When selecting a lifejacket for toddlers for sailing, it’s important to prioritize safety, comfort, and practicality. Here are the key features to look for and some of the best options available:
Key Features to Look For:
- Face-Up Flotation: The lifejacket should be designed to turn the child face-up in the water to keep their airway clear. This feature is typically found in Type II lifejackets, which are specifically designed for infants and toddlers.
- Crotch Strap: A strap that goes through the legs is essential to prevent the lifejacket from riding up over the child’s head, ensuring a secure and snug fit.
- Grab Handle: A handle on the back of the lifejacket allows for quick and easy retrieval of the child from the water, which is particularly important in emergency situations on a sailboat.
- Comfort: The lifejacket should be comfortable enough for extended wear. Look for models made with soft, breathable materials that minimize chafing and allow freedom of movement.
Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends 100
Why It’s Great: This lifejacket is known for its excellent face-up flotation capability and includes a crotch strap and grab handle. It’s designed to be breathable and comfortable for all-day wear, making it ideal for serious sailing conditions. This model is particularly well-suited for offshore sailing​.
Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved Life Vest for Infants-Red/White/Blue-Small
Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket
Why It’s Great: This Type II lifejacket offers robust safety features including face-up flotation, a double-collar for head support, a crotch strap, and a grab handle. It’s also comfortable and allows for a good range of movement, which helps keep toddlers happy while wearing it.
Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket
Why It’s Great: This Type II lifejacket offers robust safety features including face-up flotation, a double-collar for head support, a crotch strap, and a grab handle. It’s also comfortable and allows for a good range of movement, which helps keep toddlers happy while wearing it.
Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved Life Vest for Infants-Red/White/Blue-Small
O’Neill Infant Superlite Life Vest
Why It’s Great: Lightweight and designed with a supportive head panel, this vest ensures that the child’s head remains out of the water. It also features a crotch strap and grab handle. The bright colors enhance visibility, which is another safety benefit when out on the water
Stearns Infant Classic Series Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket for Kids Under 30lbs
Stearns Infant Classic Series Vest
Why It’s Great: This lifejacket is a reliable and budget-friendly option that still offers essential safety features like a secure fit with a crotch strap and a grab handle. It’s designed to keep the child face-up in the water and is made with soft, durable materials.
Stearns Infant Classic Series Vest
Why It’s Great: This lifejacket is a reliable and budget-friendly option that still offers essential safety features like a secure fit with a crotch strap and a grab handle. It’s designed to keep the child face-up in the water and is made with soft, durable materials.
Stearns Infant Classic Series Life Vest, USCG Approved Type III Life Jacket for Kids Under 30lbs
Full Throttle Infant Baby Safe Vest
Why It’s Great: This vest is designed for comfort and safety with an oversized collar for head support, a crotch strap, and a grab handle. It’s also Coast Guard-approved for infants, making it a solid choice for parents looking for added security on the water​.
Conclusion
For sailing with toddlers, the Mustang Survival Lil’ Legends 100 and Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket are particularly strong choices due to their balance of safety and comfort features. However, all the listed lifejackets provide the critical safety elements required for ensuring your toddler’s safety on a sailboat. Always ensure proper fit and wearability before setting out on the water.
