My family loves the outdoors and the water. You can find us swimming, floating, or boating most of the summer. And with two younger swimmers, I've tried just about every personal flotation device on the market. Here are my favorites.
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The List: Top 10 Life Vests for Kids
In our family, we grow fast. And that means a lot of 99th-percentile measurements (think: always taller and heavier than the average), and that makes buying a life vest based on typical age range or body size a little more difficult. Nonetheless, we've managed to find the right fit every time.
Top 10 Youth Life Vests (tried and tested):
Speedo Neoprene Lifevest - Best for Durability & Comfort
Stearns Nylon Youth Vest - Best for Breathable, Lightweight Wear
O'Neill Youth SuperLite Life Vest - Best for a Snug Fit
Full Throttle Youth Life Vest - Best for Added Features
Body Glove Youth PFD - Best for All-Around Comfort
Airhead NeoLite Life Jacket - Best for Visibility
SwimWays Little Kids Life Jacket - Best for Little Kids, 30-50 lbs
Onyx Youth Paddlesports Vest - Best for a Flexible Fit
O'Rageous Youth Neoprene Vest - Best Budget-Friendly Option
XPS Neoprene Life Jacket - Best Fit
>> Read: 10 Essential Water Safety Tips
What is a Life Vest
A life vest, also known as a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD), is a piece of equipment designed to help a person float and stay afloat in water. Its primary purpose is to provide buoyancy and prevent drowning in situations where there is a risk of entering or being submerged in water.
When Should You Use a Life Vest?
Life vests are commonly used in water activities such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, and water sports. They are an essential safety measure, particularly in situations where there may be a risk of falling overboard, capsizing, or encountering rough water conditions. Wearing a properly fitted and approved life vest greatly increases the chances of survival in water-related emergencies.
All Children (even avid swimmers) should wear a life vest anytime they are in or on the water.
What to Look for in a Life Vest
When shopping for a child's life vest, there are several important factors to consider to ensure their safety and comfort. Here are some key things to look for:
Comfort and Fit
Coast Guard Approval
Buoyancy and Flotation
Mobility
Color and Visibility
Quality of Buckles, Straps, and Stitches
Overall Durability
Extras: Grab Handles, Safety Whistles, Etc.
Remember, it's important to always closely supervise children when they are near or in water, even if they are wearing a life vest. The life vest is an essential safety tool, but adult supervision remains crucial to ensure their well-being.
Top 10 Picks for Children's Life Vests (PFDs)
Now, let's get to the list of life vests we've tried. While not every vest was a good fit for our needs (different sizes and body styles), each of these life jackets was meticulously shopped, selected, and tried out by our kiddos.
Here are our top 10 life vests for kids.
1. Speedo Youth Neoprene Lifevest - Best for Durability & Comfort
I was immediately drawn to this vest in Target because of the brand name trust, vibrant colors, and adjustable straps. We bought it while on vacation in Florida, and it has since become our favorite PFD.
Speedo, a trusted leader in swimwear and aquatic gear, provides unmatched quality and performance for water enthusiasts. The company was founded in 1914 in Australia and has maintained its favorability with consumers for more than a century.
With innovative designs, superior fabrics, and meticulous craftsmanship, Speedo offers swimwear and accessories that deliver exceptional comfort, durability, and style.
We love the adjustable fit and overall durability of this neoprene youth life vest. And we've tried it out at the ocean, lake, and creeks with great success. 👍
What We Love
Neoprene construction offers excellent buoyancy
Durable materials withstand the toughest of regular use
Comfortable fit with adjustable straps for bigger body builds
What to Consider
Limited size options based on body weight
Relatively high price point
2. Stearns Nylon Kids Life Vest - Best for Hot Summer Days
When looking for an alternative to neoprene, I found this nylon vest from a well-known watersports brand. The Stearns vest checked all the right boxes in terms of safety and durability.
The Stearns brand is primarily known for its expertise in manufacturing and providing high-quality life jackets and personal flotation devices (PFDs). Stearns has a long-standing reputation for producing reliable, durable, and safe water safety products that are trusted by outdoor enthusiasts, boaters, and professionals worldwide.
We appreciate the lightweight, breathable construction of this nylon vest for hot summer days on the lake when the neoprene vest feels like too much bulk.
What We Love
Lightweight, breathable nylon material
Flexibility promotes a comfortable range of motion
Quick-drying material
What to Consider
Neoprene vests offer more buoyancy
Colors are not as bright and vibrant
3. O'Neill Youth SuperLite Life Vest - Best for a Snug Fit
I tried this O'Neill life jacket out because it offers a unique, snug fit with a surprising amount of flexibility. While you need a life jacket that will stay in place (and do its job when it's needed), you also want kids to be comfortable and actually wear them.
Established in 1952, O'Neill is a recognizable brand name in surfing and watersports. With a focus on quality, innovation, and style, O'Neill offers products that combine comfort, durability, and performance.
While I felt the construction of the O'Neill life vest was solid, ultimately, the sizing did not fit my kids. As many have said before, the sizing seems to run a little small, and the buckles don't have a lot of room to adjust like other brands.
What We Love
Lightweight material
Quick-drying life jacket
Contoured fit for safety and comfort
What to Consider
Neoprene vests offer more insulation and buoyancy
Sizing runs small
4. Full Throttle Kids Life Jackets - Best for Added Features
I chose the Full Throttle kids life jacket because it features the leg strap which provides a little extra security that the jacket won't ride up and slip off while they're in the water.
Throttle life vests are produced by Absolute Outdoor. The brand is dedicated to delivering innovative, market-leading outdoor products including water safety gear.
The Full Throttle jacket got the job done, but ultimately we did not find the right fit. The jacket still rode up, making the leg strap uncomfortable.
What We Love
Leg strap for added safety
Wide armholes do not restrict movement
Back handle makes it easy to grab a child in the water
What to Consider
Neoprene vests offer more insulation and buoyancy
Some brands offer more adjustability
5. Body Glove PFDs - Best for All-Around Comfort
The segmented design that balances buoyancy and comfort is what first drew me to this Body Glove life jacket. The vest uses a combination of neoprene and mesh panels to facilitate air flow for comfort. Plus, we're a big fan of Body Glove water shoes, so this one was an easy sell.
Body Glove is a renowned brand known for its high-quality watersports and outdoor gear. Established in 1953, it has consistently delivered products with a balance of performance and style.
From wetsuits to life jackets, Body Glove offers durable, comfortable, and stylish equipment, underlining its commitment to safety and the enjoyment of water-related activities.
This life jacket is one of my favorites. My youngest outgrew her Body Glove jacket and she already has a jacket we like well enough. But when she is ready for a new one, we'll probably go back to this brand.
What We Love
Mesh panel design for comfort
Leg strap for added safety
Extra-wide arm holes that do not restrict movement
What to Consider
Neoprene doesn't dry as quickly as other materials
Contoured fit may not work with all body types
6. Airhead NeoLite Life Jacket - Best for Visibility
I picked out this Airhead youth life preserver because of the bright colors. Most lakes are dark in color, and wearing a black flotation device doesn't really help visibility so I am all about bright colors on swimwear and safety gear.
Airhead is a sports leisure group that specializes in water-based and winter-based outdoor gear. Founded in 1991, they have been providing exceptional quality products for more than two decades.
The large armholes and adjustable straps make this jacket an easy fit. My oldest prefers this jacket to some of the other name brands that we have tried out.
What We Love
Contoured for comfort
Bright colors for high visibility
Extra-wide arm holes that do not restrict movement
What to Consider
Neoprene can feel heavier than other materials
Does not contain added features like leg straps or safety pulls
7. SwimWays Little Kids Life Jacket - Best for Little Kids, 30-50 lbs
I tried out this little vest the summer that my youngest was three years old. She adored the familiar Disney characters, which made it much easier to get her cooperation in wearing the life jacket.
SwimWays is a popular pool brand of swimming gear, including life jackets. They make infant floats, pool tubes, puddle jumpers, life vests, and much more with a brand name that can be found in major retail stores.
We found this vest to be adequate for the needs of three year old. When we outgrew it, we opted for a different brand only to accommodate less restrictive movement.
What We Love
Cute, kid-friendly designs
Adjustable straps
Coast Guard-approved PFD
What to Consider
Twill fabric and foam construction
Small arm holes may restrict movement
8. Onyx Youth Paddlesports Vest - Best for a Flexible Fit
Most of the life vests I have tried are fairly restrictive. Even when you find larger arm holes or contoured fits, wearing a life jacket can feel a little bulky. That's why this Onyx Outdoors life vest caught my attention, it offers a radically different design to promote movement.
Onyx Outdoor is a brand produced by Absolute Outdoor (the same company that makes the Full Throttle line). They are well-established with a solid reputation in making mid-range value products for outdoor leisure and safety.
We had good results with the Onyx vest. It fit well, and the unique shoulder design allowed plenty of movement just as I had hoped. Overall, we liked it and feel like it's a good choice for swimmers and paddlers.
What We Love
Flexible shoulder design
Lightweight foam & mesh construction
Combination of zipper and buckle closures
What to Consider
May not fit all body types
Buckle position and quality
9. O'Rageous Youth Neoprene Vest - Best Budget-Friendly Option
At under $20, the price is what first attracted me to the O'Rageous brand. I was shopping at Academy Sports where I seem to always be able to find a great deal, and after a quick look, it met all my needs, so we gave it a try to see if an under $20 life jacket could compare to our $75 favorite.
This no-frills life vest is a solid option. The neoprene construction offers buoyancy and moisture-wicking comfort. Plus, the combination of a zipper and two sturdy, well-placed straps keeps the vest secure.
We really like this vest and have a couple on hand for when we swim with friends and need extra sizes. The quality is excellent, and overall this vest is very comparable to $50-$75 vests we have purchased.
What We Love
Affordable price
Wide belts with secure buckles
Bright colors for high visibility
What to Consider
There are no handles or straps included
May ride up on some body types
10. XPS Neoprene Life Jacket - Best Fit
I found a great deal on this life jacket when we visited the Grandaddy Bass Pro Shop in Springfield, Missouri. We had just outgrown a life jacket and needed a new one for an upcoming canoe trip.
This is a USCG-approved Type III vest that provides a lot of bang for your buck, priced around $50. The quality is excellent, with all safety features included.
This life jacket is constructed with lightweight poly-foam lining and mesh panels with a water-resistant cover. It features a zipper, two adjustable belts, a leg strap, and a quick-grab handle.
Overall, we liked this jacket. It was on sale for around $40 (regular price $49.99) and I feel like it was a good value.
What We Love
Lightweight and comfortable
USCG-approved with durable safety features
Bright colors for high visibility
What to Consider
Neoprene vests may float better
May be more restrictive than other vests
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right life vest could make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Let's make sure that you get all your questions answered before making a decision.
1. What is the ideal size for my child's life vest?
The life vest should fit snugly, yet comfortably. Check the manufacturer's sizing guide, usually based on weight, to find the correct size. Aside from matching weight recommendations, also look for ease of fit, breathability, and contour.
2. What safety standards should I look for?
Ensure the life vest is US Coast Guard-approved, meeting all the necessary safety standards for buoyancy and design. Vests also come in different types. Type II PFDs are meant to turn an unconscious person face up, while Type III PFDs are designed for comfort and freedom and are best suited for recreational activities.
3. How can I make sure my child's life vest fits properly?
The vest should not lift above the child's ears or chin when you pull up from the shoulders. It should fit snugly without restricting breathing.
4. Should the life vest have a crotch strap?
Especially for smaller kids, a crotch strap is recommended for additional safety to keep the vest from riding up. Most small child and toddler vests come with a crotch strap as a standard feature. However, this optional accessory can be added to any youth or adult life jacket for a little added safety.
5. What type of life vest is best for non-swimmers?
For non-swimmers, a Type II life vest is usually the best choice as it helps to turn the wearer face up in the water.
6. Does the vest's color and design matter?
Bright, vibrant colors can make the child more visible in the water. As for design, choose something your child likes – they'll be more likely to wear it willingly. As for design, you want something with large arm holes and an adjustable fit.
7. How often should I replace my child's life vest?
Life vests should be replaced if they show signs of wear and tear, or if the child outgrows it. Regular inspection for buoyancy and fitting is crucial. How long a life jacket lasts depends on how it is used and cared for. Keep in mind that dirt and mildew can break down the fabric and compromise the integrity of a life jacket. Inspect your PFDs before and after each use.