A swim vest for children gives you a safe feeling and helps your child learn to swim. But it gets even better:
Some swim vests even keep children warm, offer UV protection and prevent bruising during water sports.
This is how you recognize quality:
BeyondSurfing has examined the most popular children’s life jackets and presents the best products 2024. Avoid buying mistakes!
The best life jackets for children 2024?
Content
- 1 The top children’s swim vests in 2024
- 2 Bestsellers: The most popular swim vests for children
- 3 Buy swim vests for children:
How to make the right decision
- 3.1 What you need to consider when buying a swim vest (incl. Checklist)
- 3.2 How do I put a swim vest on my child correctly?
- 3.3 Well-known brands and manufacturers
- 3.4 Regular maintenance saves children’s lives
- 3.5 Care tips for longevity
- 3.6 Swim vests compulsory
- 3.7 Alternatives to swim vests for children
- 4 FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about swim vests for children
- 5 Conclusion: The most popular swim vests for children reviewed
- 6 Specialist literature, sources & further links
In a hurry? Our children’s swim vest favorite:
- Free bag with drawstring
- Adjustable buoyancy
- Padded safety harness
- Money-back guarantee
- Soft Lycra fabric
- Warming effect
Children’s swim vest Checklist
- Comfort: A swim vest must fit comfortably and not chafe.
- Safety: Never leave your child unattended in the water despite wearing a swim vest. A swim vest is not a life jacket and does not save an unconscious child.
- Models: Children’s swim vests are often gender-neutral – but there are also models with colors for boys and girls. Swim vests with a crotch strap prevent them from riding up.
- Size: The decisive factor for the right size is the weight, not the age.
- Care: Regular care improves the safety and longevity of the product.
- Service life: Replace the swim vest after 10 years at the latest.
Also interesting: The best swim vests for adults 2024.
The top children’s swim vests in 2024
Best eye-catching children’s swim vest
Advantages
- Free bag with drawstring
- Adjustable buoyancy
- Padded safety harness
- Money-back guarantee
- Soft Lycra fabric
- Warming effect
Disadvantages
- Only one color
- No lifejacket – without a neck support
Summary
This swim vest from Limmys is suitable for boys and girls. It comes in a simple, blue design. A yellow stripe improves the child’s visibility in the water.
The filling of the vest with rectangular foam parts can be varied. This allows the buoyancy to be increased or decreased – depending on your child’s weight and swimming ability.
The material is a neoprene and lycra fabric. This has an insulating effect and keeps your child warm even in cold water. The manufacturer supplies a free drawstring bag. It makes transportation easier and protects the vest from damage.
Conclusion
The product is ideal for protection during water sports and when learning to swim. The adjustable buoyancy adapts to the weight, so you can enjoy the product for a particularly long time.
It is not a lifejacket – in the event of unconsciousness or inability to hold the head up, your child is not protected.
Product details
Size: S – L, 1 – 9 years | Material: neoprene and polyester | Weight class: 11 – 32 kg
Customer ratings
The vest has no inherent plastic odor. The crotch strap is padded and therefore sits very comfortably. The swim vest does not slip up a bit. The foam elements can be removed and thus adapted to the child’s weight. The fabric is very soft. The quality is very high and the bag supplied is practical.
Around 8% are neutral about the product, while 4% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
A child has red abrasions on his forearms. The mother blames the material of the vest. The crotch strap is not sewn on tightly enough and one buyer fears that it will tear out quickly.
FAQ
Best soft swim vest for children
2. PROTAURI children’s swimmer’s jacket
Advantages
- Two different colors
- Soft neoprene fabric
- With heat effect
- Ideal for learning to swim
- Grip on the neck
- Quick-release buckles
- Safety belt between the legs
Disadvantages
- No lifejacket – without a neck support
- Buoyancy agent not removable
Summary
This Protauri swim vest comes from an experienced and renowned manufacturer. It offers unisex versions. The buyer can therefore choose between five different designs and colors.
The kayak float bag is adjustable and adapts to the child’s weight and swimming ability. Foam elements can be added or removed as required.
The fabric is made of double neoprene that keeps you warm in cold water. It is pleasant on children’s delicate skin. There are a few buckles above the front zipper that prevent the child from opening it independently.
Conclusion
The design of this vest is suitable for both boys and girls. The adjustable buoyancy allows it to grow with the child.
It is not a life jacket – it will not automatically turn an unconscious child.
Product details
Color: light blue, blue, navy, pink, red | Size: S – XL, 2 – 9+ years | Material: neoprene and polyester | Weight class: 12 – 40 kg
Customer ratings
Children feel comfortable in the water with the vest and have enough freedom of movement. You adapt the vest to the child’s swimming skills. Although it is not a lifejacket, the neck is well supported. An ideal companion on the way to learning to swim. Even non-swimmers are kept safely on the surface. Some children aged 5 prefer the vest to water wings and have lost their fear of (deep) water.
Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 3% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
For a few children, the buoyancy was too strong and they were turned face down. The vest squeezes on the axles and the zipper is unstable.
FAQ
Best safe children’s life jacket
3. kids Camaro Comp Vest impact protection
Advantages
- 3 years free repair service
- Multiple seat belts
- Very elastic neoprene
- Built-in impact protection
- Suitable for water sports
Disadvantages
- Not for small children
- No lifejacket – does not support the neck
Summary
This swim vest from Camaro is the ideal companion for water sports. Extra impact protection is built in. This protects your child in the event of a fall when learning to wakeboard, for example.
The product comes in an eye-catching yellow. This ensures excellent visibility and increased safety. Two straps hold the vest firmly in place – no more slipping.
The material is particularly elastic neoprene. It is flexible and therefore robust against damage. However, should something break, the manufacturer offers a free repair service for 3 years.
Conclusion
This vest is perfect for older children who have discovered water sports. Whether sailing, wakeboarding or windsurfing – this model is the ideal companion.
It is not a lifejacket – just a buoyancy aid.
Product details
Size: S – 3 XL, from 1 year to 14 years | Material: neoprene and foam | Weight class: 30 – 50 kg
Customer ratings
The swim vest has a perfect fit. The quality of the material is good and the workmanship is high quality. They fit easily and like a second skin. One customer’s children are 4 years old and give the impression that they would like to wear them. Delivery is fast and problem-free. Overall, all reviewers are convinced of the quality and satisfied with the product.
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
There are no neutral or negative reviews of this product so far.
Further highlights
4. BECO-Sealife swim vest
Advantages
- Two different colors
- Extra leg strap with padding
- TÜV Rheinland tested
- Variable kayak float bags
- Child-friendly print
Disadvantages
- No lifejacket
- Runs large
Summary
This learn-to-swim vest from Beco supports your child with strong buoyancy in the water. Kayak float bags can be gradually removed to support the learning-to-swim process or to adapt the vest to the weight.
There is a blue/pink and a blue/green model. The vest is printed with bubbles and fish. The swim vest is manufactured in accordance with TÜV Rheinland safety guidelines.
The material is skin-friendly neoprene. The safety belt in the crotch is extra padded. It protects the vest from riding up.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a vest with a cute design that won’t ride up when romping around, this is the product for you.
The swim vest is only a buoyancy aid, not a life jacket.
Product details
Size: S – M, 1 – 6 years | Material: neoprene and foam | Weight class: 15 – 30 kg
Customer ratings
The product meets the specifications and is of high quality. The manufacturer is not only visually impressive with this product. The vest fits comfortably and the children enjoy wearing it. The floats are easy to adjust. The swim vest looks very safe. Delivery is very fast and the manufacturer even throws in a little surprise. The material is robust and can withstand a lot.
Around 15% are neutral about the product, while 26% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The fit is not particularly good and the seams are not very durable. Unfortunately, the product is quite large. Some areas rub against children’s skin. The price-performance ratio is not very good.
FAQ
5. splash about girls swim suit
Advantages
- Tested according to European standard
- UV protection
- Adjustable buoyancy
- Cute design
- Especially comfortable
Disadvantages
- Only for small children
- Only one design
- No lifejacket
Summary
This children’s swim suit with adjustable buoyancy comes in a pink design with a playful print. The design is popular with girls.
The swim vest is similar to a bathing suit and is put on in exactly the same way. There is a zipper covered by fabric on the back. The material offers UPF 50+ sun protection. This is particularly practical in summer.
The product complies with the current European guidelines in accordance with EN 13138-1: 203. The kayak float bags are removable and can be adapted to the child’s weight and ability.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a cute and comfortable swim suit with buoyancy for your daughter, this is the product for you. It combines a bathing suit and swim vest in one.
Please note that this is not a lifejacket. The child must be supervised and supported at all times.
Product details
Size: 1 – 2 years | Material: Polyamide, polyester and elastane | Weight class: N/A
Customer ratings
This turns your vacation into a real water experience. Young children can discover the water safely and playfully. This helps them to overcome their fears and learn to trust the cool water. The children can also use it to play by the pool and are briefly secured if they fall in. One customer describes how she loves the product for her daughter. It is the best swimming aid she has ever bought.
Around 33% are neutral about the product, while 0% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
No written comments on neutral or negative reviews are yet available.
FAQ
6. Vazillio Swimming Vest Kids
Advantages
- Extra many straps for flexible adjustment
- Also suitable for adults
- Freedom of movement
- 4 different colors
Disadvantages
- Not for non-swimmers
- Wide age range per size
Summary
This swim vest from Vazillio is suitable for men, women and children. This provides for the whole family. There are different sizes and your child can choose from 4 versions.
The model is equipped with 4 straps. Each one is individually secured with a loop and cannot slip. They can be individually adjusted and allow the swim vest to adapt to all body shapes.
The ventilation prevents children from sweating on warm days. The vest is suitable for various water sports.
Conclusion
Children who need a special fit will find it in this product. The ideal companion for windsurfing or your first attempts at wakeboarding.
The armhole is slightly smaller. The swim vest is not suitable for non-swimmers.
Product details
Size: 2 years – L | Material: polyester and foam | Weight class: 9 kg – 70 kg, depending on size
Customer ratings
The straps and fasteners are of very good quality. The buoyancy is strong enough for most water sports. Even in warm temperatures, the skin remains well ventilated and the children do not sweat too much. The vest works perfectly as a swimming aid. Delivery is fast and customers recommend the product to others. Some customers were so satisfied that they even gave the vest away several times.
Around 0% are neutral about the product, while 7% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
One customer describes that one of the straps was already torn on the 2nd use.
FAQ
7. Secumar Jump buoyancy aid
Advantages
- Freedom of movement
- Especially for water sports
- Good padding of the body
- Reflective strips
- Experienced manufacturer
- Extra zippered pocket
Disadvantages
- Only one color and only for older children
- Not for non-swimmers
- Slip-on entry more cumbersome than zipper
Summary
This swim vest comes from Secumar, an experienced manufacturer. It is suitable for water sports and is pulled on like a T-shirt.
Zippers can cause injuries in the event of falls or jumps. There is no risk with this swim vest. The padding offers protection against bruising. There are different versions for larger children from 30 kg.
An extra pocket can be used to safely store the front door key, for example. The side fastener allows for flexible adjustment. The material is soft SECU foam and multi-layer polyester.
Conclusion
Children starting out in water sports are well protected with this vest. The child’s body is also softly cushioned in the event of a fall or jump.
The model is only suitable for children who can swim and does not save lives in the event of unconsciousness.
Product details
Size: N/A | Material: SECU-Foam multi-layer soft foam and polyester | Weight: 30 – 120 kg
Customer ratings
The fit is ideal for children. The adjustable straps even allow the vest to grow with the child for some time. Customer service is extremely friendly and fast. The quality of the product is very high. There is also a practical compartment. Children can put the vest on and take it off quickly. The design is fashionable and simple. The paddle board life jacket is perfect for learning to SUP and wakeboard. The freedom of movement and the price are reasonable.
Around 3% are neutral about the product, while 5% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The fit is not suitable for everyone. For some children, the vest pinches under the chin. One parent is not satisfied with the slow and complicated delivery, but thinks the product itself is good.
FAQ
8. Lalizas solid material lifejacket
Advantages
- Lifejacket also for unconscious people
- Automatically keeps your head above water
- Reflectors for good visibility
- CE ISO certified
- Warning color
- Wide diaper bib for toddlers
- Incl. Whistle
Disadvantages
- Restricts movement
- Not for learning to swim
- Only one color
- Large pack size
Summary
This solid-fabric lifejacket is available in versions for (small) children and adults. It is ISO-certified and turns the person into a safe supine position.
The swim vest is also suitable for non-swimmers. The toddler version is fitted with a comfortable diaper seat. No pinching or rubbing. The clip fasteners and zipper provide a firm hold.
The attached whistle attracts attention in an emergency. The reflectors provide good visibility for improved safety on the open water. The material is smooth and easy to wash off.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a lifejacket for absolute emergencies and for securing non-swimmers, this is the product for you.
The lifejacket is not suitable for learning to swim. Movement is restricted too much and the body is rotated.
Product details
Size: 8 different from toddler to adult | Material: plastic and foam | Weight class: 10 – 90 kg
Customer ratings
The vest is not bulky and complies with the regulations for a company on and around the water. The strap between the legs holds firmly. The whistle is not just for safety, the children also think it’s “cool”. This motivates you to get dressed. The full-length zipper makes it easy to put on. The price-performance ratio is reasonable and the feeling of security is high.
Around 2% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
One child was not turned by the vest in the supine position but always in the prone position. This makes it dangerous and unusable. According to the enclosed description, the product is not faint-proof.
FAQ
More articles you might find interesting:
Bestsellers: The most popular swim vests for children
(**Last update 2024-09-16)
Buy swim vests for children:
How to make the right decision
Unfortunately, swim vests often have a reputation for being uncomfortable or not particularly nice to look at.
Why are children’s life jackets so important?
However, studies suggest that the majority of fatal accidents involving children could have been prevented by a swim vest.
Andrea Teichmann ★★★★★
(Author and lifeguard from Grevenbroich)
What you need to consider when buying a swim vest (incl. Checklist)
When looking for the best swim vest for children, you should definitely pay attention to the following features and characteristics:
- Swim vest type
- Size
- Weight class of the child
- Comfort
The swim vest type
A distinction is made between 5 classifications:
This makes it easy to hold on to them. Babies can only hold their head for a short time or not at all. You need a neck support.
Also interesting: paddle board life jackets for SUP riding.
The right swim vest size
Age only plays a subordinate role in a child’s life jacket. Your child’s body weight is much more important.
Always read the manufacturer’s measurements and measure your child’s body. There are no standard sizes.
In general, the more weight, the larger and stronger the Kayak float bag.
The weight class
As already mentioned in the previous point, the right weight class is important. Only if the product is designed for the weight of your child will it provide sufficient buoyancy.
This rule of thumb also applies to swim vests for animals. Find out more in BeyondSurfing’s buying guide to swim vests for dogs.
The comfort
In most cases, the fabric of the vest will touch the child’s sensitive skin or will only be separated from it by thin swimwear fabric. Sometimes a swim vest also replaces a bathing suit.
This is how you recognize comfort:
If your child can already speak, ask them about the feeling of pressure or friction. Examine in particular the areas under the arms and the openings on the legs and neck.
If your child is involved in water sports, a padded children’s life jacket is worthwhile. It protects against bruising.
How do I put a swim vest on my child correctly?
These tips will make getting dressed a breeze:
- Pull the vest over the child’s shoulders.
- Pull the vests over your head when slipping.
- Close all clips and straps, if necessary together with your child.
- Help to tighten the straps from the bottom up, starting at the hip or leg strap.
- Do not forget when tightening: Tight enough for a secure hold and loose enough so that your child does not feel any pressure.
- The upper straps must not be so tight that they pull the vest towards your head.
Be sure to carry out this test before going into the water: Have the child stretch their arms over their head and pull the vest towards their head – the swim vest should only slip slightly.
Well-known brands and manufacturers
There are manufacturers who specialize in swim vests for children. Among other things, these names stand for experience and expertise:
Camaro, Beco, Jako O and Mares
For lesser-known brands, use the reviews and buying guides on experienced platforms as a guide. Finally, you should always take the child’s feelings into account and test the product together.
Regular maintenance saves children’s lives
A children’s swim vest must:
- Every 2 years for professional maintenance (at the manufacturer or specialist store).
- Replace every 10 years (or when it becomes too small).
- Automatically inflatable models must be tested before each use.
- Pay attention to material damage.
Care tips for longevity
To ensure that a children’s swim vest lasts a long time, it must be well cared for. Many manufacturers supply instructions for this.
These tips apply to almost all models:
- Rinse with clear water after each use.
- Rinse thoroughly if the vest has been used in the sea.
- Fill bucket with mild detergent and water – immerse swim vest.
- Remind your child never to leave the vest in direct sunlight.
Swim vests compulsory
Ferries and any kind of commercial transportation on the water are legally required to provide swim vests for adults and children. This equipment is always randomly checked upon licensing and during operation.
For example, pay attention to the signs everywhere on ferries. They point the way to the swim vests.
Alternatives to swim vests for children
This video provides a good overview of the various options:
If your primary aim is to help your child learn to swim, there are other swimming aids besides swim vests:
- Swimming belt
- Floating rings
- Water wings
- Pool noodles (for advanced users)
- Kickboard swimming
- Swimming fins
They all have one thing in common:
Buoyancy aids are usually colorful and designed to be as eye-catching as possible.
How to make the right choice:
Baby floats need to provide safe buoyancy in the water, while swim vests tend to support the process. Beginning swimmers, on the other hand, only need a little safety: adjustable kayak float bags are worthwhile here.
Consumer Reports and Öko Test have unfortunately not yet carried out any swim vest tests. Look out for ISO and TÜV certifications to be on the dry side when it comes to swim vests.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about swim vests for children
Discover the most frequently asked questions about children’s life jackets below.
What to look out for in swim vests for children?
How safe are swim vests for children?
How should a swim vest for children fit correctly?
How much do children’s swim vests cost?
Where can you buy children’s swim vests?
Did you know? More questions about swim vests are answered here:
Conclusion: The most popular swim vests for children reviewed
Uncomfortable swimming aids are a thing of the past. With modern swim vests for children, you can purchase a safe, comfortable and beautiful swimming aid for your child.
The best is saved for last:
Swim vests are indispensable for children, not only when learning to swim but also for safety during water sports. BeyondSurfing’s buying guide will give you all the knowledge you need to make a buying decision that really pays off.
Specialist literature, sources & further links
You can find more information on this topic here:
- Video swimming aids overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5sBpFx8mTo
- Study on the use of swim vests: https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24686261
Note: BeyondSurfing is not responsible and is not liable for the content of external websites.
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