Head Can't Go Under Water Vest for Babies and Toddlers

Best Infant Life Jackets

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Your little tadpole isn't quite ready for swim lessons yet, but she can still enjoy a day of sailing on the open waters — as long as she's wearing the right safety gear.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that babies should wear a life jacket whenever they're near a natural body of water (for example a lake, an ocean or a river), even if you don't actually plan on putting them in the water. This is especially important when you consider that the open waters can be dangerous, especially for babies and young kids who can't swim. Fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death for children between the ages of 1 and 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Choosing the right life jacket is just one way to keep your infant safe while you're canoeing, boating or sailing. Here are a few things to look for when you're shopping, according to Emily Samuel, the program director of Safe Kids Worldwide:

How to choose the right infant life jacket

• Only buy life jackets that are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, says Samuel, who also notes that the seal of the approval will be printed on the jacket itself.

• Choose a "Type II" life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends all infants wear Type II life jackets, which can turn some users' heads from a face-down position in the water into a position in which they can breathe. "They provide extra head and float support," she says. (A Type III life jacket, on the other hand, is not designed to turn an unconscious person from face-down to face-up, and is generally used by kids and adults for water sports.)

• Select a life jacket that's designed for your baby's weight. As a general rule, infant life jackets tend to be designed for babies that weigh 33 pounds or less, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. But Samuel says specific weight ranges for life jackets can vary based on the manufacturer, so always check the label to make sure the vest matches up with your child's weight.

• Check the fit. If the life jacket is too large or small, it might not keep your infant afloat, says Samuel. Always try the vest on before you venture near the water with your little one. Strap the life jacket onto her, then lift up the jacket at the shoulders. "If the child's chin and ears slip through the neck opening, it might be too big," she says. "If the life jacket straps cannot be buckled, zipped or tied, it may be too small."

• Look for a neck collar, which will give her some extra head support.

• Opt for life jackets with a strap between the legs. This will keep the vest from riding up, says Samuel.

• Make sure it has a grab strap, or a "handle" that can be used to pull the child out of the water quickly, she says.

And always remember that a life jacket isn't a substitute for adult supervision. "Most importantly, caregivers should watch children when they're around water without being distracted," says Samuel.

Here are some of our top infant life jacket picks, all of which are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Best Overall Infant Life Jacket

Stearns Infant Classic Series Vest

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Pros: Affordable, durable

Cons: Can ride up on smaller babies

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Why We Love It

You can't go wrong with the Stearns life jacket, which comes in bright blue or fire engine red. This open-sided vest features a durable nylon shell, a leg strap and a grab handle that makes it easier to pull baby out of the water. Plus, at this price point, it's one of the most affordable options on the market.

Recommended weight: Up to 30 pounds

Best Classic Infant Life Jacket

Airhead Classic Infant Life Jacket

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Pros: Bright colors, plenty of head support

Cons: Bulky and ill-fitting for some

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Why We Love It

Infant life jackets can be tricky to fit, but the Airhead Infant Life Jacket can help take some of the guesswork out of the process. The vest comes with three adjustable front straps (plus a crotch strap), each with side-release buckles for easy on-and-off access.

Recommended weight: Up to30 pounds

Best Infant Life Jacket for Mobility

Stohlquist Infant Life Jacket

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Pros: Large armholes, open back design

Cons: Bulky on smaller babies

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Why We Love It

The Stohlquist life jacket earns major points for its snug fit and securely over your infant without limiting her ability to move around. Credit goes to the large armholes (which will also ward off chafing) and open back design — great for ensuring your baby won't feel constricted in or out of the water.

Recommended weight: Up to 30 pounds

Best Infant Life Jacket Design

Airhead Treasure Infant Life Jacket

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Pros: Fun theme, two-part head rest

Cons: Leg strap can chafe sensitive skin

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Why We Love It

It's hard not to fall head over heels for this adorable life jacket, complete with bright pops of color (read: easier to spot in the water) and cartoon fish. The Airhead Treasure Infant Life Jacket also features a two-part head rest, which will help keep baby's head afloat, along with a waist belt, crotch strap and grab handle. Bonus: You're guaranteed to get a ton of cute photos.

Recommended weight: 30 pounds and under

Best Lightweight Infant Life Jacket

O'Neill Infant Superlite Life Vest

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Pros: Lightweight, quick-release buckles

Cons: Bulky for smaller babies

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Why We Love It

Some life jackets can be weighty and bulky — but not the O'Neill Infant Superlite, which is made of lightweight foam and a nylon-coated shell. The head panel helps support baby's neck, while the leg strap will keep the vest securely in place. You'll also appreciate the jacket's quick-release buckles, which makes taking it on and off a cinch.

Recommended weight: For children up to 30 pounds

Most Adorable Infant Life Jacket

Speedo Infant Life Jacket Vest, Rainbow

Pros: Unique design, antimicrobial fabric

Cons: Bulky for some babies

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Why We Love It

Speedo is known for its high performance swimming gear, but they make protective life vests for babies, too. You can rely on the brand's classic infant life vest design to keep you little one safe and secure. There's a supportive neck pillow to make every boat ride comfy, and the aquaprene fabric is given an antimicrobial treatment to ensure that baby is protected from mildew, mold and odor. We're suckers for the adorable rainbow print, too.

Recommended weight: 30 pounds and under

Best "Swaddle" Style Infant Life Jacket

Overton's Infant Vest

Pros: Similar shape to a swaddle, oversized head support

Cons: Better for smaller babies

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Why We Love It

Babies can be fussy about what they wear. If your child won't take to any of the life jackets you've bought her, you may want to try the Overton's Infant Vest. This Type II vest looks more like a floatable swaddle blanket than a life jacket, and features an oversized head-support collar, an elasticized fabric leg strap and a grab strap.

Recommended weight: Up to 30 pounds

Best Eco-Friendly Infant Life Jacket

O'Brien Infant Life Jacket

Pros: VOC-free material, wide armholes

Cons: Pricey

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Why We Love It

When it comes to life jackets, safety is (and should be) your first priority. Still, comfort is important, too — and the O'Brien Infant Life Jacket delivers on both. The life jacket features safety features that include an adjustable belt, leg strap and grab strap, in an eco-friendly, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)-free material called Biolite. Bonus points go to the bright, sporty neon pink design.

Recommended weight: Up to 30 pounds

Best Puddle Jumper Infant Life Jacket

Stearns Infant Puddle Jumper Hydroprene Fish Print Life Jacket

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Pros: Cute design, comfy for babies

Cons: Doesn't always flip baby face-up easily

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Why We Love It

Chances are, your baby will gravitate toward a new wardrobe item that's colorful and fun. With this Stearns Type II infant life jacket, you'll love the safety features (leg straps and a grab handle) and unique design. It's made of a soft hydroprene shell and durable foam, so you'll know the product will hold up and be comfy for your little one.

Recommended weight: Up to 30 pounds

• American Academy of Pediatrics, Drowning Prevention for Curious Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know, March 2019.
• American Academy of Pediatrics, Life Jackets and Life Preservers, November 2015.
• USCGBoating.org, Life Jacket Wear/Wearing Your Life Jacket, 2021.
• Emily Samuel, program director of Safe Kids Worldwide, Washington, DC.

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Head Can't Go Under Water Vest for Babies and Toddlers

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