allow free neck movements yet tight enough to secure the baby’s head in place for support. The material is of high quality and holds up well with regular use.

This life jacket is stylish and colorful for your baby. It has a blue and yellow color combination with black straps for the extra detail. It is easy to care for and maintain the quality over time. It is designed to suit infants less than 30 pounds to guarantee safety and comfort in the water. Also, it is USCG approved which shows that it meets the standards.

15. Infant Neoprene Sub Zero

If you are looking for a suitable jacket for your little girl, this one from Sub Zero can be a lovely choice. It comes in a beautiful bright pink and yellow color combination for style and easy visibility. The jacket is designed for the comfort and safety of your little girl.

Key Features

• Zipper closure
• Two adjustable straps
• Quick release buckles
• Dual leg straps
• Fits infant under 300 pounds
• USCG approved

The life jacket is designed for easy use and convenience when you need to take your little girl to the pool. It comes in a simple design for an easy fit and quick process securing your girl. The jacket has a zipper closure at the front which ensures your baby’s chest is all secure. The additional adjustable strap enhances the safety on top of the zipper.

The other design feature that makes it worth a buy is the leg strap design. The straps are double to enhance the safety and comfort while on use. The straps are soft on your baby’s skin to prevent irritation and ensure comfort as the baby explores in water. The straps go between the legs for improved security.

Like the others, this one also has a grab handle which comes in handy when you need to control your super active baby in water. You can pull the baby from water when required using the strap. The head pillow added on the jacket adds on to the safety and comfort. It is well padded and soft that your little girl will love staying with the vest on.

The jacket is made for infants less than 30 pounds and is USCG approved as a guarantee of safety and quality. It is lightweight, and your little one can play and enjoy the water for hours without feeling any strain around the shoulders. This one works as your baby’s first life jacket, and you can rest assured it will deliver to the promise.

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. The top things to consider are ease of use and wear, weight capacity, head support to ensure the baby will float on its back and safety rating. There are many different designs on the market so read through these reviews and take your pick!