Menu
 

BestReviews is reader-supported and may earn an affiliate commission. Details

Baby & Kids Health & Safety

Best Life Jackets for Toddlers

Updated June 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Stohlquist Kids Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved Life Vest for Children
Stohlquist Waterware
Coast Guard-Approved Life Vest
Feature-Packed

This type two life jacket helps younger kids flip over and float on their back, so they can keep their head above the water.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Feature-Packed
Bottom Line

This type two life jacket helps younger kids flip over and float on their back, so they can keep their head above the water.

Pros

This U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is for a child who needs assistance floating and keeping their head out of the water. The padded head support allows parents maximum peace of mind while kids enjoy playing in the water. Allows child to move more than some competitors.

Cons

While it's relatively flexible, this jacket is more cumbersome to wear than type two life jackets.

Best Bang for the Buck
Stearns Heads-Up Child Vest
Stearns
Heads-Up Child Vest

This thoughtfully-designed life jacket boasts a specialized neck cushion and a grab handle for emergency rescues.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bottom Line

This thoughtfully-designed life jacket boasts a specialized neck cushion and a grab handle for emergency rescues.

Pros

Features a contoured pillow-style neck designed to keep little heads face-up. A rescue handle allows you to lift the child out of the water, while a crotch strap prevents the jacket from riding up. Secures with a pair of ches straps. Brightly-colored and reflective for easy spotting in emergencies. For children who weigh 30 to 50 pounds.

Cons

Keep an eye on your child - the neck cushion occasionally pushes kids onto their stomachs.

Coleman Stearns Child's Classic Nylon Life Jacket
Coleman
Stearns Classic Nylon Life Jacket
Durable and Rugged

Three adjustable chest straps and a leg strap ensure this Coast Guard-approved life jacket helps keep older, larger children safe in the water.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Durable and Rugged
Bottom Line

Three adjustable chest straps and a leg strap ensure this Coast Guard-approved life jacket helps keep older, larger children safe in the water.

Pros

This vest, which is best for children between 30 and 50 pounds, is filled with PE floatation foam and uses adjustable straps to keep your child safe in and near water. The material can be wiped clean, and the durable fabric will hold up for years.

Cons

This life jacket is not suitable for children who weigh less than 30 pounds.

Airhead Kid's Gnar Kwik-Dry NeoLite Flex Life Vest
Airhead
Gnar Kwik-Dry Flex Life Vest
Customer Favorite

Weighing less 2 pounds, this lightweight life jacket will help older children float comfortably. It will not, however, hold a child's head above water.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

Weighing less 2 pounds, this lightweight life jacket will help older children float comfortably. It will not, however, hold a child's head above water.

Pros

This life jacket has a front zip, two chest buckles, and a leg buckle, all with quick-release in case you need it. This life jacket is soft, breathable, and flexible so your child is comfortable and safe.

Cons

This life jacket will not keep your child's head above the water.

SportStuff Stars and Stripes Life Jacket
SportsStuff
Stars and Stripes Life Jacket
Bargain Pick

This cute life jacket is good for days on the water and is also easy on the wallet.

Check Price
Check Price at Amazon
Bargain Pick
Bottom Line

This cute life jacket is good for days on the water and is also easy on the wallet.

Pros

Your child will love this fun patriotic life jacket that is lightweight and easy to adjust. This life jacket is meant for kids 30-50 pounds and is UV and stain-resistant.

Cons

This life jacket does not come with a leg strap, so it's less protective and could ride up more than models with a leg strap.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Click here for testing insights
First Reviewed
May 03, 2021
32
Models
considered
22
Hours
researched
Category cover
Our Top Picks
Stohlquist Waterware
Best of the Best
Stohlquist Waterware
Coast Guard-Approved Life Vest
Bottom Line
This type two life jacket helps younger kids flip over and float on their back, so they can keep their head above the water.
Shop Now
Stearns
Best Bang for the Buck
Stearns
Heads-Up Child Vest
Bottom Line
This thoughtfully-designed life jacket boasts a specialized neck cushion and a grab handle for emergency rescues.
Shop Now
Coleman
Top Pick
Coleman
Stearns Classic Nylon Life Jacket
Bottom Line
Three adjustable chest straps and a leg strap ensure this Coast Guard-approved life jacket helps keep older, larger children safe in the water.
Shop Now
Airhead
Top Pick
Airhead
Gnar Kwik-Dry Flex Life Vest
Bottom Line
Weighing less 2 pounds, this lightweight life jacket will help older children float comfortably. It will not, however, hold a child's head above water.
Shop Now
SportsStuff
Top Pick
SportsStuff
Stars and Stripes Life Jacket
Bottom Line
This cute life jacket is good for days on the water and is also easy on the wallet.
Shop Now
Related Reviews
Show More
Related Articles
Show More
You Might Also Like
Show More