Families nationwide are gearing up for water-based adventures such as boating, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and more as warmer weather rolls in. But before your kids dive into summer fun, one essential safety item should be at the top of your checklist: a properly fitting life jacket. Life jackets for kids and teens and other personal flotation devices (PFDs) are only safe if adequately chosen for your child’s fit.
Choosing the right Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for your child or teen is about more than just picking out a bright color or a favorite character. It’s about finding the safest, most comfortable, and appropriately sized option that encourages your kid to wear it when near water. Ill-fitting life jackets can ride up, restrict movement, or even fail to work as intended, putting your child at serious risk.
With four children ranging in age from three to 13, I’ve experienced the rigors of choosing the right life jackets for kids and teens. My goal with this guide is to provide you with everything you need to know about selecting the best life jackets for your children, from sizing and USCG classifications to essential safety features and practical advice for growing kids.
Also, check out our guide for swimming milestones for children to help you assess your child’s need for more instruction.
Understanding Life Jacket Types and Classifications For Children And Teens
Not all life jackets are created equal. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) sets the gold standard for PFD safety in the United States, categorizing life jackets based on intended use and buoyancy levels. These types help ensure that users, especially kids, are protected for their specific water activity.
According to the experts at REI, selecting a properly rated jacket is critical, especially for children who may not be strong swimmers or are boating in different types of water conditions.
Additionally, parents should understand the differences between each type to choose the most appropriate one for their child’s planned water activity.
U.S. Coast Guard-Approved PFD Types
Type I: Best for offshore use; bulky but offers the most buoyancy.
Type II: Suitable for calm, inland waters; designed to turn some unconscious wearers face-up.
Type III: Common for active water sports; comfortable but doesn’t turn unconscious users.
Type V: Special-use devices, including hybrid and sport-specific designs.
For recreational use like swimming, kayaking, or boating, Type II and III are the most common life jackets for kids.
USCG-Approved Should Be A Non-Negotiable Requirement
Always choose a USCG-approved life jacket. This is the minimum safety requirement for any life jacket worn on public waterways and should never be skipped. Look for the approval label stitched inside the vest—if it’s not there, don’t buy it. There are many USCG-approved options at different price points, ensuring that most parents can find an affordable option.
Life Jacket Sizing For Kids: It’s About Weight and Chest Size
Unlike adult life jackets, which are sized by chest measurement alone, kids’ PFDs are sized by weight, not age or clothing size. Life jacket sizing for children helps ensure proper flotation and fit.
Here’s a general sizing chart for children of different weights. If your child is bigger, you may need to move up in category before you expect to do so. If they are smaller, the same is valid for waiting before you upsize.
| Size Category | Weight Range |
|---|---|
| Infant | 8–30 lbs |
| Child | 30–50 lbs |
| Youth | 50–90 lbs |
An adult-sized life jacket may be appropriate for teens over 90 lbs, but trying them on is critical. As highlighted in a MountainBuzz community discussion, fit can vary widely between brands and builds, so teens should always test a vest in person when possible.
Also, make sure the life jacket fits snugly. Have your child raise their arms straight up; if the vest rides up over their chin or face, it’s too big.
Key Features To Look For In Life Jackets For Kids
If you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number of life jackets and PFDs available for your children, look for the following features, which can provide for proper safety and additional comfort.
Grab Handle
A grab handle on the collar makes it easier for adults to pull infants and toddlers from the water quickly. This vital feature is recommended in water safety guidelines from Safe Kids and is featured on most life jackets for kids.
Head Support
Infant PFDs often come with head support that helps keep a child’s head above water. This is especially important for young children who may not have strong neck muscles yet. The head support adds an extra layer of safety and provides additional comfort for children who may just be getting used to being in the water.
Crotch Strap
A crotch strap ensures the vest stays secure and doesn’t ride up. The National Drowning Prevention Alliance’s website notes that a crotch strap is a must-have for infants and smaller kids.
Teen-Specific Tips: The “In-Between” Sizing Dilemma
Teenagers are notoriously difficult to shop for—especially when they fall between youth and adult sizes. A popular forum thread on MountainBuzz emphasizes trying on multiple models to find the right fit, especially for teens with narrower shoulders or growing frames.
Look for adjustable straps, form-fitting designs, and high mobility for sports like paddleboarding or whitewater rafting.
Ensure your teen’s life jacket provides proper mobility but does not slip off easily. At this age, your teen should be able to help you explore different options for their needs and test each jacket in-store to ensure it will remain in place while providing them with the flexibility they need in the water.
Comfort Matters For Kids’ Life Jackets: If It’s Not Comfy, They Won’t Wear It
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance notes that children are much more likely to keep a life jacket on if it’s comfortable and doesn’t restrict movement.
Here are a few comfort features to look for:
- Soft inner linings that don’t chafe.
- Breathable mesh panels for hot weather.
- Multiple adjustment points for a custom fit.
- Fun colors or designs that kids like.
Along with comfort, ensure you routinely remind your children why their personal flotation devices are essential and why they must wear them when near or in a body of water.
Water Safety Tips Beyond The Life Jacket
Buying the proper PFD is only one part of the equation, and we can’t just rely on life jackets for kids to keep them safe! Practicing good water safety habits is equally important and should be part of your child’s learning from a young age.
- Constant supervision by an adult.
- Choose swim lessons appropriate for your child’s age and ability.
- Teaching kids never to swim alone.
- Keep flotation devices nearby even in shallow water.
Remember, even strong swimmers should wear a life jacket when boating or kayaking. In many instances, it’s even the law!
Final Checklist: What To Look For In A Kid’s Life Jacket
Here’s a quick reminder of the information highlighted above. Please make sure you mark off all items on this checklist based on your child’s age and size.
- USCG-approved
- Sized by weight (and chest for teens)
- Fits snugly—no riding up
- Grab handle for young kids
- It has a crotch strap for added security
- Head support for infants
- Comfortable design they won’t resist
- High visibility (bright colors, reflective strips)
When To Replace A Life Jacket
Don’t hang on to old PFDs forever. Replace them if any of the issues listed below are noticed with your child’s life jacket.
- The material is torn or degraded.
- Buckles or zippers are broken.
- It no longer fits your child correctly.
- It has lost buoyancy or has been heavily used in chlorine or salt water.
Choosing the proper life jackets for kids and teens involves safety and peace of mind. As the summer season approaches, now is the perfect time to ensure your family is ready to enjoy the water safely.
Now that you know how to pick out the proper life jackets for kids and teens, learn more about the benefits of teaching children to swim.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. It should not replace proper life jacket safety help that a certified swim instructor or other water safety experts can provide.