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The 8 Best kids life jackets of 2025

Are you trying to find kids life jackets among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling kids life jackets on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 29 hours of research and did 74 kids life jackets tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best kids life jackets you can buy today

No. 1
Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket, Perfect for Boating, Swimming, Watersports, Fitted for Kids Under 90lbs
  • US Coast Guard-Approved: For optimum water safety
  • Perfectly Fitted: Designed for children weighing between 30 to 50 pounds
  • Durable Materials: Features a tough nylon shell with PE flotation foam
  • Adjustable Design: Comes with three adjustable buckles, open sides, and a leg strap for a secure fit
  • Versatile: Ideal for boating, swimming, & water sports
  • Dependable Brand: Manufactured by Stearns, pioneers in PFDs with over 50 years of experience
  • Flexible: Suitable for both boys and girls under 90lbs
SaleNo. 2
Stearns Kids Hydroprene Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Vest for Kids Weighing 50-90lbs, Great for Pool, Beach, Boat, & More
  • US Coast Guard-approved youth life jacket
  • Soft, flexible Hydroprene shell and lightweight Crosstech PE flotation foam
  • Contemporary ergonomic design for better movement
  • 2 webbed straps and a zipper offer a secure fit
  • Designed for youths weighing 50 to 90 pounds
No. 3
Oceans7 US Coast Guard-Approved, Type III – Kids Life Jacket – Personal Flotation Device with with Comfortable Flex-Form-Fit Open-Sided Design – Pink/Berry
  • US Coast Guard-approved: Personal flotation device (PFD) passes highest USCG standards and testing; life jackets are labeled for infant, child or youth by weight range
  • USCG-approved sizing: Child-size PFD for use with children that weigh 30-50 pounds; actual comfort, fit and sizing will vary; If weight is over 45 pounds, try youth size; life vest should not rise above the child’s head when securely fastened
  • Open-side design: PFD has 3 adjustable straps and an open-sided design for a comfortable fit; chest straps lengthened for maximum size and fit range
  • Universal use: Durable Nylon construction and thick EPE floatation foam makes this PFD great as a swimming life jacket, or for general boating activities
  • Packaging may vary
No. 4
Stearns Child Life Jacket with Heads-Up Flotation, USCG Approved Type II Life Vest for Pool, Beach, Lake, & Boating
  • USCG Approved​: Approved by the United States Coast Guard for use
  • For kids weighing 30-50 pounds
  • Heads-up neck float designed for face-up flotation
  • High-visibility color
  • Lined leg strap to reduce chafing
  • Top loop for rescue or hanging storage
No. 5
Gogokids Toddler Swim Vest, Kids Float Jacket for 20-30-40-50 lbs Girls and Boys, Swimming Floaties with Duel Adjustable Safety Strap, for 2-9 Year Old Children
  • 【COMFORTABLE MATERIAL】--- Our kids swim vest float jacket is made with super soft, high-quality polyester and cotton-filled material, which is more comfortable, soft, and more lighter. It has breathable and skin-friendly functions, which is more suitable for children. Let your child learn a life skill while enjoying the holiday season!
  • 【SUPER BUOYANCY】--- This buoyancy vest is used to provide auxiliary buoyancy functions. Manufactured in accordance with the US UL float jacket safety certification standards, built-in new environmental protection EPE polyethylene foam, the intimate design conforms to the human body structure design, can provide super buoyancy. This is a buoyancy aid/swim vest.
  • 【More Safety】--- The swimwear uses three safety buckle designs, which means that it can better fit the children's body and provide them with sufficient buoyancy in the water. The adjustable buckle at the bottom will not loosen even if it floats up and down in the water, increasing safety.
  • 【SWIM EASIER】--- Our kids swim vest can helps kids float and keep balance in water, more freedom and confidence to swim and play. Can be used in swimming pools, beaches, on boats or by the lakeside.
  • 【SERVICE】--- We know how important the right size is for children, so we have listed three pictures of children of different ages, heights and weights to help you make the right decision and choose the right size for your child. If there is any quality problem. Please contact our customer service team as soon as possible.
No. 6
SwimSchool Swim Trainer Vest – Medium/Large Max 50 Pounds – Kids Swim Vest with Padded Shoulders –Comfortable Flex-Form-Fit Design with Adjustable Safety Strap – Pink/Aqua
  • Level 2 swim trainer vest: Supports your child in feeling comforable in the water; promotes confidence and play
  • Secure, adjustable fit: Easy-to-wear swim vest includes padded shoulders, a heavy duty fabric-covered zipper and adjustable padded safety strap for a secure, comfortable fit; adult supervision required when kids are in the water
  • Soft fabric swim vest: Comfortable form-fit vest is designed to propel your child forward and promote the use of arms and legs; protective UPF 50 fabric keeps your child's upper body safe from the sun's rays
  • Built-in foam pads: Flex-form pads balance flotation and place your child in the prone swimming position
  • Medium/large size: Recommended for ages 4-6 years; weight capacity: up to 50 pounds; packaging may vary
SaleNo. 7
Airhead Children's General Purpose Life Vest, Coast Guard Approved, 30-50lbs
  • US Coast Guard Approved: This personal flotation device meets USCG requirements. Less bulky design for use when quick response is likely and offers a larger range of motion
  • Open Sided: Open sides allow for better ventilation to keep you cooler throughout the day. Designed for personal watercrafts and general boating safety
  • Buckles: Side release buckles open and close quickly to ensure safety and security on the water. Children's life jacket features a crotch strap for added safety
  • Material: Soft UV and stain resistant 200-denier polyester shell with lightweight Poly-E flotation inside
  • Sizing: This life jacket follows the sizing determined by the USGC and is designed to fit children that weigh 30-50 pounds and have a 22-25-inch chest size
SaleNo. 8
SwimWays SquiDivers Kids Pool Diving Toys, 3 Pack, Bath Toys & Pool Party Supplies for Kids Ages 5 and Up
  • SwimWays SquiDivers are fun dive toys that wiggle and jiggle to the bottom of the pool
  • These soft and flexible pool toys land nose down at the bottom of the pool
  • Easy to see and grab tentacles float upward - great for swim training practice and fun water games
  • Winner of the Parents' Choice Fun Stuff Award
  • Great for everyday play, pool party games, and for swim training - kids won't even know they are building their underwater swimming skills
  • Includes: 3 SquiDivers
  • Covered by the Spin Master Care Commitment. See below for full details
No. 9
Airhead Child Type III Life Jacket | US Coast Guard Approved | Closed Sided, Quick-Dry | Secure Buckles & Zipper | Wicked Kwik-Dry NeoLite Flex | Hot Pink
  • USCG APPROVED – this personal flotation device meets USCG requirements for a Type II (Infant) and III (Child) Life Jackets. Closed sides, buckle and zipper closures, additional crotch belt and rapid rescue handle for safety and peace of mind
  • COMFORT and SAFTEY - Less bulky design for use when quick response is likely, offers a larger range of motion making it a favorite for water activities. Closed sides, zipper, crotch strap and double buckle closure keep life jacket securely in place, quick grab rescue handle provides a secure grip/lift option
  • MATERIAL - Durable, Quick-drying, and super soft. This fabric stays comfortable against your child’s skin. Quick Dry Neolite is designed to wick away moisture and feel light and airy for a full day of fun on the water
  • SIZING – The Wicked life jacket follows the sizing determined by the USGC and is designed to fit children that weigh 30-50 pounds and have a 22-25-inch chest size and Infants 15-30 pounds
  • FAMILY FUN SINCE 1991 – The Airhead Sports Group is a family of watersports, wintersports, and leisure brands focused on creating quality fun promoting products. Our brands encourage kids and adults to get outdoors, be active, and, most importantly have FUN
SaleNo. 10
Airhead Children's Trend Life Vest - USCG Approved Life Jacket - 22-25 in Chest Size - Ideal for Boating, Watersports, Swimming, Wakeboard and More
  • US Coast Guard Approved: This personal flotation device meets USCG requirements. Less bulky design for use when quick response is likely and offers a larger range of motion
  • Closed Sided: Offers a tighter and more secure fit to keep your life vest in place. Designed for water sports, personal watercrafts and general boating safety
  • Buckles: Side release buckles open and close quickly to ensure safety and security on the water
  • Material: Soft UV and stain resistant 200-denier polyester shell with lightweight Poly-E flotation inside
  • Sizing: This life jacket follows the sizing determined by the USGC and is designed to fit children that weigh 30-50 pounds and have a 22-25-inch chest size
No. 11
Stearns Nylon Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket for Kids 50-90lbs, Ideal for Boating, Watersports, Beach & Pool Activities
  • USCG Approved: A trusted Type III life jacket that ensures child's safety
  • Protection: The protective layer assists in avoiding unpleasant odors
  • Multipurpose: Ideal for trips to the beach, pool, lake, boating, and water sports
  • Versatile Use: Suitable for use on a boat, personal watercraft, or tow sports
  • Youth Fit: Specially designed to fit children between 50-90 lbs
  • Sturdy Material: Crafted from durable nylon for long-lasting use
  • Comfort & Safety: Balances comfort and safety, letting children enjoy water activities with peace of mind
No. 12
Sportstuff Child Type III Life Jacket | US Coast Guard Approved | Open Sides with 3 Body Belts & Buckles | Quick Dry Fabric, Secure Fit, Comfortable | Stars & Stripes
  • US Coast Guard Approved: This personal flotation device meets USCG requirements. Less bulky design for use when quick response is likely and offers a larger range of motion
  • Open Sided: Open sides allow for better ventilation to keep you cooler throughout the day. Designed for personal watercrafts and general boating safety
  • Buckles: Three body belts with buckles. Side release buckles open and close quickly to ensure safety and security on the water. Children's life jacket features a crotch strap for added safety
  • Material: Soft UV and stain resistant 200-denier polyester shell with lightweight Poly-E flotation inside
  • Sizing: This life jacket follows the sizing determined by the USGC and is designed to fit children that weigh 30-50 pounds and have a 22-25-inch chest size
SaleNo. 13
Stohlquist Child PFD Life Jacket, USCG Approved Type III Life Vest for Kids 30-50 lbs, Perfect for Swimming, Boating & Watersports, Pool Float & Life Jacket for Children
  • US Coast Guard Approved: Our child life vest, with its US Coast Guard approval, ensures the utmost safety. It is designed as a life jacket for kids with reliable buoyancy, making it ideal for peace of mind during every water adventure. This Stohlquist child life jacket is rigorously tested and certified to meet the highest US Coast Guard standards.
  • Child Life Jacket 30-50 lbs: Designed for young swimmers, this kids' life vest provides a secure, adjustable fit with comfortable straps. It offers comfort and safety, making it an ideal choice for children weighing 30-50 lbs. Suitable for boys and girls, it's perfect for water activities at the pool, lake, water park, or while boating.
  • Adjustable Kids Life Vest: Crafted with high-quality materials, this life jacket for kids is built to withstand rigorous use. It is suitable for kids 30-50 pounds and offers durability and long-lasting performance for active use. Ideal for a range of water activities, this kid life jacket is perfect for girls or boys. It's a versatile addition to your child's safety gear and is suitable for swimming in the pool, boating, or beach days.
  • Face-Up Neck Support: Our kids life jacket provides superior comfort with padded interiors. It is perfect for a life vest for kids and toddlers 2-5 years old. The ergonomic design ensures your child enjoys water activities without discomfort. All foam corners are rounded and sculpted compared to many 3-buckle PFDs.
  • Trusted Quality from Stohlquist—With a legacy spanning over 40 years, Stohlquist has pioneered water safety gear. Our life jackets are crafted with a deep understanding of water sports needs, ensuring each product supports your kids' safe and enjoyable water experiences.
SaleNo. 14
Dark Lightning Coast Guard Approved Toddler Swim Vest for Age 2/3/4/5/6/7 Years Old,Kids Life Jacket for 30-50 Pounds Children,Boys Toddler Pool Floaties Water Wings (Shark)
  • U.S. Coast Guard Approved Kids/Toddler Swim Vest Life Jacket
  • Suggest for toddlers 2/3/4/5/6/7 years old
  • Designed with a unique dual-buckle system for a secure, comfortable, and confident experience in the water
  • Ensures a snug and comfortable fit for toddlers of various sizes
  • Provides enhanced stability in the water, promoting confidence
  • This unique two-buckle system ensures a snugger, more comfortable, and safer fit.
  • USCG Toddler flotation life vest with arm wings keeps your kids safe in water , best pool swimming float for kids
No. 15
MoKo Swimming Vest for Kids 46-77 lbs, Clearance Children Swim Vests Water Activity Equipment Cute Pattern Watersports Swimming Device for Toddlers Boys Girls, L Size - Indigo
  • HIGH-QUALITY MATERIAL: Made of 25mm EPE (Expandable Polyethylene) padding, which can perform a good buoyancy. Designed for kids weighing 46 to 77 pounds (21 to 35 kg) and with a height of 110-125 cm / 3'7"-4'1". Great for swimming beginners.
  • BRIGHT COLOR MAKES MORE VISIBLE: Come with highly visible color, essential for finding your children quickly. With so cute whale pattern to attract your kids, it is difficult for kids to refuse to wear the swim vest.
  • COMFORTABLE & SAFE: It is light weight and allows for plenty of arm movement. You can adjust it to snug your kids well and it will not pop up over their head. They will feel more confident, secure and safe in the water at all times.
  • EASY TO WEAR & SURVIVAL WHISTLE: Designed with zipper closure and quick-release buckles with adjustable straps, your children are able to put them on by themselves with little assistance. Package includes a survival whistle and a whistle pocket, kids can use it when something unexpected occurs to them.
  • NOTE: Please dry the swimming vest before put it away. DO NOT expose the it to the sun after getting dry. Children should swim under adult supervision.
SaleNo. 16
CWB Connelly Youth Nylon Vest, 24"-29" Chest; 50-90Lbs, Girl Tunnel
  • 55 to 88 lbs
  • 3 adjustable straps w/ quick release buckles
  • Durable, lightweight and extremely breathable, great for hot days, keeps users cool and comfortable
  • Tunneled webbing straps hidden under the fabric for extra user comfort
  • US Coast Guard Approved
No. 17
O'Neill Child Superlite USCG Life Vest,Turquoise/Berry/Lime/White, One-Size
  • U.S. Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device (Type II)
  • Designed to fit snug for your safety. Minimal bulk design allows full mobility and easy on and off.
  • Anatomically cut lightweight polyethylene foam flotation with durable coated polyester outer shell makes the vest strong yet soft and comfortable.
  • Heavy-duty 1 inch wide webbing belts with quick release buckles allow for an adjustable fit and easy fastening
  • US Coast Guard rated 30 - 50 pounds. Recommended for approximate chest size up to 24 inches. Runs small and may not fit all children in the weight range; please measure child prior to purchase.
No. 18
Gogokids Toddler Swim Vest, Kids Floaties – Boys & Girls Buoyancy Jacket, Swimming Aid for Pool & Beach, Fits 2-8 Years / 22-60 lbs
  • SWIM EASIER: Being able to swim is a basic skill, Gogokids swim vests will help to provide buoyancy support and make kids to master this skill more easily.
  • DURABLE MATERIALS: The kids swim vest is made of durable neoprene and EPE polyethylene foam, which is more comfortable, soft, and more lighter.
  • COMFORT & FIT: Toddler swim vest comes with an adjustable straps, crotch strap and multiple sizes available to ensure a good fit.
  • ATTRACTIVE DESIGN: Funny and colorful designs that children will enjoy wearing. Great gift ideals for your child to enjoy happy summer.
  • BRAND REPUTATION: Gogokids is specialized in kids swim vests, wetsuits and other sport gears. If there is any quality problem, please feel free to contact our customer service team.
No. 19
Swimways The Little Mermaid Reversible Boat, Inflatable Pool Floats & Kids Pool Toys, Swimming Pool Accessories & Beach Essentials for Kids Aged 5 & Up
  • THE LITTLE MERMAID FLOAT: Bring the new movie The Little Mermaid to life on the water with the beautiful designs inspired by Ariel, your little ones will enjoy hours of pool fun on this kid pool float
  • 2-SIDED DESIGN: These outdoor pool floaties are reversible, with a different Little Mermaid inspired design on each side for double the fun at the swimming pool, beach, or lake
  • DURABLE: High-quality PVC floaties are resistant to wear and tear or ruptures, for a long lasting and durable pool play experience Perfect for pool games, pool parties or just everyday play
  • OVERSIZED LITTLE MERMAID TOYS: Measuring 40" x 40" x 8", these blow-up pool floats are the perfect outdoor water toys for kids aged 5+ and will fit most children with room to spare
  • ULTRA FAST INFLATION: Exclusive Hyper-Flate Valve technology maximizes airflow in while preventing airflow out to provide efficient ultimate speed inflation and deflation that works three times faster, for easy portability and storage.
  • Includes 1 The Little Mermaid Reversible Boat
  • Covered by the Spin Master Care Commitment. See below for full details
SaleNo. 20
Chriffer Kids Swim Vest Life Jacket for 22-66 Pounds Boys and Girls, Toddler Floaties with Shoulder Harness Arm Wings for 2,3,4,5,6,7 Years Old Baby
  • Compatible with for 22-66 pounds, 2-7 years olds boys and girls
  • U-shaped design: better fit the body for a more ergonomic experience
  • Double childproof buckle straps give beginners more freedom and confidence
  • Material: Made of woven polyester, soft nylon fabrics
  • The colorful and lovely style adds more joy to you

How to choose a good kids life jackets

Does the idea of finding a fantastic kids life jackets make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in kids life jackets. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top kids life jackets products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top kids life jackets on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top kids life jackets brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top kids life jackets based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the kids life jackets were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good kids life jackets, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your kids life jackets.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting kids life jackets for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our kids life jackets. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what kids life jackets should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on kids life jackets.