zon users found that compared to

Amazon users found that compared to other kids life jackets, they tend to fit tall/skinny kids better, where other kids life jackets can ride up. We dont want to leave out some additional great Life Jackets on the market that didnt quite make our cut. While we think that a life-saving device for your child is not an area to skimp, we weighed the expense versus the durability of each PFDs feature to select the best options. Stearns Puddle Jumper is also known for kid-friendly designs, a plus (for a premium price) vs. the more affordable Stearns Youth Life Jacket we recommend as our budget pick. Child: Type III PFD with sea level buoyancy of 8 lbs. Amazon reviewers were impressed by the double-collar (especially its help in holding up younger childrens heads), and the adjustability that allowed them to use this PFD for years. REI.com users are thrilled to find an ergonomic and comfortable design for growing children. document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Aqualung International. For the Best Infant PFD, we looked for water safety and flotation features necessary for a young child unable to swim or save themselves. (If your toddler isnt a huge fan of life jackets, this one takes away the irritation and restriction that many other, more constricting life jackets can cause.). A front-zip entry and quick release buckle over the zipper make for easy put-on/take-off flexibility. Theyll have plenty of buoyancy to paddle the river or rough water, while maintaining enough mobility (and lack of bulk) to continue kayaking on flat water. After you buy your PFD, test it at home before getting the water. We also think it is a good choice for kids just getting into watersports, and great for families with lots of kiddos to suit up. At the end of the day, only you can pick the life vest or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) that works for you and your kid. We chose the Stohlquist Infant Life Jacket as our Best Life Jacket for Infants because of the double-collar construction, flotation design, and adjustability. These tips will guide you to make a more informed decision for you and your kids. The strap just below the waist keeps it in place. We are proud to be independent. Are often cold or headed to cool waters? Related: The Best Rugged & Waterproof Cameras. (They may simply need a smaller size, or a more streamlined fitwe recommend a favorite from our Contenders list, the ONeills Superlite Youth Life Jacket. Stohlquist took that key safety concept and built a toddler life jacket around it. They provide good support to children with some swimming skills. What consumers found most appealing was the range of sizes availableInfant, Child, and Youth. Every life jacket, life vest, or PFD for a child should be Coast Guard Approved. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Coast Guard regulations state a minimum inherent buoyancy for different classifications of flotation devices. Related: Should You Buy a Folding Oru Kayak? We narrowed our selection criteria down to these 7 most important. Look at the design. Lastly, federal and state regulations may require children under 18 to wear life jackets. This Stearns is also the perfect, affordable back-up PFD; loan to friends, wear for swimming lessons in the lake, or pull from under your car seat when you left your primary PFD hanging on the drying line. The Stohlquist Youth Escape comes in two sizesYouth (50-90 lbs), and Youth L/Adult XS (75-125 lbs). Thank you for supporting us! When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission without costing you an extra cent. The Hyperlite Kids and Infant Life Jacket is an affordable option for many families. It's a swim aid. Their customer service was quick to answer that the Nemo Life Jacket is the old name for the new Stohlquist Infant and Stohlquist Child Life Jackets. See our story Should I Buy an Oru Folding Kayak? I have maintained a Swiftwater Rescue Level IV certification throughout my river-guiding career, building haul systems to rescue boats, and plucking swimmers out of numerous rapids. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards. The only thing that has changed is the names. The key difference between the Infant version and Child version is that toddlers most likely wont be swimming on their own. Fully adjustable straps and easy entry front zipper with security buckle ensure best fit. The Stearns Youth Classic was lauded as a great Personal Flotation Device for canoeing, flatwater kayaking, tubing, and fishing for those who want to stay under budget. The one drawback of the Youth Classic is that it is bulky and not designed for particularly active sports. Number of Buckles: 3 (2 front, 1 leg strap), Number of Straps: 5 (4 on side, 1 leg strap). After two years, I managed our hiking and rafting program based out of Skagway, Alaska, and guided the rivers surrounding Southeast Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon. Looking for Adult Life Jackets? Youll also need the receipt or proof of purchase. 355 Garfield Street SCambridge, MN 550081.800.290.9640info@bay15.com. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! To ensure that we were reviewing only the best for our water-loving kiddos, we researched the most popular Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and Life Jackets, and sorted the top contenders into our four groups (Best for All-Around, Best Budget Life Jacket, Best for Infants & Toddlers, and Best for Youths). I started on the rapids of the Arkansas River, then moved up to Alaska to raft glacially-braided rivers in 2016. Obviously, we want our kids to be safe as possible. Inflatable flotation devices like that shown in this photo are not Coast Guard Approved Life Jackets or Personal Flotation Devices. They both have most of their flotation foam on the front and around the neck, leaving the back with a triangular foam piece and wide armholes for both adjustability and comfort. 6 oz. While life jackets are designed to keep a child's head above water and bodies afloat, a Type II life preserver may hinder an older childs abilities in the water. There are dozens of ways to get your kids out on the water, but they all require one essential piece of safety equipmenta flotation device. Kids were comfortable in this lifejacket all day long. Three sizes, adjustability, comfort, and color options were key, and our pick ticked all four of these necessities. Sign up with your email address to be the first to know when we release new gear reviews! We hope you will enjoy our products as much as we enjoy making them available to you. Rated as a Type II, the Stohlquist Infant Life jacket has almost the same design as the Stohlquist Child Life Jacket, with more flotation around the head and neck. While not the cheapest option on the market, for the quality of construction and peace of mind that comes with it, $60 is a great investment for your childs safety. As we researched, we narrowed our criteria to meet five main themes: all-around, budget, infant, toddler, and youth. This PFD tends to run small, so make sure to measure your childs chest size before committing. As most kids PFDs that we reviewed came in only one specific weight range, 3 size options for one PFD was a welcome respite for one raft-guide mama from searching for different PFDs for 4 different kids: I bought one of each size for my kids, and have been able to let them all grow up through the sizes., Related: The Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs), Coast Guard regulations require every child in a boat to have access to a flotation device. And, once again, look for an adjustable PFD; kids grow fast, and they might be a different size pre-season than they are post-season. We found that the same features that people loved about the Nemo are still in the Infant and Child Stohlquist jackets. If approved, youll be automatically refunded on your original payment method. Photo by Mike Bowman on Unsplash, The Mustang Lil Legends earned these ratings: Amazon (4.6/5), BestMomProducts (B+) (See Sources). A front-zip entry and buckle over the zipper make for easy put-on/take-off flexibility. If a smaller size doesnt cut it, you may need to look for a different PFD altogether. Let them have fun, but stay safe became my professional motto. Of course, toddlers will have more control of their body than an infant, but you still dont want them face-down in the water! As your young one begins to paddle and kick in the water, this PFDs design allows for freedom of movement so they can start a lifelong love for "play in the water"! There is a large set of features to consider when it comes to a piece of gear designed to save kids livesor, at the very least, to keep you afloat. Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which means we may receive a small percentage of any purchase you make. We chose the Stearns Youth Classic as our Best Budget Life Jacket because of the price and construction. Put your children in a life jacket and watch them near the water. To read more about what Type I and Type II mean, see our stories on Life Jacket vs. PFDs and What are the 5 types of Coast Guard approved life jackets and PFDs? We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. If it continues to slide up, you may need to choose a different size. To see what to check for, read our Adult Life Jackets and PFDs story. Growing up in a whitewater boating town, I heard too many first-hand stories from my father (a member of the volunteer fire department who assists Search and Rescue on river emergencies) about victims who werent wearing life jackets when they flipped in a rapid, or werent cinched in properly and slipped out of their flotation devices once they hit the water. The pros outweighed the cons on this one. Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. The second, larger collar (or head pillow) is designed to keep their heads floating above water in case of emergency. We were looking for PFDs that could address the challenge of growing youngsters, while still providing the utmost in water safety and protection, without breaking the bank. Kids PFDs are designed to fit within weight ranges--not ages. Related: The Gear we Love for Backyard Campouts. Individual states also have their own regulations on life jackets, too. It is up to you to make sure your kid has the appropriate life jacket for their activity and for their body shape and size. From the best self-inflating to the best for couples, see our top picks. A swim vest has less buoyancy. The exterior of the Stohlquist is made of 200-denier nylon for abrasion-resistance and hardiness, while the inside is made out of a softer 200-denier Oxford liner. They say, This sleek fitting jacket also has a front zippered, pleated pocket where your child can store a few of their favorite snacks and a waist belt buckle that provides a more secure fit, so it doesnt ride up. For example, for the Best Youth PFD, it needed to meet the weight ranges of a larger child, without sacrificing adjustability and smaller-body features by moving directly into an adults PFD. Coast Guard approved life jackets are rated I to V. We did a hard dive into the buoyancy classes and classifications of PFDs in our section on How to Choose a Life Jacket and PFD. This jacket was designed to keep your 30-50 lb child safe and comfortable. For smaller kids, this PFD may be uncomfortably bulky. For example, if youre a flatwater kayaker who wants to get into running rivers with your children, look for a low-profile Type III PFD (depending on age). Adjustability allows for life-saving, close-fitting PFDs, which are the only useful and functional kinds of PFDs. . Stohlquist took that key safety feature, and built a life jacket around it. In this story, we review the safest ways to get kids into the water. Small noteon younger children, the top of the zipper tends to chafe under the child's chin. Damages and issues Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right. You decide. Child: Type III PFD with sea level buoyancy of 8 lbs. If your child is an infant or a toddler, see how they do on their back with your child's head floating on a pillow. NRS, a popular PFD brand, released a blog post, Gear Reviews, stay at home, Camping, Water Sports, Travel & Lifestyle, Hiking, tents, camping tents, camping, water sports, backpacking, bicycle touring, water sports-related, stay at home, nicole snell, Gear Reviews, Fitness & Nutrition, Climbing, beginner climbing harness, climbing harness, petzl corax, singing rock onyx, petzl serena, rock climbing, popular, fitness, urban, climbing, exercise, grace anderson, The Best Baby and Toddler Hiking Carriers. Since it's so affordable, it's worth checking to see if it's in stock. NRS, a popular PFD brand, released a blog post explaining how to get a proper fit on a childs PFD. To test the fit, use the buddy system. The author guides trips in Southeast Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon. PFDs are much like t-shirtsanyone can hand you a good t-shirt, but only you can find that favorite-everyday-tee. Related: The Best Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Boards. If your return is accepted, well send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. We don't recommend getting anything labeled as an inflatable pfd, inflatable life vest, or inflatable life jacket--all which are less trustworthy. But the question of comfort and mobility comes into play when youre choosing a safety device for your child. Believe us when we say, with Bay 15youre in good hands. Take into consideration the highest level of activity that you might participate in. For a vacation-only water-lover, a budget pick might just be the ticket. Other purchasers applauded the comfort, range of mobility, and sizingskinny and husky kids alike used and loved this PFD. The T-shaped leg strap goes around the back and through the legs, with adjustable tabs on both sides and by the crotch-strap buckle. Will your child be active in the water, or hang out fishing in the back of the boat? As a true life jacket, the Lil Legends features a collar-pillow to keep your child's head above the surface. This allows us to create reader-supported objective gear reviews. Are you looking for something to wear on an inner tube down the lazy river, or swimming in the local pond? Know your desired design before you purchase. Ive also trained guides who had never held an oar before how to navigate rivers, rescue swimmers, set up boats, and row through tricky and potentially hazardous situationsincluding Stellar sea lions blocking our channel, and 100+ foot spruce trees gliding down the river alongside the boat. Amazon reviewers found that kids felt comfortable and were impressed by the quality. Treeline Review and its authors, editors, or staff are not liable for any results. We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. Swim vests are designed for calm water, like pools. After all, kids do grow out of PFDs, so knowing you may need to buy a few, we think its reasonable to be price sensitive. Its hard to beat a life-saving flotation device that costs less than a trip to Chuck E. Cheese, and weighs less than a pound! And a rescue grab strap, attached to the top of the collar, is a great peace-of-mind for parentsshould they ever have to rescue their child, this strap gives them an easy way to pull them out of the water. 6 oz. In addition, each of these PFDs were thoroughly reviewed and highly recommended by everyday users on platforms such as REI, Backcountry.com, Outdoor Play, and Amazon. Personally, Ive paddle-guided Class IV sections with clients who had never seen a rapid (much less boated through one) and rowed a raft of twelve cruise ship passengers alongside the historic Chilkoot Trail (including kiddos as young as 7!). There is no additional cost to you and the decision to buy something is up to you. The second, larger collar (or head pillow) is designed to keep their heads floating above water in case of emergency. Should they ever have to rescue their infant, this grab strap gives them an easy way to pull them out of the water. Simply get the same model in multiple sizes. Photo courtesy Aaron Henry. Move their arms, grab a paddle and pretend theyre taking on their next rapid. For $60, you can find a hardy PFD for your child that wont break the bank, and they (hopefully) wont grow out of overnight. We did the research for you, so you can spend less time pouring over websites, and more time out on the water with Junior. The hardy nylon exterior is easy to clean, and the 1 webbing straps are study, withstanding years of rough wear and tear from kids (and adults, alike). However, it is recently also available atAmazonin select sizes. One reviewer was thrilled that shes gotten two summers worth of use, and still going strong. They have more mobility than a life jacket (great to practice swimming in a pool), but aren't the safest option for kids on lakes, rivers, or other bodies of water. There are too many stories of injury, tragedy, and catastrophe around water sports and participants not wearing PFDsespecially kids. An infant or child wearing a life jacket or PFD still requires adult supervision. From these latter sites, we verified reviews against FakeSpot, a site which flags falsified or tampered reviews, to verify authenticity. A smaller, raised collar is raised towards the back of the head (but not as close as the Infants), giving a child extra support if theyre not fully able to hold themselves up. We test. The final testpretend youre on the water! As a volunteer with local fire departments in both Alaska and Maine, Ive trained and participated in swiftwater and lake-based rescues. With a front buckle system, this life vest is easy to put on/take off, with adjustable side straps to create a snug fit on most body types. In general, the more flotation weight, the better. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. Since the blistering-hot Colorado summer of 2014, Ive been obsessed with water. While every PFD, life vest, and life jacket we reviewed had to be Coast Guard approved, we also took the flotation weight (or the amount of buoyancy added) into account. This way, you avoid strapping the PFD too high on your chest (which happens when you start from the neck, and work your way down). The Stohlquist Youth Escape earned these ratings: Amazon (4.5/5) and REI (5/5). Type III PFDs are NOT designed to turn a child face-up in the water. Copyright 2022 Treeline Review LLC. Learn more. We chose the Stohlquist Child Life Jacket as our Best Toddler Life Jacket because of the double-collar construction, design, comfort, and adjustability. It's important for parents to note that a swim vest is NOT a life jacket or PFD. Loosen all of the straps on the PFD before putting it on. Outdoorplay.com (product no longer available), too many stories of injury, tragedy, and catastrophe. Your kids safety is your responsibility. The Coast Guard classifications are the same for adults and kids. Exchanges The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item. Those who used it for paddling sports (especially kiddos trying to learn to kayak) complained that it could be cumbersome, but did not impede activity too greatly. If it slides up, tighten the torso straps again. Type III PFDs are NOT designed to turn a child face-up in the water. Choosing a boat for your Life Jacket? From the plethora of Kids PFDs on the market, it was a challenge to whittle our selections down to these five winners. Cons: pricey, zipper at the neck can chafe on small infants. Are you a flatwater kayaker looking to get your kids into whitewater? The Stohlquist Infant Life Jacket is designed for infants from 8-30 lbs and has a flotation weight of 7 lbs 6 oz. (And kids need more insulation than we do!). This guide is a recommendation based on what we have observed and researched. Photo courtesy Aaron Henry. The Stearns Youth Classic Vest earned these ratings: Amazon (4.5/5), Walmart (4/5). We chose the Mustang Lil Legends as the Best All-Around out of its competitors based on the range of sizes for growing kids, the safety features, and bright color options, all of which are key to a jack-of-all-trades children's life jacket. Regulations require every person in a boat to wear (if a child) or have access to (if an adult) a flotation device. Child size is designed for children 30-50 lbs. You know what kind of water you want to be on, your activity level, and your size range. It also has safety precaution features such as a heavy-duty handle to pull your child up, bright colors for easy spotting, and a crotch strap to keep your child from slipping out the bottom of their life vest. CostcosHyperlite Child Life Vestalso scored good reviews (4.7/5 on the Costco website)especially calling out the affordability, comfort, and quality for the pricebut as you have to be a Costco member to purchase, it didnt make our list. The PFDs had to be: From there, we narrowed our criteria to our specific categoriesfor example, with our all-around pick, we were looking for an option that gave Mom and Dad a break from searching. This way, an infant has fewer chances of slipping through the life vest (thanks to the crotch-strap), and parents can make sure that its got a comfortable snug fit. If the straps are too long, you may need a smaller size. Choosing whether you should get a life preserver or a PFD comes down to knowing your child, knowing your activity, and knowing your involvement with your child in the water. We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return. Even a busted wing cant keep me off the water! And a rescue grab strap, attached to the top of the collar, is a great peace-of-mind for parents. Originally known as the Nemo Life Jacket, Stohlquist renamed their designs to the Infant Life Jacket and the Toddler Life Jacket (as mentioned above in the Best Infant Life Jacket section). This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. Better to take a few minutes and practice than be uncomfortable for hours on the water! The Best Life Jackets and PFDs (for adults), The Best Womens Winter Boots & The Best Mens Winter Boots, The Best Ski Gloves & The Best Winter Gloves, We liked life jackets and PFDs for kids that were available in multiple sizes. Amazon customers called out the small sizing, but many were able to adjust to make it work. Bestmomproducts gives it a B- saying (seeSources): Pros: its affordable, has a closed-side design, and is made of hardy PE flotation foam and nylon. Originally known as the Nemo Life Jacket, Stohlquist renamed their designs to the Infant Life Jacket and the Toddler Life Jacket. Mustang Survival Lil Legends Life Jacket. That was enough of a safety concern we decided to eliminate it from our recommended life jacket list. BestMomProducts found it cooling, soft and comfortable, and liked that it was available in 3 sizes. They provide good support to children with some swimming skills. The T-shaped leg strap goes around the back and through the legs, with adjustable tabs on both sides and by the crotch-strap buckle. I make it a point of pride to teach every single one how to put on their life jacket properly. PFDs are sized by chest circumference, with most difference in sizes lying only with the lengths of straps. Reach around and make sure they can adjust, twist their torso, and sit down comfortably. Its all well and good to own a PFD, but its pointless to wear one if its not fitted properly. If youre going to be on the water more than a handful of times in a summer, it may be worth it to upgrade from a basic life vest. Last year, I bought my own boat (with the help of two other water nerds), and have continued to teach others the joys of water navigation throughout the West while I heal from a shoulder surgery. We contacted Stohlquist to get the real skinny on what happened to the Stohlquist Nemo, a highly rated and much-beloved children's life jacket. Then, we judged each PFD relative to its own specific criteria. You may want the full precaution of a Type I or II, or may want the mobility of a Type III. A note on Coast Guard approval. Its noted for its affordable price, doing just what it says it will. Is an adjustable crotch strap necessary, or not? The Stohlquist Child Life Jacket is designed for toddlers from 30-50 lbs, and has a flotation weight of 8 lbs 6 oz. The wider neck on this life jacket means that the childs head wont be squeezed. Take your kids to a pool (or the bathtub, if theyre small enough!) We chose the Stohlquist Youth Escape because of its low-profile design, size range, and price point. Are you a canoe-r whos about to embark on a friends rafting trip down the Grand Canyon? It has enough buoyancy to take on flatwater, whitewater, and offshore boating adventuresbut, again, we stress that this does not have a head-pillow, and is a Personal Flotation Device, not a life jacket. Kids should be closely monitored while in the water. The Stohlquist Youth Escape features a front-zip entrance, with an adjustable belt-line quick release buckle to ensure that the PFD wont ride up their torso. But if the worst should happen due to toddler curiosity, its crucial to find a toddler life jacket that is designed to keep your child on their back, rather than pushing them forward onto their face. It's designed for kids in the 30-50 pound range. Theyre still the same design (they were simply two different designs under one name before), but now theyve been renamed and separated into two differently designed life jackets. All Rights Reserved. That makes it easy for parents and guardians to not have to familiarize themselves with different models every time the kid gets better. An older kid that is skinny and tall child may use a toddler-sized PFD longer than his top-heavy, younger friend. After review of outdoor media, real-life customer feedback, our own expertise, and comments from professional boaters who make their living on the water (and teaching it to their kids), we narrowed a list of 13 promising PFDs down to our top four winners. A PFD has saved my life more than once, and Ive seen clients go into the water who may not have come back out if they hadnt been wearing a PFD. It's designed for more open water or rough water than other options, though make sure to assess your kids' abilities before taking them into those conditions. From guiding Boy Scouts on Class III rapids in British Columbia to taking 8 elementary school children down a Class II stretch of water to floating my younger brothers down the Arkansas River, Im no stranger to children in life jackets. We recommend PFDs of different sizes to accommodate infants, toddlers, children, and youth. We tested the most comfortable sleeping pads to find the best mattresses for camping. On that note, the smaller version, theFull Throttle Water Buddies for Infantshad such good ratings, it came almost neck-and-neck with theStohlquist Infant Life Jacketthat we recommend, except for multiple comments about the design forcing infants onto their faces. Your payment information is processed securely. To get a proper fit, take into account the weight ranges suggested by the manufacturer, but take chest measurements to confirm accurate sizing. As a Type II PFD, the Lil Legends is designed for coastal and off-shore water activity (aka, in situations where rescue may or may not be imminent). The most lauded feature on the Child Life Jacket of these life jackets was the double-collar. Number of Straps: 3 (2 on side, 1 crotch). Bestmomproducts had this to say (See Sources): Pros: available in 3 high-visibility colors, applauds the dual neck support, grab handle easy to use in and out of water. What are the 5 types of Coast Guard approved life jackets and PFDs? They did find not all sizes come with the crotch strap and that sizing runs small. (Many children arent huge fans of life jackets, and this one takes away the irritation and restriction that many others can cause.). We only want the same thing as youthe best gear at the best price. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission, without costing you an extra cent. I cannot stress this enoughput your children in a life jacket or life vest, and watch them like a hawk. Photo courtesy Seamus Daniels. Then, work from the bottom uptighten your lowest strap first, and work your way up to your shoulders. We made sure to find PFDs that were comfortable both on and off the water for even the pickiest of kids. Overall, I give this life jacket high marks and think that the added expense for the safety of your child is well worth it.". We researched PFDs that provide a wide array of available sizes to accommodate all of our little water enthusiasts, no matter what age or size. To start a return, you can contact us at info@bay15.com. Youth size is designed for children 50-90lbs. A total of 3 adjustable straps on each side (including the belt-line buckle) make for easy adjustability, no matter the size. Type I (right) and Type V (left) PFDs on the Klehini River, Haines, Alaska. We all have different body types and body weights, but with how fast kids grow, a range of sizes is key. The accidents involving children were the hardest to swallow, but thats what motivated my conservatism in guiding. A puddle jumper is a combo of life jacket, swim vest, and swim aid. Every PFD we reviewed had to be Coast Guard approved. Wide shoulder straps add comfort with impeding mobility for paddling or rowing kids, and they also feature an adjustable strap on each shoulder pad. Growing up in a whitewater boating town, I am well aware of how important it is to keep your kids in life jackets and PFDs.

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