Toddler life jackets

[Dirtyeggroll]

What life jackets have you had success with a toddler (1-2yo) keeping on?

 

 

[Spankey]

I still have it around a bright yellow Stearns. (35/36 years old) Pretty sure it’s a Stearns. My kids never tried to get out. Buckle front clips and a strap that runs up the crotch. I’m sure there were times we’ve had it at the shore and pools also for them. 
 

Be safe. 

[A-Jay]

 

Life Jacket Sizing for Kids

Fit is important in keeping a child's head above water, so do not get a too-big PFD thinking he or she will grow into it.

Sizing for a youngster depends on his or her weight (and not chest size, as it does with adults):

Infant PFDs: 8 to 30 pounds

Child PFDs: 30 to 50 pounds

Youth PFDs: 50 to 90 pounds

For infants and small children, a PFD should have a:

Padded head support to help keep the child’s head above water.

Grab handle to assist retrieving the child out of the water.

Crotch strap to help keep the PFD from riding up.

Youth-sized PFDs look like, and have the same features as, adult PFDs. The more straps a PFD has, the more adjustments can be made for sizing.

 

Finally, several Brands works - None are Child proof

If the unit has clips/buckles that can be re-positioned,

move them to the 'back' out of reach from the child.

Otherwise a few wraps of this might do it.

 

J/K (Sort of)

A-Jay

[camman]

I think it was at 3 I started taking my boys out on the boat.  At that time they were in the child vests.  I don’t know brand but I remember taking the older one to BassPro and he picked the one he wanted.  I always wear an inflatable life jacket when I’m on the boat so he always saw me with it on and had no problem wearing it all the time.  When my younger one started going, he used his older brothers vest as he had outgrown it and saw his older brother wearing it and always kept his on.  Also both of them have been in the pool/lake with the vests on to see how they work.

 

 

[gimruis]

It should say right on the label/PFD what the weight is rated for as @A-Jay indicated.  I think the current version I have in the boat for my 4 year old is a Stearns.

[Dirtyeggroll]

Thanks guys. I am very aware of the needs for a heads up design for optimal safety for a toddler/infant.

 

The issue now is the one we have, he absolutely hates. I’ve been trying to condition him to it, but frankly it looks terribly uncomfortable and doesn’t seem to fit too well. I’ve gotta find some options for one he will actually wear.

[VolFan]

It was mentioned above but go to BassOro/Cabelas/Academy/whatever store you have with a decent selection and let them try them on. Fit is crucial in the event they end up in the water, as is the buckle that goes between or around their legs. The proportions of their little bodies will let them slip out the bottom of vests.

[Dirtyeggroll]

35 minutes ago, VolFan said:

It was mentioned above but go to BassOro/Cabelas/Academy/whatever store you have with a decent selection and let them try them on. Fit is crucial in the event they end up in the water, as is the buckle that goes between or around their legs. The proportions of their little bodies will let them slip out the bottom of vests.

Thanks

 

So far have been to Bass Pro and Scheels. Somehow neither of them had a suitable vest. He's right at 35 lbs and the 30-50 lb vests are WAAAYYY too big and the smaller ones way too small. Im sure he wont stay his size for long.

 

Hes probably a little too young for the boat anyhow at this point. But I want to start putting a vest on him and having him run around the yard playing in the sprinkler and hose so he'll become accustomed to wearing it without a fit.

 

[Bluebasser86]

The puddle jumper style is what worked best for our boys.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Body-Glove-Paddle-Pal-Life-Jacket-and-Vest-Child-Unisex-Shark/658122909?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=4611&adid=22222222277658122909_117755028669_12420145346&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=aud-1651068664946:pla-294505072980&wl5=9023835&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=658122909&wl13=4611&veh=sem_LIA&gclid=CjwKCAjw44mlBhAQEiwAqP3eVn9vxhK1Fj-ENg3fYY02cODWQxQiMBUrv2aYDPXpQI-XqfXx_TD3mRoC9i4QAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Bankc]

On 6/27/2023 at 10:13 PM, Dirtyeggroll said:

Hes probably a little too young for the boat anyhow at this point. But I want to start putting a vest on him and having him run around the yard playing in the sprinkler and hose so he'll become accustomed to wearing it without a fit.

 

 

Personally, I'd wait until he actually WANTS to get in a boat.  Forcing a 2 year old to do things they don't want to will ruin everyone's day within earshot.  And then, tell him he has to wear a PFD at all times, just like Daddy.  Set the example by putting yours on first.  Associate the PFD with water, not with comfort.  Don't even mess with it if he's not around a pool of water.  He's old enough to know he doesn't need it for playing with sprinklers and hoses.  Take him to the lake or a pool, so he can see how they work and what they do.  

 

A trick that works surprisingly well with 2 year olds is to give them options.  They don't have to be good options, they just have to be options.  2 year olds really like making their own decisions.  So I'd say get a second PFD, maybe one of those orange Type II's, and ask him which one he wants to wear after you've put on yours.  Don't make it about wearing or not wearing a PFD.  Make it about which PFD he gets to wear.