Swimming is a fun activity, exercise activity, and an essential life skill that can be used to save a life. Most parents who love swimming introduce their kids to this activity at an early age to help them develop their skills and confidence in the water. However, kids need supervision when they are swimming and sometimes accidents happen in the water at any second.
The best way to ensure your kid is safe and comfortable even when you are not close is by buying them a swim vest. Swim vests for kids are designed to provide them with maximum support in the water and they help kids learn swimming with more confidence. To help you buy the best swim vest for your kid, below we have a guide with the best picks and a simple buyer’s guide.
List of Best Swim Vest for Kids in 2024
#10. Moko Kids Swing Arm Band
Moko brings you this kid’s wing armband which will offer your kids a comfortable and safe experience when in the water. It is designed to snugly fit into arms and it is very easy for kids to use.
This swingarm is designed to help kids float in water, offering ultimate safety when kids are learning how to swim. The swing arm band features an adjustable strap that provides enough support for kids weighing between 20 and 50 pounds.
There are cartoon patterns on the swing sleeve that keep kids entertained while they learn how to swim. The bright color makes it simple for parents to keep an eye on their children as they swim. In addition, this swing arm band will provide your kid with more confidence and freedom when they are in the water.
- It has an adjustable strap that supports kids between 20-50 pounds
- Features cartoon patterns that bring more fun
- Bright color makes it easy to track your kid
- Equipped with a secure adjustable buckle
- Made of durable EPE foam
- It is lightweight and convenient to carry anywhere
- Simple and clean
- The swing arm band has good buoyancy and durability
- The vest tilts backward too much
- Not good for anyone looking for something of premium quality.
#9. Toddler Life Jacket – Swim Vest
This swim vest is made of quality polyester and has a multi-panel design with PE foam that doesn’t need any inflating. It has ultra-strong sewing that adds more security. With this swim vest, kids will always feel and safe when swimming while their parents keep track of them.
The swim vest is great for toddlers weighing between 20-50lbs and they are tailored to fit your kids comfortably. It has an adjustable back buckle that helps parents know the secure and comfortable fit for their kid. Furthermore, it has an appealing graphic design and vibrant colors that make it attractive and easy to spot in crowded areas.
Overall, this swim vest will help kids learn to maintain balance on the water and start swimming on their own without being watched. The water wings provide extra control, freedom, and confidence when playing around with water. Comparing it with normal swimming floats, this one is more convenient and safe to use.
- Equipped with a double security buckle
- Features an appealing graphic design and vibrant colors
- It has a triple seam that adds extra support
- Made of quality polyester and nylon fabrics
- Fits kids from 20 to 50lbs
- It helps beginners learn to swim with more confidence
- The vest is adjustable and comfortable to use
- Non-inflatable and safe to use
- No negative reviews at the moment.
#8. Puoyis Toddler Kids Swim Vest
Puoyis is constructed of waterproof polyester and quality foam that ensures your kid stays afloat with any safety concerns. This vest offers a fit for kids aged 2-6 years old and it gives buoyancy for kids weighing 30-55lbs.
It has an adjustable chest strap and double-security buckle that guarantees a secure and comfortable fit. The shoulder harness design will prevent your kid from removing the vest without parental permission and it prevents the vest from sliding off.
Overall, this is a life training jacket with an aim of providing a safe swimming experience. There are 3 separate inflatable airbags that help your kid familiarize with the water, build confidence, and learn different swimming skills.
- Designed to fit kids of up to 55lbs
- Made of waterproof polyester and quality foam
- Features an adjustable chest strap and double-security buckle
- It has a shoulder harness design for additional safety
- Equipped with 3 separate inflatable airbags
- The vest is waterproof and has high buoyancy
- Beautiful cartoon graphics give your kid maximum fun
- It helps kids learn how to swim with more confidence and safety
- Suitable for a wide range of water activities
- The straps are not strong
- Not suitable for kids under 3 years.
#7. AmazeFan Kids Swim Life Jacket Vest
Here is another quality swim vest that is designed to help kids learn how to swim with more confidence and safety. The jacket is made of woven polyester and soft nylon fabrics that can withstand harsh use from active kids.
It is secured with a safety buckle at the back so that the kid can’t open it alone that easily and there is an adjustable strap that fits kids between 1-6 years (30-50lbs). The vest comes ready for use, where no inflation is required and the soft arm band construction makes it comfortable to wear.
What you will love about this swim vest is the waterproof and submersible design, and the included storage bag will make it easy to carry anywhere. You can use this vest on beaches, swimming pools, by the lakeside, or on boats. It will help kids float and maintain balance on the water.
- Constructed of woven polyester and soft nylon fabrics
- Features a safety buckle and an adjustable strap for a perfect fit
- Suitable for kids weighing 30-50lbs
- It has a soft arm band construction for comfort
- Boasts a submersible and waterproof design
- The vest is environmentally friendly and skin-friendly
- Safe and secure to use
- Included carrying bag makes it convenient to carry anywhere
- The vest is too small for 6-year-old kids
- Construction is a bit poor.
#6. Kids Swim Life Jacket
The kids swim life jacket uses an upgraded buckle system, a new lock is added on top of the buckle to prevent your kid from breaking the buckle when in the water. It is built for kids weighing 30-60 pounds or kids aged 2-5 years.
This jacket has adjustable straps and a security buckle at the back to ensure you have a perfect fit and help kids swim with more comfort. It has soft polyester that provides extra comfort and it will never cause discomfort to the skin.
The good thing about this swim life jacket is that it comes ready for use since there is no inflation required. Besides, the lightweight design makes it easy to carry anywhere and doesn’t require much space for storage.
- Constructed of heavy-duty and quality polyester
- Uses an upgraded buckle system for safety
- Perfect for kids weighing between 30-60 pounds
- Features adjustable straps and security buckle for a comfortable fit
- It has a colorful and lovely design
- It allows your kid to swim with more safety and comfort
- The vest resists sun damage and fading
- Construction is non-toxic and environmentally friendly
- The straps don’t hold tightly
- Arms holes are very tight.
#5. Chriffer Kids Swim Vest
This quality swim vest from Chrifffer is made from quality materials that will guarantee long-term uses without tearing or fading. It has a colorful and lovely design that provides your kid with ultimate fun and more motivation to use it.
The construction materials of this swim vest are woven polyester and soft nylon fabrics that are designed to withstand multiple uses without tearing or losing shape. Using the swim vest is simple because no inflation is needed and it gives your kid a comfortable feeling when in the water.
This swim vest comes with a net bag that helps you carry it anywhere and you can store it without taking much space. Furthermore, it gives beginners more confidence, freedom, and safety when swimming.
- It has a colorful and lovely design
- Made from woven polyester and soft nylon fabrics
- No inflation is needed
- Comes with a portable carrying and storage bag
- Suitable for kids aged 2 to 7 years old
- It is suitable for multiple water activities
- The vest fits perfectly and it doesn’t cause discomfort
- Great for building up confidence in the water
- The vest is not suitable for toddlers
- Quality is a bit poor.
#4. Body Glove Paddle Swim Life Jacket
This is an approved swim jacket fitted with attached arm bands that help kids learn how to swim without compromising their safety. The vest is constructed from durable polyester that ensures better performance and it has a multi-panel design that adds comfort.
It has an adjustable chest strap with a quick-release buckle that ensures a perfect fit and safety. The vest has fun graphic designs that provide more fun and it gives your kids a comfortable fit.
What you will love about this swim jacket is the safety shoulder harness that prevents kids from removing the vest without your permission and it prevents the vest from sliding when it is in use.
- Perfect for children weighing between 30-50lbs
- Features an adjustable chest strap with a quick-release buckle
- Equipped with attached arm bands
- Made of durable polyester material
- It has a safety shoulder strap harness for added safety
- It is non-toxic and skin-friendly
- Children can’t remove it without your supervision
- The vest is comfortable to use and better than floaties
- It is a bit small for 6-year-old kids
- The straps don’t hold up well.
#3. Dark Lightning Kids Life Vest
This is one of the best kids life vests that is designed to help beginners learn how to swim and develop their confidence. It is fitted with multiple features that ensure your kid has maximum comfort and safety when swimming.
The vest has an adjustable buckle on the back, where it helps your kid wear it on/off comfortably and it guarantees a secure fit every time. This floatation device is built for kids weighing between 30-50 pounds. Furthermore, it has arm wings that keep the kids safe in the water and the vest has unique patterns that more fun.
The good thing about the life swim vest is the colorful and kid-friendly design that allows your kid to have maximum fun and protection in the water. For the best experience, it is designed for kids aged 1-4 years.
- It has an adjustable buckle for on/off wearing
- Designed for kids weighing between 30-50 pounds
- Fitted with arm wings and appealing patterns
- The kid-friendly design makes it comfortable to use
- Features comfortable arm band fitting
- It provides a snug fit for kids
- The vest is travel-friendly and easy to use
- Construction is heavy-duty and non-toxic
- It provides arms and legs with maximum flexibility
- It is not coast guard approved
- Not suitable for petite toddlers.
#2. Body Glove Paddle pals Life Jacket
The life jacket is coast guard approved to help your kids learn how to swim and help them build confidence when swimming. It is constructed of durable polyester material that enhances good performance and the multi-panel design ensures you get maximum comfort.
This jacket has a safety shoulder harness that prevents children from removing the vest without parental supervision and it also prevents the jacket from sliding. There is an adjustable chest strap with a quick release buckle that guarantees a comfortable fit.
The good thing about this jacket is the safe design, where it keeps your kid’s head above water while they learn how to swim. Furthermore, the attached arms on the sides will ensure your kid never sinks.
- It is constructed from lightweight and durable materials
- Features a quick release safety buckle
- Multi-panel design ensures maximum user comfort
- It has attached armbands that offer more safety
- Features sturdy shoulder straps
- It offers a perfect fit and it stays stably
- The jacket holds your kid in a safe swimming position
- Lightweight, quick-drying, comfortable, and durable
- The straps are too short
- It is not good for smaller children.
#1. Stearns Original Kids Life Jacket
This swim jacket is fitted with Coast Guard-approved safety features that ensure your kid is well protected and you don’t have to supervise them every time. It is great for helping kids develop their confidence when they are learning how to swim.
The jacket has a safety buckle that snaps in the back to prevent kids from taking the vest off on their own ad the strap never comes loose easily. It has a balanced and flexible design that makes it ideal for kids weighing between 30 to 50lbs.
Moreover, it is made of a quality nylon shell that provides good performance for long and it doesn’t fade when exposed to the sun for too long. Still, it has woven polyester that is skin-friendly and it does not have a toxic smell.
- It is made of durable nylon shell
- Features adjustable buckle at the back for a secure fit
- Built for children weighing 30 to 50 pounds
- It is certified for use on boats
- Equipped with floatation foam that keeps your kid afloat
- The jacket is US Coast Guard-approved
- Provides beginners with a safe and convenient way to learn swimming
- It is lightweight and doesn’t need much space for storage
- The quality of this jacket is poor
- Images are wrong and misleading.
Things to Consider when Buying a Swim Vest for Kids
- Weight of the Child: When buying a swim vest for your kid, you have to know their weight capacity. Before you buy a vest, check it’s maximum weight capacity. This will help you buy something that will suit their needs and keep them protected. Furthermore, most vests are designed to support children weighing between 30 to 50 pounds. However, there are other jackets that support higher weights for kids aged 6 years and above.
- Your kid’s Age: Swim vests for kids have different age ratings and shopping for a vest within your kid’s age will help you get the right size. Furthermore, make sure the vest you purchase balances well with your kid’s maximum weight capacity. Buying an improper size can be dangerous because it won’t offer reliable floatation and support.
- Support: Comfort is crucial when buying a swim vest for kids. Consider buying a vest that is fitted with a quick-release buckle and straps that will ensure the vest stays in one position. The straps should be adjustable and they should not come loose. Furthermore, for your kid to be comfortable and well supported, the vest you purchase should be within the range of your kid’s capacity and age.
- Material: When buying a swim vest for kids, it should be made from quality materials. The vest will be subjected to intense use by your kid as they learn how to swim. It should be made from quality materials that will serve you for long without tearing. Besides, it should be UV and fade-resistant so that it can maintain it’s color for long.
Conclusion
Overall, now that you know everything about swim vests for kids, go ahead and buy one that will provide your kid with enough fun. Buy something that will help your kid know how to swim with ease and more safety. In our list above, we have quality vests designed for kids of different ages. No matter the vest you want to buy, the vests in our guide will offer your kid ultimate safety and comfort when swimming.