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Infant Life Vest

ECT2012ECT2012 member
in Toddlers: 12 - 24 Months

I'm trying to find a life jacket for J for our upcoming vacations - I have found two that are in the price range that we'd been hoping for - one is for infants under 30 lb and one says it's an "infant vest up to 50 lb."

 Anyone have any idea if the second would be okay? Obviously we'd like to get the one up to 50 lb since we could use it next year also, but it seems like it would be huge this year? Hard to visualize!

Thanks!

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Re: Infant Life Vest

  • KELLILOVESJOSHKELLILOVESJOSH member
    It depends on the brand but they usually aren't that big and will have adjustable straps, just make sure it has the head support, we have one without and my 18month old cant stay upright by herself.
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  • cattyninecattynine member

    We just bought one and it only goes up to 30 lbs. DD weighs 25 lbs. *sigh*  So I guess next year we have to just buy another one.  I just felt like the 30-50lb one would be too big. 

    I guess we'll just eventually have 2 and it will work out when we have 2 kids. 

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  • JENandJEHJENandJEH member
    I would go with the 30lb one because their weight gain really slows down in the toddler years.  DS1 was 21lbs at a year and didn't hit 30lbs until he was 4.  We found with DS1 that once he was big enough to use a PuddleJumper, he was much happier in the pool and could move around better so I would probably go with the least expensive life jacket that will get the job done until he fits into a PuddleJumper.  
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  • JWSchwarzJWSchwarz member

    If it doesn't fit right, it is very dangerous so go with the one that fits now. Also, the local pool here doesn't even allow any flotation device for 1-2 year old's. She should be within arms reach at all times.

    A lot of times a life vest will keep them above water, but they will tilt forward and face goes in pool and they can't flip themselves up. I know that sounds terrible but I would really rethink why you think a 1 year old needs a life vest more than constant supervision/being held in the pool at all times.

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  • cattyninecattynine member
    imageJWSchwarz:

    If it doesn't fit right, it is very dangerous so go with the one that fits now. Also, the local pool here doesn't even allow any flotation device for 1-2 year old's. She should be within arms reach at all times.

    A lot of times a life vest will keep them above water, but they will tilt forward and face goes in pool and they can't flip themselves up. I know that sounds terrible but I would really rethink why you think a 1 year old needs a life vest more than constant supervision/being held in the pool at all times.

     We needed a life vest for DD because we plan to go boating this summer. But I see your point about using them in pools. 

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  • ECT2012ECT2012 member

    Ours is for being on a boat as well - asking about the fit of it because I believe she has to be wearing one at all times while she's on a boat. Hopefully she won't need to actually use it!

    No need to jump to a preachy conclusion. :)

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  • mben1119mben1119 member

    The 50 lb one is usually for kids between 30-50 lbs.

    And, please make sure your life vest is USCG approved.

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  • lolinshaglolinshag member

    One with more flotation in the front helps a child in the water keep his/her face out if struggling. If it has more in the back or is equally spread out the child can tip forward and not be able to get his face out of the water causing him/her to drown. As a scuba instructor for years I learned to love a vest that had extra "float" in the front to help the child (or adult) stay face up even if unconscious. 

    Here is an example of what I mean. https://www.saferkidsandhomes.com/assets/images/Salus_Marine_Wear_Baby_Bijoux_Life_Vest_Red.JPG (Sorry couldn't get the PIP to work)

    Here is another where you can see the lack of flotation in the back.

    https://photos2.demandstudios.com/DM-Resize/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/117/22/88017566_XS.jpg?h=468&w=646&keep_ratio=1 

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  • cber52cber52

    we had bought a nylon coast guard approved vest from a sporting goods store for our newborn last summer (born 6/12), and we hated it.... this we bought another coast guard approved vest that is neoprene- it does not ride up as much, seems to be more tolerable for her to be in, and breathes better for her. only a few dollars difference, and we love it!  found it at Overtons.com

    Hope this helps!

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