Infant life jacket recommendations?

[rpwillia]

OK, got new grandkids (twin boys) who are now 5 months old. Daughter wants them to be raised as boaters :dance:. Spoke to a friend who has to younguns and he recommended a neoprene life life jackets. Have not made it to WM yet, but saw a Stearns one in WalMart (not online) for infants but it was not neoprene. Can't imagine how the little guys heads would fit through the one in Wal Mart. Saw the following online:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/2-COLEMAN...fe-Jacket-Vests-w-Rescue-Handle-Blue/44618643

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Rave-Infant-Neoprene-Life-Jackets/22101831

http://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-...ry-life-vest-inflant-under-30lb-red--15911183

The descriptions online for these suck. Does anyone have any recommendations or tips? FWIW, while we are sailboats, the daughter strayed and married a power boater so they will be doing both (with my best efforts to keep they pointed toward the light! ).

 

[Kermit]

The first thing to consider when buying life jackets for little boys is their choice of magazines. Ballard Designs will lead to nothing but trouble. That is one precious young man you have there. Congratulations!

 

[rpwillia]

Have no idea what Ballard Designs is

I believe that is one of his mothers magazines and he was just skimming the pictures. Definitely want to get this choice right as I am enjoying being a grandpa.

 

[Johnb]

1 I like the life jackets that have flotation on the chest and behind the head, none on the back
2 Fit more like a vest - front and back joined - arms go through arm holes
3 Have a crotch strap (now needed for certification)
4 We use Stearns model 3001 for a 2 to 3 year old.
5 You really need to take the kid(s) in and see it fitted
6 They don't fit for all that long, kids grow like corn
7 I won't let them in swimming pools due to chlorine deteriorating the fabric.

 

[Kingjim91]

Here's a pic of my grandson in a Lil' Legends Mustang Survival. I think I bought it at West Marine. Fortunately, never had to use it.
I think the important features are floatation on the front and a collar, so the little guy will always be face up. And good straps to keep him in it.

 

[BJV]

Salus Bijou, best designed infant jacket I have ever seen.
even used it to safely transfer grandson to/from dingy and mothership.

 

[thinwater]

Bear in mind that at this time of year a PFD on a small child is inviting heat stroke (the OP is in a hot area--92F today). You're putting a thick coat on a person with limited dehydration tolerance and low body mass.

Legal or not, we used small harnesses (with crotch strap) with great success. We had PFDs for dingy rides, in the water, etc. IMHO our one-size-fits-all regulatory system doesn't fit every situation. I felt a harness was safer.

If I had felt a full-time PFD was required for safety, we would have stayed home through the heat of the summer; heat stroke is serious business.