Why Infant Life Vests are Important

Infant life vests are a must-have for any water activity with your little one. Even if your baby is comfortable in the water, accidents can happen, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Infant life vests provide buoyancy and help keep your baby's head above the water. They also have a secure fit to prevent slipping out of the vest. Most importantly, they give parents peace of mind knowing that their baby is safe and secure in the water.

The U.S. Coast Guard requires that all infants under the age of 18 months wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket when the boat is moving, but it's always a good idea to have your baby wear one whenever they're near the water. iSnorkel only carries life jackets in which the brand has received Coast Guard approval!

Types of Infant Life Vests

There are two types of infant life vests: Type I and Type II. Type I life vests provide the most buoyancy and are designed for use in rough waters. Type II life vests provide less buoyancy and are designed for calmer waters. Type II life vests are suitable for most recreational activities and are the most common type of infant life vest.

Infant life vests also come in different styles, including vest-style, floatation suit, and jacket-style. Vest-style life vests are the most common and provide the best fit for infants. Floatation suits are great for babies who are still learning to swim and need extra buoyancy. Jacket-style life vests are less bulky and more comfortable, but they don't provide as much buoyancy as other styles. Which one is best for your baby? Keep reading below!

Choosing the Right Infant Life Vests

When choosing an infant life vest, safety should always come first. Look for a life vest that is Coast Guard approved, fits snugly, and has a bottom to prevent your little one from slipping out of the vest. You should also consider the type of activity you'll be doing and the water conditions. If you’re in rough waters, choose a Type I life vest. If you’re in calmer waters, a Type II life vest will do the job nicely. It may be best to have both types and use the type you’ll need for the adventure you’re going on that day.

Comfort is also an important factor to consider. Look for a life vest with a comfortable neckline and adjustable straps for a secure fit. The material should be soft and not irritate your baby's skin. PVC marine foam with a nylon shell and neoprene with either a polyester or neoprene shell are the most common and comfortable materials used. Lastly, consider the design and color of the life vest. Choose a design and color that your baby will love and be excited to wear so you spend less time fighting them from taking it off and more time focused on having fun!

Here are the Top 10 Best Infant Life Vests. We’ve done some research on them too!

Top Infant Life Vests

1. Stearns Infant Classic Series Vest - This Type II life vest is Coast Guard approved and has adjustable straps for a secure fit. It also has a crotch strap to prevent slipping out of the vest and comes in a fun shark design.

2. O'Neill Infant Superlite Life Vest - This Type II life vest is made from lightweight materials for maximum comfort. It has an adjustable safety belt and leg strap for a secure fit. It also comes in a variety of fun designs.

3. Stohlquist Infant Life Jacket - This Type II life vest has a unique wrap-around design for a secure fit. It also has a crotch strap to prevent slipping out of the vest and comes in a variety of fun designs.

4. Speedo Infant Personal Flotation Device - This Type II life vest has a soft, comfortable neckline and adjustable straps for a secure fit. It also has a crotch strap to prevent slipping out of the vest and comes in a fun crab design.

5. Salus Bijoux Baby Vest - This Type II life vest is designed specifically for infants under 20 pounds. It has a soft, adjustable collar for comfort and a mesh back for ventilation. It also comes in a variety of fun designs.

6. Body Glove Paddle Pals Life Vest - This Type II life vest has a fun and colorful design that kids will love. It has an adjustable strap for a secure fit and a safety buckle for easy on and off.

7. Level Six Puffer Infant Life Vest - This Type II life vest has a soft, unique double strap system to make it easy to adjust to a custom fit. There's even an extra buckle at the lower bottom to make diaper changes easier without removing the baby from the vest It also has a fun and colorful design.

8. Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Infant Life Vest - This Type II life vest has a ventilated back for breathability and a crotch strap to prevent slipping out of the vest. It also has a fun and colorful design.

9. SwimWays Baby Spring Float Activity Center - This floatation suit has an adjustable and removable canopy for sun protection. It also has a mesh play space for toys and a comfortable seat for your baby.

10. Konfidence Babywarma Wetsuit - This wetsuit provides extra warmth and buoyancy for babies under 20 pounds. It also has a soft, adjustable collar for comfort and comes in a variety of fun designs.

Safety Tips for Using Infant Life Vests

- Always choose a life vest that is Coast Guard approved.

- Make sure the life vest fits snugly and has a crotch strap to prevent slipping out of the vest.

- Choose the appropriate type of life vest based on the activity and water conditions.

- Never leave your baby unattended while wearing a life vest.

- Teach your baby to swim when they're old enough.

- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance of the life vest.

- Always choose a life vest that is Coast Guard approved.

- Make sure the life vest fits snugly and has a crotch strap to prevent slipping out of the vest.

- Choose the appropriate type of life vest based on the activity and water conditions.

- Never leave your baby unattended while wearing a life vest.

- Teach your baby to swim when they're old enough.

- Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance of the life vest.

How to Properly Fit an Infant Life Vest

- Adjust the straps for a snug fit, but not too tight.

- Make sure the life vest covers your baby's chest and has a crotch strap to prevent slipping out of the vest.

- Check for any gaps between the life vest and your baby's body.

- Lift the life vest by the shoulders to make sure it stays in place.

Frequently Asked Questions about Infant Life Vests

When should my baby start wearing a life vest?

Infants under the age of 18 months are required to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket when on a moving vessel. It's always a good idea to have your baby wear a life vest whenever they're near the water.

What type of life vest should I choose for my baby?

Choose the appropriate type of life vest based on the activity and water conditions. Type I life vests provide the most buoyancy and are designed for use in rough waters. Type II life vests provide less buoyancy and are designed for calmer waters.

How do I know if the life vest fits properly?

Adjust the straps for a snug fit, but not too tight. Make sure the life vest covers your baby's chest and has a crotch strap to prevent slipping out of the vest. Check for any gaps between the life vest and your baby's body.

Final Thoughts About Infant Life Vests

Infant life vests are a must-have for any water activity with your little one. Safety should always come first, and choosing the right life vest is an important decision. Consider the type of activity and water conditions, as well as the fit and comfort of the life vest. Our top 10 picks for the best infant life vests on the market provide a variety of options for parents to choose from. Remember to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance of the life vest, and never leave your baby unattended while wearing a life vest. With the right life vest, you can enjoy a worry-free day in the water with your little ones. 

We’d love to help you if you have any questions about infant life vests, so please email us at sales@isnorkel.com with anything that is on your mind. At iSnorkel we do our best to make your life better on the water!