How should you size a life jacket for a child?

Fitting children follows the same general rule as fitting adults: a PFD should fit securely without being too tight. The term the Coast Guard uses is “comfortably snug”. If you can't make the life jacket fit snugly, then it's too big. If you can't put it on your child and fasten it comfortably, then it's too small.

What size life jacket do I need for my child?

Life Jacket Sizing for Kids

Sizing for a youngster depends on his or her weight (and not chest size, as it does with adults): Infant PFDs: 8 to 30 pounds. Child PFDs: 30 to 50 pounds. Youth PFDs: 50 to 90 pounds.

How do you determine life jacket size?

Get the right size: For adults, your chest size—not your weight—will determine what size PFD you need. (For children, their weight will determine the size.) To get your chest size, measure the circumference of your chest at its broadest point.

What is life jacket sizing based on?

Fact: Coast Guard Approved Life jackets are rated by chest size, not by weight. A USCGA Approved life vest will safely float your weight if the life jacket fits you.

What does 90 lbs mean on a life jacket?

ADULT >90 LBS. Chest size is used on ADULT devices to further define the fit. Chest sizes are not used on all others.

Choose the correct life jacket size for your child

Should a child's PFD fit loosely?

The life jacket should fit snugly even without them. Be sure to test the fit by picking your child up by the shoulder straps. If the chin and ears slip through, then the PFD is too loose.

What is the safest life jacket for a child?

What if life jacket is too big?

One of the biggest problems with lifejackets when they are too big is that they don't hold the head out of the water. A lifejacket that is too large for the wearer will slide up in the water and rest somewhere around the wearer's ears.

What is the difference between a life jacket and a life vest?

The terms PFD, lifejacket, life vest, life preserver, buoyancy vest and buoyancy aid are used interchangeably for the same item, all with the same key purpose; to prevent persons drowning. A PFD is a garment designed to keep a conscious person afloat and to assist with buoyancy in the water.

What flotation device is best for 7 year old?

What type of life jacket should a 3 year old wear?

Puddle jumpers are best for 3 to 6-year-olds who can't swim very well, although some readers noted that their 2-year-olds fit in it as well (Alice was 2.5 and LOVED it). For those taking multiple children to the pool and such, this is a must-have.

What kind of life jacket does my toddler need?

The USCG classifies life jackets into five different types, but only Types I-III are approved for children to use.

Can you drown if you have a life jacket on?

Those are the primary reasons boaters wearing life jackets sometimes drown. Either the boater is unable to free him- or herself from some type of entrapment, is unconscious or otherwise unable to keep his/her face out of the water, or eventually drowns from numerous mouth immersions over a prolonged period of time.

What weight life jacket do I need?

The higher the number, the more buoyancy offered. To support a 1Kg weight you need a force of 9.8 Newtons. 1 Newton is equal to 0.225lb. A 150N adult lifejacket will therefore support someone with an in water weight of 15.3Kg or 33.7lbs.

Should a life jacket be tight?

Your life jacket should fit snugly without being too tight. The term the Coast Guard uses is “comfortably snug”. If you can't make your life jacket fit snugly, then it's too big. If you can't comfortably put it on and fasten it, it's too small.

What does Level 70 buoyancy mean?

Level 70 buoyancy aids are intended for use by those who have a means of rescue close at hand, or who are near to bank or shore. These devices have minimal bulk, but cannot be expected to keep the user safe for a long period of time in disturbed water.

Can a life jacket be too short?

Proper fit is key to a life jacket performing as designed. If it's too small, you won't stay afloat; if too large, it will ride up over your face or otherwise reposition. It should be snug, like a glove, yet flexible enough to go through multiple motions for your particular water activity.

What can happen if a PFD is too small?

An infant can easily lose a PFD that is too big. On the other hand, a PFD that is too small will not ensure proper floatation, and in both cases, the infant is at risk and may drown. The personal flotation devices should be snug fitting, yet allow freedom of movement of arms and legs.

Are puddle jumpers better than life jackets?

In our opinion, if your child will be boating, a life jacket can be the best option. Puddle jumpers can be great for kids splashing around at the pool, and a swim vest can be ideal for kids who are learning to swim without floaties.

What should 4 year olds wear swimming?

A shortie wet or dry suit would be best to keep warm, I can't imagine much else would work. Mine wore a shortie in pre-school swim classes and when we went swimming together and appeared much warmer than kids without one. Get a well fitting one though or it won't make any difference.

What should a 2 year old wear in a swimming pool?

Standard swimming costumes are fine, but must be worn with a swim nappy to avoid accidents in the pool. For peace of mind, choose baby swimwear with an integrated swim nappy, as these are designed to prevent faeces leaking into the pool. Alternatively, use a reusable swim nappy with your child's usual swimming costume.