Best Swim Vest For Toddlers

If you love the water, it’s natural that you want to share that love with your children. But how soon is too soon to teach them to swim? Every child is different, and some may not be comfortable in the water at a very young age. With a toddler float vest, even the youngest little tykes can get used to the water in comfort and safety.

Obviously you don’t want to trust your child’s safety to just any old knock-off toddler floaties, which is why we’ve searched far and wide for the best swim vest for toddlers. Ultimately, we came up with 15 swim vests for toddlers that we think represent the very best of what’s on the market.

These options include everything from lightweight floaties for the neighborhood pool to heavier swim vests for lakes, rivers, or the ocean. Depending on your needs, we’ve got you covered for almost any conceivable circumstances.

Best Toddler Swim Vest

1. Stearns Puddle Jumper

The Stearns Puddle Jumper is a rugged little foam jacket that’s Coast Guard-approved as a flotation device.

Key Features

• Adjustable back buckle
• Available in 20 colors and patterns
• Foam-filled nylon shell
• 30-50 pound weight limit

The Stearns Puddle Jumper Basic Life Jacket is a hit with parents from all over the world. It’s approved by the US Coast Guard as a personal flotation device, which means it’s tough and buoyant enough to be used as a safety vest for emergency use in a boat. With that kind of reliability, you certainly won’t need to have any worries about your child’s safety at the local pool or lake.

This vest is available in 20 different colors and patterns, so there’s sure to be a design that appeals to your toddler. It has an adjustable fit, with a back buckle that can be tightened or loosened for security and comfort. On the downside, it has a bulky fit, which some kids might find restricting. But it’s still one of the most affordable vests you’ll find that offers this kind of quality.

Pros

• Coast Guard-approved
• Durable construction
• Fun aquatic designs
• Affordable

Cons

• Bulky fit

For safe boating with your toddler, this is an excellent choice.

2. Swimschool Swim Trainer

The Swimschool Swim is designed specifically for teaching your toddler to swim.

Key Features

• Designed specifically for swimming
• UPF-50 rated
• Available in blue/orange or pink aqua
• Porous nylon shell
• 20-30 or 33-50 pound weight limit

The Swimschool Swim Trainer Vest was built with a single purpose in mind: to teach your child how to swim. In order to do this, your child needs plenty of range of motion, so this vest has a slim, flat profile that won’t get in the way of rotating arms. It’s also highly adjustable, so your child can experience a close fit that keeps them safe without being too constricting.

That said, the design also has some downsides. It’s not very buoyant and will ride up if your child is vertical in the water. As a result, it’s not a true flotation device, but that’s not it was designed for. It was designed to help your child float in a horizontal position under close supervision, and it does a good job at it. The fabric also stretches out over time, but that’s a side effect of using such flexible material.

Pros

• Secure, adjustable fit
• Thin profile
• Ideal for swimming
• Good UV protection

Cons

• Fabric stretches over time

For actual swimming practice, this vest is an ideal choice.

3. Body Glove Dinosaur

The Body Glove Dinosaur is a half-vest with attached arm floaties.

Key Features

• Inner safety shoulder harness
• Available in 8 patterns
• Polyester shell
• 30-50 pound weight limit

The Body Glove Dinosaur Swim Jacket is a half vest, which wraps around your child’s chest and upper arms. It offers plenty of buoyancy, enough that the US Coast Guard has approved it. This is a major endorsement, but it’s not surprising.

The top-heavy design of this vest means it will always hold your child vertically in the water, no matter the circumstances. It won’t slip off, either; an internal shoulder harness keeps it attached even in extreme circumstances.

This vest is also very comfortable, with a multi-layered panel design that’s slick and smooth on the outside to shed water quickly, but soft and comfortable on the inside. This keeps your child’s skin safe from chafes, scratches, and “road rash” that can develop from wearing a vest all day.

Pros

• Coast Guard-approved buoyancy
• Fun, kid-friendly design
• Comfortable, chafe-free inner lining

Cons

• No buoyancy collar

This swim vest is exceptionally secure, with an internal harness that holds it in place.

4. Speedo Kids UPF 50

The Speedo Kids is designed with a zipper closure and extra safety strap for security.

Key Features

• UPF-50 rated
• Zipper closure
• Available in 8 colors and patterns
• Neoprene shell
• 33-50 pound weight limit

The Speedo Kids’ UPF 50+ Begin to Swim Classic Swim Vest is another vest that’s designed primarily for teaching your child to learn how to swim. However, it’s also designed with an extra safety strap that runs down between your child’s legs and keeps the vest from riding up — or coming off — when your child is vertical in the water.

That said, the strap is understandably uncomfortable, so you may want to choose a different option if you’re looking for an all-around safety vest instead of a dedicated swimming vest.

On the other hand, this vest offers exceptional range of motion. Your toddler will love swimming in it because it offers plenty of buoyancy and support without restricting their movement. It’s also available in high-visibility colors, so you won’t lose track of your toddler in a crowded swimming pool.

Pros

• Adjustable fit
• High-visibility colors
• Easy to put on and take off
• Plenty of mobility

Cons

• Uncomfortable safety strap

This high-visibility vest offers a very secure fit.

5. Stohlquist

The Stohlquist is designed as a rugged vest that’s designed as an extra-safe flotation device.

Key Features

• Grab handle on the back
• Available in 10 colors
• Rugged nylon shell
• 8-30 pound weight limit

The Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket is approved by the US Coast Guard, which makes it suitable as an emergency flotation device as well as an everyday fishing aid. One feature we really appreciated was the bright yellow grab handle on the back. This is an efficient way to pull your toddler out of the water quickly in an emergency.

In the water, this vest provides excellent support and keeps your child upright and on their back so their head will remain above the surface. It’s available in high-visibility colors that make it easy to spot your child from a distance. It’s also very sturdily constructed, with strong YKK zippers that will stand up long enough to be used by several children.

Pros

• Coast Guard-approved buoyancy
• High-visibility colors
• Keeps the child’s head above the water
• Rugged construction
• Sturdy zipper and buckles

Cons

• Restrictive fit
• A bit pricey

This durable vest is an excellent choice if safety and buoyancy are your primary concern.

6. Konfidence

The Konfidence features 8 removable floats that can be added or removed to adjust the buoyancy.

Key Features

• 8 removable floats
• UPF-50 rated
• Available in 10 colors
• Neoprene and lycra shell
• 26-66 pound weight limit

The Konfidence the Original Children’s Swim Jacket is an ideal choice for parents who want to teach their child to swim with a variety of techniques. It features eight floats, which can be added or removed throughout the shell of the vest.

As a result, not only can you change the level of buoyancy, you can change which parts of the vest float and which ones are the bulkiest. Changing from freestyle to a backstroke has never been easier.

The only downside of this vest is the price. It’s a bit more expensive than most toddler swimming vests on the market, but the unique design makes it well worth the money. It’s also easy for your child to get in and out of, reducing the amount of fuss involved in a trip to the swimming pool.

Pros

• Adjustable buoyancy
• Easy to put on and take off
• Lightweight fit

Cons

• Pricey

If you’re concerned about your child getting a comfortable fit for a variety of swimming positions then consider this swim vest.

7. Zeraty

The Zeraty is available in very small sizes, so even your one-year-old can get in the water.

Key Features

• Grabbing handle on the back
• UPF-50 rated
• Available in pink or blue
• Neoprene and polyester shell
• 17-77 pound weight limit

The Zeraty Kids Swim Vest is available in 3 sizes. The largest is big enough for a 77-pound child, while the smallest is pint-sized enough for a one-year-old. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for a range of children. All models include a grabbing handle on the back, so you can grab your child out of the water in a hurry if anything goes wrong.

This is a rugged vest that can stand up to a lot of use. It’s a perfect choice if you live near a lake or own your own swimming pool since it won’t wear out with everyday use before your child grows out of it. The UPF-50 rated shell protects your child from harmful UV rays, adding additional protection to your sunblock routine.

Pros

• Adjustable straps and buckles
• Rugged construction
• 100% satisfaction guarantee

Cons

• Limited buoyancy

This is a safe, secure vest that makes it easy to retrieve your child from the water in an emergency.

8. SwimSchool Premium

The SwimSchool Premium is a lightweight buoyancy vest for your toddler.

Key Features

• UPF-50 rated
• Available in 9 colors and patterns
• Polyester shell
• 20-33 pound weight limit

The SwimSchool Premium Swim Trainer Vest features beautiful floral designs that will draw your toddler’s attention immediately. It’s available in eight different blue and pink patterns that children love. The main body of the vest itself is lightweight, with a polyester shell that’s UPF-50 rated. Not only does this help protect your toddler from ultraviolet rays; it also prevents the shell itself from fading in the sun.

This vest features a large buoyancy collar, which will keep your toddler’s head above the water. The shoulders are also padded, allowing for maximum vertical buoyancy as well as comfort, with a soft inner lining that won’t chafe your child’s skin.

The front of the vest features heavy-duty zippers, which can stand up to a lot of abuse. The shell is also rugged, tough enough to resist tearing, punctures, and abrasion from underwater rocks or concrete.

Pros

• Holds your child upright in the water
• Durable zippers and shell
• Excellent UV protection

Cons

• Limited adjustability

This vest is very durable for a lightweight swimming vest.

9. Speedo Child

The Speedo Child Personal Life Jacket has an antimicrobial treatment that resists mold and prevents odors.

Key Features

• Antimicrobial design
• Available in 4 colors
• Nylon shell
• 30-50 pound weight limit

The Speedo Child Personal Life Jacket offers excellent performance, just as you’d expect from a brand like Speedo. This toddler swim vest provides balanced performance, with excellent buoyancy from any angle, and a secure fit that keeps the vest from slipping up throughout an afternoon of fun in the water.

It’s constructed from durable nylon, with high-visibility patterns that make it easy to spot your child in a crowded water park or neighborhood pool.

This vest is treated with an antimicrobial finish. It stands up well to lake water, which is notorious for causing lesser vests to mold up and develop an odor. By comparison, this vest won’t smell off or discolor even if it’s used exclusively in a lake. It also includes secure waist and leg straps, so your toddler won’t accidentally slip out while they’re wiggling around.

Pros

• Safe, secure fit
• Has antimicrobial properties
• High-visibility patterns available

Cons

• Not adjustable

This antimicrobial toddler swim vest is an ideal choice for swimming in lake water.

10. Toddler Floaties

The CONHENCI has an adjustable design that allows it to fit almost any toddler.

Key Features

• Adjustable chest strap and rear quick-release buckle
• Available in 28 patterns
• Polyester shell
• 30-55 pound weight limit

The CONHENCI Swim Aid Vest Trainer is another half vest with attached floatie wings. This design provides excellent buoyancy and ensures that your child’s head will remain above the water under all circumstances.

Improved buoyancy is just one feature we liked about this vest. Another thing we liked was the design. This vest is available in 28 different patterns, with pictures of various animals like sharks, lions, and even dinosaurs. Your toddler will love the appearance and will be excited to show off their exciting new gear. And by wearing it, they’ll grow their confidence in the water.

This vest is constructed from comfortable polyester. It features an adjustable strap that keeps it securely fitted to your child’s body, while the chest panel is thick and buoyant enough to keep them face-up while they’re floating.

Pros

• Fun, kid-friendly design
• Plenty of range of motion
• Warm polyester material

Cons

• Bulky fit

This vest is available in more than two dozen fun, animal-themed patterns that children love.

11. SwimSchool Deluxe TOT

The SwimSchool Deluxe Tot combines the benefits of a toddler flotation vest and an inner tube.

Key Features

• Full-body suit with built-in inflatable inner tube
• UPF-50 rated
• Available in 3 colors
• Vinyl shell
• 33-pound weight limit

The SwimSchool Deluxe Tot Trainer Toddler Swim Vest is a unique flotation device that combines an inner tube with a swim vest. It features a lightweight, thin vinyl swimsuit, that’s easy to slip your child in and out of. This suit extends to include a rugged inner tube, which allows your child to float effortlessly in a swimming pool or lake.

This device is UPF-50 rated for ultraviolet protection. This protects your child from the sun, and also prevents the Tot Trainer from fading due to sun exposure. It’s available in three different colors: high-visibility yellow, bright red, and an electric blue. All three are easy to spot even in a crowded environment, so you’ll have no trouble picking your child out from the crowd.

Pros

• Easy to inflate
• Soft, comfortable fit
• Excellent UV protection
• Affordable

Cons

• Limited mobility

This vest/inner tube combination is an ideal choice for floating all day in the pool or on a river.

Bottom Line

As you can tell by now, there are many choices available when it comes to swimming flotation for toddlers. No single vest is going to be perfect for all people in all situations, so it’s important to choose the correct option for you and your child’s needs.

For example, inflatable vests and floaties are very convenient for travel and transport. It’s easy to collapse them down and fold them up, making them easy to stow in a pool bag, gym bag, or carry-on bag. On the other hand, they tend to be less sturdy than rigid and foam-filled vests, which makes them a less reliable option if you intend on keeping one toddler swim vest to use for more than one child.

Check out the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert advice and other kid related reviews including binoculars, beach toys, snorkel sets and beach carts to carry everything!