Swimming is a fantastic combination with children. They love playing in the water and having a good time. Whether you’re spending time at the water park, a weekend by Grandma’s pool, or taking swimming lessons, your toddler will need a high-quality swim vest to keep safe. We listed the best toddler swim vests that provide stability and comfort and develop their confidence in the water for longer periods.
We’ll go through what you need to know before shopping for the best toddler swim vest. We’ll also include our top ten favorite toddler swim vests and some swimming safety information.
Our Top Picks
Best Toddler Swim Vests
Now that we’ve gone through everything to look for in a toddler swim vests let us show you our top ten.
1. Stearns Original Puddle Jumper
This Stearns Original Puddle Jumper is printed with approval from the US Coast Guard. This makes it appropriate for use in all environments, such as water parks and public pools, that demand children to wear a USCG-approved device.
A back buckle on the swim vest prevents your child from removing it without assistance, and the strap for closure is adjustable for a snug fit.
Meanwhile, armbands provide a lot of support for beginner swimmers.
- Soft fabric to prevent chafing.
- Wide range of designs to interest children.
- It can be used on the beach, pool, and on boats.
- It can climb a bit on young children under the chin.
Weight Range- 30 to 50 pounds
Closure- Rear clip
Material- Nylon
USCG Approved- Yes – Type III Children’s PFD
Design options- 14
2. Body Glove Paddle Pals Learn to Swim
This vest features an integrated and adjustable shoulder harness with a quick-release clip at the back. This protects your child from undoing the swim vest and taking it off on their own.
The armband design and integrated vest make it easy to teach your child how to swim. It's also not too restricting, allowing them to enjoy playing in the water. Meanwhile, the softer material prevents the "under chin rub" experienced with some other vests.
- Comfortable to wear.
- Dries quickly in the sun.
- A wide range of fun designs and colors.
- Coast Guard-approved is printed on the vest.
- It can be bulky to store.
Weight Range- 30 to 50 pounds
Closure- Shoulder harness
Material- Nylon
USCG Approved-Yes – Type III children’s PFD
Design options- 14
3. Megartico Swim Vest with Swimwear Girls
If you value your toddler's style, these Megartico swim vest and swimwear combinations might meet all of your requirements. It also comes with a boy version. The swim vest will keep your child secure while they play on the water slides within the pool, thanks to its compact and lightweight foam and an adjustable crotch strap. Meanwhile, the back position of the zip keeps your little one from taking off the vest unaided.
- Affordable.
- The comfortable design leaves arms free.
- Cute designs.
- Some buyers say the sizes come up relatively small.
Weight Range- 22 to 66 pounds
Closure- Adjustable safety belt
Material- Neoprene
USCG Approved- No
Design options- 2
4. Splash About Happy Nappy Swimsuit
This swimsuit swim vest has a unique design that allows you to add or remove floats as needed depending on your child's skill and confidence level. This means that your child's swimsuit will endure from the time they start spending time in the water, through their increased confidence, until they are ready to swim without assistance.
The floats are positioned around your child's waist, allowing her arms to move freely and assisting with a proper swimming posture.
- UPF 50 sun protection.
- Arm, leg, and full torso coverage.
- Even a toddler Houdini couldn’t pull off this swimsuit because it’s made into a swimsuit.
- Not simple to remove in a hurry for a diaper change.
Weight Range- 24 to 33 pounds
Closure- Snap buttons at the rear
Material- Polyester
USCG Approved- No
Design options- 7
5. Splash About Learn to Swim Vests
The Splash About Go Splash swim vests come in three sizes to make up for the fact that they aren't adjustable. The smallest size, for kids 1 to 2 years old, weighing 22 to 35 pounds, is best for them. It's also a wonderful choice for smaller toddlers who aren't yet large enough to wear other swim vests.
This swim vest is said to be extremely thin, and users have praised it for taking up little room in their luggage.
- UPF 50 neoprene.
- Soft edging material.
- Bright kid-friendly colors and designs.
- Won’t last long on a fast grower.
Weight Range- 22 to 35, 36 to 55, and 56 to 70 pounds
Closure- Front zipper
Material- Neoprene
USCG Approved- No
Design options- 4
6. SwimSchool Original Deluxe TOT Swim Trainer
The TOT swim trainer differs from the other toddler swim vests on this list because it does not have "floats within fabric" construction.
Instead, this is a fabric swim vest with an inflatable tube around the waist and a crotch strap to keep it from climbing up.
If you're traveling with a limited amount of luggage, this is a fantastic choice since it takes up less room in your bag.
- Two air chambers provide adjustable buoyancy.
- It encourages a natural swimming position.
- It can give children more stability, which can help those who are still afraid of water.
- The crotch strap is not adjustable.
Weight Range- 33-pound maximum
Closure- Crotch strap
Material- Neoprene
USCG Approved- No
Design options- 3
7. SwimSchool Swim Trainer Vest
The float pads on the SwimTrainer vest from SwimSchool are positioned in such a manner that your child will naturally turn into a prone position. That's a wonderful position to learn how to swim.
The chest and back straps are adjustable, ensuring that the vest doesn't ride up while your kid is in the water, allowing them to stay comfortable and safe.
The vest uses UPF fabric for parents who want to give their children a little extra sun protection. You can also pair it with children's swimming goggles to complete the list of your child's swimming gear.
- Lightweight.
- Comfortable padded shoulders.
- UPF 50 fabric blocks out 98% of the sun’s rays.
- Not every kid likes or feels comfortable in the prone position.
Weight Range- 20 to 30 and 33 to 50 pounds
Closure- Front zipper and safety strap
Material- Neoprene
USCG Approved- No
Design options- 2
8. Poolmaster Learn-to-Swim Dino Swim Vest
The Poolmaster swim vest is as effective as it is cute and made specifically to help build confidence in the water. A neoprene vest is exceptionally lightweight and comfortable with an expandable foam center.
The two sizes are helpful for a wide range of weights since they may be purchased in the same color and design for many ages. This is a significant benefit if you have younger kids who wish to resemble their older siblings.
- It provides good buoyancy.
- It has a front zipper for fast removal.
- The crotch strap is neoprene padded for added comfort.
- It is not adjustable around the chest.
- The colors and designs might not be as exciting for your kid as other vests are.
Weight Range- 24 to 40, or 40 to 66 pounds
Closure- Front zipper and safety strap
Material- Neoprene
USCG Approved- No
Design options- 1
9. Speedo Swim Floatation Life Vest
It should come as no surprise that Speedo's popular traditional life vest makes this list, especially since it has been a trusted name in watersports for many years.
The Coast Guard has given its seal of approval to this life vest. This is essential to remember because it will prevent your kid from drowning.
It's perfectly suited for kids. This flotation device has adjustable straps for added safety for your kids.
- Child-friendly designs.
- US Coast Guard approved.
- It has safety chest and leg straps with buckle closure.
- It’s not the best life jacket for toddlers who have never learned to swim, but it’s an excellent choice for youngsters who have.
Weight Range- 30 to 50 pounds
Closure- Buckle
Material- Polyester
USCG Approved- Yes
Design options- 2
10. Gogokids Float Suit Swimsuit
The GogoKids suit features a ring of float material around the neck, back, and chest. The floating foam can also be removed once your child becomes a confident swimmer when child is playing outside of the water.
The swimsuit's lightweight design makes it a very comfortable suite, and the rear zipper keeps your child from wriggling out of it on their own.
- Comfortable fit.
- It works well as a swim vest and a playsuit.
- Versatile since you can remove the material of the float.
- Not suitable for fast growers.
Weight Range- 26 to 30, 30 to 37, 37 to 48, 48 to 57, and 57 to 68 pounds
Closure- Rear zipper
Material- 80 percent polyamide, 20 percent elastane
USCG Approved- No
Design options- 10
Floaties vs Swim Vests
Baby floaties swim vests, and life jackets are all available if you're searching for ways to keep your child safe in the water.
The primary distinction between a swim vest and a floatie is that a swim vest is attached to a youngster, whereas a floatie isn't. You strap or buckle your child into a swim vest to keep them from being easily removed.
Floaters are items a youngster grasps or which are slipped on their arms. They might slip off, especially if water makes them slippery.
This makes the swim vest much safer than floaties that can easily get lost in the water.
Life Jackets vs Swim Vests
Swimming vests are utilized to assist people in learning to swim and float. They add buoyancy to the learner's body, allowing them to stay afloat while they are working on their legwork and arm. They are commonly smaller and lighter than a life jacket.
Life jackets for toddlers are specifically designed to keep them afloat with their heads out of the water. That way, they will stay afloat until help arrives if they cannot swim. Some swim vests will accomplish this, but not all of them will. A life jacket must be Coast Guard approved in order to be considered one. However, many swim vests do not need to be certified by the Coast Guard.
How to Select the Best Toddler Swim Vests
When it comes to choosing a swim vest for your toddler, there are several things to consider.
Safety
The first and essential thing to consider is your safety. Here are a few things that you should always check while searching for the best swim vest for toddlers.
- Always choose a swim vest from a trustworthy brand.
- Make sure your toddler doesn't easily remove the swim vest.
- Look for toddler swim vests with extra closure, such as an underbody strap.
- Check to see if the swim vest can support your child's weight.
- Never leave a toddler alone in or around water. The swim vest is not a replacement for constant supervision.
Comfort
Please ensure the swim vest does not ride up under your child's neck and that it is made of materials that won't chafe.
Please do not buy a swim vest that is too large in the mistaken belief that your toddler will be able to wear it longer. At best, a swim vest that is also big will be uncomfortable and distract you from learning to swim. At worst, it would be dangerous.
Size
Please double-check that your child is within the recommended weight range, while toddler swim vests usually have a recommended age range.
It's just not an appropriate issue. A child's weight is used to calculate the amount of buoyant required in a swimming vest. Swim vests will not float if your child is over that weight.
Material
Swim vests are most often constructed of neoprene or another man-made fabric. Read the instructions and make sure your chosen swim vest may be easily dried and cleaned.
Also, be sure to inspect the material's thickness at the seams and those points where closures are attached. Ensure they are thick enough to withstand frequent usage without ripping or tearing.
UVA/B Protection
The swim vest with UVA/B protection will add another layer of sun protection. This is necessary because the effects of sun exposure at an early age can be felt later in life. A sunburn when you are a child can double your skin cancer risk.
Coast Guard Approval
When boating or engaging in other water sports or leisure activities, toddler swim vests with Coast Guard approval can also be used as life jackets.
Swimming Safety Tips
You've learned how to pick a high-quality toddler swim vest, and you've gone over our suggestions. But the best gear and knowledge about swimming safety aren't enough. These suggestions can assist you in keeping your child safe while in the water.
- Never leave your kid unattended in the water.
- Don't encourage your kid to practice holding their breath underwater.
- Teach your kid to enter a swimming pool feet first.
- Please don't allow your kid to go into the water without their swim vest. Make sure they wear it every time and stay consistent.
- Ensure your kid knows not to go into the water without an adult watching.
Keeping Your Water Baby Safe
They must wear one of the best toddler swim vests you can find until your child is a confident and strong swimmer. Please choose one from our list or use this information to make your choice.
Remember to follow the swimming safety instructions to guarantee that your child's time in the water is both enjoyable and safe.
FAQs
1. Are swim vests good for toddlers?
The flotation device allows toddlers to breathe and play with their heads sticking up in the pool, but they simply cannot make the cognitive connection that the flotation device.
2. What age are swim vests for?
It's built of polyester and neoprene with a foam blend for the detachable floatation pads. Swim vests are available in two different sizes and two different colors (blue and purple). Small is for toddlers aged 2 to 3 years old or 33-40 pounds, and the medium vest is for kids aged 3 to 6 years old weighing 40-66 pounds.
3. Are swim vests safe?
Swimming vests and other buoyancy aids are not safety devices and should not be used instead of constant adult supervision.
4. What is the difference between a swim vest and a life jacket?
The key distinction between a life jacket, a puddle jumper, and a swim vest is that a swim vest is not designed to save lives. The life jacket and puddle jumpers are meant to provide buoyancy and are frequently accepted by the US Coast Guard to comply with boating laws.
5. Are swim vests good for learning to swim?
Swim vests are used to assist children in learning to swim naturally by allowing them to maintain a natural posture in the water. They support a child's natural buoyancy and work in conjunction with it to improve their safety while in the water.
Float vests are ideal for children who enjoy snorkeling, as they provide stability and comfort when exploring the water for longer periods.
