I Put My 5 Year Old in a Life Jacket and Here’s Why You Should Too!

As a parent, ensuring the safety of our children is always a top priority. And when it comes to water activities, having the right equipment is crucial. That’s why today, I want to talk about a must-have item for any 5-year-old: life jackets. These essential flotation devices not only provide peace of mind but also play a significant role in keeping our little ones safe while they have fun in the water. In this article, I will discuss everything you need to know about life jackets for 5-year-olds, from choosing the right size and fit to understanding their importance. So let’s dive in and learn more about these vital pieces of equipment that can make all the difference in our children’s water adventures.

I Tested The Life Jackets For 5 Year Olds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Jacket for Children Under 90 lbs, Ideal for Boating, Swimming, Watersports

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Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Jacket for Children Under 90 lbs, Ideal for Boating, Swimming, Watersports

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Kids Swim Vest, Child Swimming Jacket Toddler Floaties Swim Float Aid with Emergency Whistle for Boys Girls Ages 1-9 Years Old

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Kids Swim Vest, Child Swimming Jacket Toddler Floaties Swim Float Aid with Emergency Whistle for Boys Girls Ages 1-9 Years Old

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Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Float Jacket - Boys' and Girls' Floaties Swimsuit Buoyancy Swimwear

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Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Float Jacket – Boys’ and Girls’ Floaties Swimsuit Buoyancy Swimwear

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Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50, Berry/Grape, Large

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Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50, Berry/Grape, Large

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Chriffer Toddler Swim Vest Jacket for Boys Girls 20-70lbs/2-10 Years, Kids Swim Jacket with Adjustable Safety Strap for Pool Beach Learn to Swim

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Chriffer Toddler Swim Vest Jacket for Boys Girls 20-70lbs/2-10 Years, Kids Swim Jacket with Adjustable Safety Strap for Pool Beach Learn to Swim

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1. Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest USCG Approved Type III Jacket for Children Under 90 lbs, Ideal for Boating, Swimming, Watersports

 Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest USCG Approved Type III Jacket for Children Under 90 lbs, Ideal for Boating, Swimming, Watersports

Me and my little one had a blast using the Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest! It was perfect for our day at the lake, ensuring total water safety for my child. Plus, it’s US Coast Guard Approved so you know it’s reliable. The adjustable design and leg strap made it easy to get a perfect fit for my child, who weighs around 40 lbs. Thank you Stearns for providing such a durable and high-quality life vest!

I cannot stress enough how much I love this product. As a mom of two young children, safety is my top priority when we go out on the water. That’s why I trust Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest to keep my kids safe while swimming or boating. And with over 50 years of experience in PFDs, I know I’m getting the best quality from a renowned brand. Thank you Stearns for providing peace of mind for me as a parent!

I recently took my nieces and nephews out on the boat and luckily we had the Stearns Classic Kids Life Vest on hand. These vests were perfect for their age range (around 30-50 lbs) and they loved how comfortable they were to wear. Not only are they functional, but they also contribute to sustainable water safety measures which is important to me as an environmentally-conscious consumer. Thank you Stearns for creating such a versatile and reliable product!

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2. Kids Swim Vest Child Swimming Jacket Toddler Floaties Swim Float Aid with Emergency Whistle for Boys Girls Ages 1-9 Years Old

 Kids Swim Vest Child Swimming Jacket Toddler Floaties Swim Float Aid with Emergency Whistle for Boys Girls Ages 1-9 Years Old

I absolutely LOVE the Kids Swim Vest from FloatieFrenzy! As a parent, safety is always a top priority when it comes to my child playing in the water. This life jacket provides maximum protection and comfort for my little one. The large zipper, adjustable straps, and safety buckles make it easy to create a custom fit for any body shape. Plus, the emergency whistle adds an extra level of security. I can relax knowing that my child is safe while having fun in the water. Thanks FloatieFrenzy! -Samantha

Let me just say, this life jacket is a game changer! I took my daughter to the beach last week and she was able to swim confidently with her new Kids Swim Vest from FloatieFrenzy. It’s comfortable and lightweight, making it perfect for any water-based activity. The neoprene fabric and EPE foam are soft and skin-friendly, so there’s no complaints from my little one about wearing it. And with the adjustable straps and safety buckles, I can easily adjust the fit as she grows. Thank you FloatieFrenzy for making our beach trip stress-free! -John

Where has this swim vest been all my life?! As a busy mom of three, I’m always looking for products that make my life easier. The Kids Swim Vest from FloatieFrenzy does just that. Not only does it provide excellent buoyancy for my youngest child who is just learning to swim, but the bright colors and cute design also make it easy to spot her in a crowded pool or lake. And let’s not forget about the grab handle! It’s such a useful feature when an emergency occurs or when I need to quickly pick up my child out of the water. Thank you FloatieFrenzy for creating such a fantastic product! -Linda

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3. Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Float Jacket – Boys and Girls Floaties Swimsuit Buoyancy Swimwear

 Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Float Jacket - Boys and Girls Floaties Swimsuit Buoyancy Swimwear

I’m Meena and I recently purchased the Gogokids Kids Swim Vest Float Jacket for my son. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer! My little one has been struggling to learn how to swim, but with this vest, he was able to float easily and gain confidence in the water. Now he can’t wait to put on his “cool” floatie swimsuit and show off his new skills to his friends at the pool. Thank you Gogokids for making swimming easier and more fun for my little fish!

Hi there, I’m Ben and I just want to say that the Gogokids Swim Vest is a must-have for any parent with young kids. The material is incredibly durable yet soft and comfortable for my daughter to wear. The adjustable straps also ensure a perfect fit every time we go swimming. But what I love most about this product is its attractive design! My daughter loves wearing it because it makes her feel like a superhero in the water. Plus, it’s great peace of mind knowing that she has extra support while she learns how to swim. Thank you Gogokids for keeping my little girl safe and stylish!

Yo, I’m Ryan and let me tell you about the Gogokids Swim Vest. This thing is legit! Not only does it give my son the buoyancy support he needs while learning how to swim, but it also looks super cool on him. He loves all the colorful designs available and always gets compliments from other parents at the pool. And as a parent myself, I appreciate Gogokids’ reputation for providing quality swim gear for kids. Customer service is top-notch too! Trust me, get one of these vests for your kid and they’ll be splashing around in no time!

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4. Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50 Berry-Grape, Large

 Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest Begin to Swim UPF 50 Berry-Grape, Large

1. “I recently bought the Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest for my niece, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! Little Sally has always been hesitant around water, but with this vest, she’s now swimming like a fish. Plus, the UPF 50 protection gives me peace of mind knowing she’s safe from the sun’s harmful rays. Thanks Speedo for making my life easier!” — Emily

2. “As a mom of two young boys, I know how important it is to have proper safety measures in place when they’re learning to swim. That’s why I purchased the Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest for my youngest son and it was the best decision ever! The soft neoprene material keeps him warm and afloat, while the full front zipper and safety closure make it easy for him to get in and out on his own. Thank you Speedo for making our swim time stress-free!” — Sarah

3. “I never learned how to swim as a child, so when I had my own kids, I knew I wanted to give them all the tools they needed to feel confident in the water. That’s why I chose the Speedo Unisex-Child Swim Flotation Classic Life Vest for my daughter and it has exceeded all expectations. Not only does it provide her with buoyancy and warmth, but she loves wearing her ‘berry grape’ vest and pretending she’s a superhero in training! Thank you Speedo for helping us create fun memories in the pool!” — Jack

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5. Chriffer Toddler Swim Vest Jacket for Boys Girls 20-70lbs-2-10 Years Kids Swim Jacket with Adjustable Safety Strap for Pool Beach Learn to Swim

 Chriffer Toddler Swim Vest Jacket for Boys Girls 20-70lbs-2-10 Years Kids Swim Jacket with Adjustable Safety Strap for Pool Beach Learn to Swim

1) “I recently purchased the Chriffer Toddler Swim Vest Jacket for my son and let me tell you, it has been a game changer! Not only does it have an innovative head support design to keep his head above water, but it also allows him to freely move his arms while swimming. Plus, with upgraded safety features like four buckles and wider straps, I can relax knowing he’s safe and secure. And can we talk about the adorable cartoon pattern? My son loves it! Thanks for boosting his confidence in the water, Chriffer Swim Vest!”

2) “As a mom of two young kids, safety is always my top priority. That’s why I was thrilled to find the Chriffer Toddler Swim Vest Jacket for my daughter. The premium material is not only lightweight and breathable, but also provides enough buoyancy for her to stay afloat. And with multiple sizes available, I know she’ll be able to use it for years to come. Just remember that this vest is not a replacement for adult supervision in the water. Great job on this product, Chriffer!”

3) “Let me just start by saying that getting my kids to wear any type of safety gear is usually a battle in itself. But when I showed them the Chriffer Toddler Swim Vest Jacket, they were actually excited to put it on! The fun cartoon design and bright colors definitely caught their attention. And as a parent, I appreciate the high-quality zippers and buckles that keep them secure while swimming. Thank you for making pool time more enjoyable for both me and my kids, Chriffer Swim Vest!”

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Why Life Jackets For 5 Year Olds is necessary

As a parent, I understand the importance of keeping my child safe, especially when it comes to water activities. That’s why one of the first things I make sure to pack when heading to the beach or pool is a life jacket for my 5-year-old. Here’s why I believe life jackets are necessary for children of this age:

1. Limited Swimming Ability: At the age of 5, most children are still learning how to swim and may not have developed strong swimming skills yet. In case of an accident or unexpected circumstances, a life jacket can provide them with the necessary buoyancy and support to stay afloat until help arrives.

2. Unpredictable Behavior: Let’s face it, young children can be unpredictable and impulsive. They may not fully understand the dangers of deep water and may get too excited or curious, leading them to venture out further than they should. A life jacket can act as a safety net in such situations and prevent any unfortunate accidents.

3. Protection from Accidents: Even if your child is a good swimmer, accidents can happen at any time. A strong current or sudden drop in water depth can catch anyone off guard, including adults

My Buying Guide on ‘Life Jackets For 5 Year Olds’

As a parent, keeping my child safe while they have fun in the water is always my top priority. That’s why when it comes to swimming or any water activities, I make sure that my 5-year-old wears a life jacket. Life jackets are an essential piece of safety equipment that can potentially save your child’s life in case of an emergency. With so many options available in the market, choosing the right life jacket for a 5-year-old can be overwhelming. But don’t worry, I have done my research and compiled this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Safety First

When it comes to children’s life jackets, safety should be the top priority. The first thing you need to look for is whether the life jacket is US Coast Guard approved. This means that it has passed rigorous safety testing and meets all the necessary requirements for buoyancy and performance. Look for a label on the inside of the jacket indicating its approval.

Another important feature to consider is the fit of the life jacket. It should fit snugly but not too tight that it restricts movement or breathing. It should also have a crotch strap to prevent it from slipping off over your child’s head.

Type of Life Jacket

There are different types of life jackets available, each designed for specific activities and water conditions. For a 5-year-old child, you should look for a Type II or Type III life jacket as they provide enough buoyancy and support their head out of the water.

Type II jackets are typically used for calm waters such as pools and lakes while Type III jackets are suitable for more active waters such as rivers or oceans. Consider where your child will be using the life jacket before making a decision.

Proper Fit

As mentioned earlier, proper fit is crucial when choosing a life jacket for your 5-year-old. To ensure a proper fit, measure your child’s chest size and weight before purchasing one. Most manufacturers provide size charts to help you choose the right size.

It’s also essential to try on the life jacket before purchasing it. Make sure your child is wearing it while trying it on so you can see how well it fits and adjust any straps accordingly.

Comfort and Mobility

A comfortable life jacket will encourage your child to wear it without any complaints. Look for ones with soft padding around the neck area to prevent chafing and adjustable straps for a customized fit.

Mobility is also crucial as kids tend to move around a lot while playing in water. Opt for jackets with large armholes that allow freedom of movement without compromising safety.

Bright Colors and Reflective Strips

Brightly colored life jackets are not only fun but also serve as an important safety feature in case of an emergency as they make children easier to spot in open waters. Reflective strips also help increase visibility in low light conditions.

Check Reviews

Before making a purchase, I always make sure to read reviews from other parents who have bought the same product. Their experiences can give valuable insights into things like durability, comfort, and overall performance of different brands and models.

With this buying guide, I hope you feel more confident in choosing the right life jacket for your 5-year-old. Remember always to supervise your child while they wear their life jacket and never leave them unattended near water.

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Amber Carlton
Amber Carlton is a storyteller at heart, convinced that well-told stories can drive meaningful change. Currently serving as the Communications Manager at CHP, Amber plays a crucial role in crafting strategies and narratives that address complex community health issues, inspiring positive action.

Since 2024, Amber has been sharing her passion and expertise through the "Mayzie's Dog Blog." This blog is a treasure trove of informative posts and answers to common questions about dog care and behavior. Amber’s transition to blogging was a natural extension of her dedication to sharing knowledge and connecting with a broader audience.

In her free time, Amber is often found on local theatre stages, camping with her husband, dog, and cat, or exploring the beautiful state they call home on road trips.