Infant/Child Life Vests

We are going camping/boating in two weeks and had to buy our 10 month old a life jacket. We tried the ones that you described that split around the neck but she just screamed the entire time we had it on her at the store. We decided to go with one we found at Walmart, it fits like a swimsuit, with the flotation peices around the back and waist.

We figured since she is going to have to wear this for an extended period of time, comfort should be a high priority as well as safety. They also had boy ones that fit like a short suit.

I don't know much about life vests, but I had to reply to your message in regards to boating. Last year friends of ours in AZ lost their daughter due to a carbon monoxide posioning while boating. The more I tell people of her death (she was 7) the more I find people are unaware of the danger of carbon monoxide and boats. If you own a boat, or know anyone who enjoys boating - please pass this website along and be aware of the danger!

http://meganscause.org/

We purchased an infant one for my daughter and never really used it (it was too bulky) and even though she was tiny (a preemie) it never fit right. She is now 27 lbs. and we just bought her a child one. It fits nicer is less bulky and she doesn't cry when we put it on (she used to with the infant one). Make sure that the child one has a strap between the legs and a handle by the neck portion (so if the child falls in you can pick them right out and they don't fall out of the vest). We purchased ours at Bass Pro Shop. We've also seen great ones in several boating catalogs. Last year when she would not wear the infant one, we also used one of those body suits with the floatation built into the top. We liked it because it also kept her warm. However, I do not believe they are as safe as a vest. Luckily we have never had to test any of them with an accident. Good luck to you and happy boating!

I highly suggest getting the vest that rolls them onto their back. The swimsuit types with the "floats" fitted all around are not lifesaving devices. Children under two do not have the coordination to position themselves upright in the water, so if they fall in they could easily stay face down.

Hi there. I think there are many great brands of infant life vests out there. The main thing to consider (once you've determined that the jacket is safe) is how comfortable it's going to be for your baby. My little one absolutely hated the first jacket we bought him because it came up so high around his neck and he couldn't get comfortable in it - it was worse when he was in the water, because the jacket lifted even higher, around his chin. He's not going to understand why he has to wear the jacket, so you want to make it as easy and uninvasive for him as possible. Take the time to try several different jackets on him, and practice having it on him as much as you can before actually stepping onto the dock. The more used to it he becomes, the easier it should be for you guys. Have a great summer!

Hey fellow boater! I have 2 that have been on Lake Mich since they were infants. The 2 key things are the safety of the suit (for babies, you want PFD Type that will roll them on their backs) and comfort. Hit Target, West Marine, Boaters' World, etc and try some on. Summer clothes are minimal so I would not buy the 30-50 lb until he was tuly ready for it. To deal with comfort, just make sure it is properly adjusted and keep it on them at all times. My two know that from the moment they are out of the car and on the dock and only when in the cabin can they be without their "boatcoat" They are 3 and 4 now and we still try new ones on every year for comfort and they wear them without any fuss. Email if you have more questions.