Do you have a child who experiences challenges in the water and are looking for a special needs life jacket to keep 
them safe?
There are SO many life jackets on the market today it can be a daunting task on choosing the RIGHT life jacket for your kiddo.
So how do you know which one is best?
Look no further because here are the TOP 4 highly reviewed and rated life jackets on the market today tailored to children with special needs.
TRC Recreation Kids Super Soft USCG Vest
Price: ==> Click here for the BEST current price <== | Ages: 3-8 years | Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Color Option(s): Pink, Lime Green, Blue, Orange, Yellow
Available Size(s):
- X-small recommended for ages 3-5 years (21” – 23” chest size 30 – 50 lbs)
- Small recommended for ages 5-7 years ( 23”-24” chest size 30 – 50 lbs)
- Medium recommended for ages 6-8 years (26-29″ Chest Weight: 50 – 90 lbs)
If your little one has a sensory issue or is picky about they wear, this may be a great option for you.
The life jacket is very soft, super comfy, and squishy when it hugs around your child which can ultimately create a soothing and calming experience for them.
Plus, this life jacket can give your child the confidence boost they need to learn to swim in the water.
Most importantly, this life jacket is the most comfortable U.S. Coast Guard approved vest on the market is used at most of the popular water theme parks and resorts.
What Reviewers are Sharing …
Overall, the ratings were VERY positive. The majority of customers share how COMFORTABLE the vest is when their child wears it. There is no chaffing and no rubbing on your child’s skin like some cloth life jackets do.
Stearns Heads-Up Child Vest
Price: ==> Click here for the BEST current price <== | Ages: 2-6 years (30 to 50 pounds) | Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Color Option(s): Green/Gray
Available Size(s): Child and Youth
‘SAFETY FIRST’ are the two words that ring in my mind when I think about the Stearns Heads-Up Child Vest.
One of the main reasons I believe this jacket has one of the TOP ratings is because of the extra contoured float above the neck (which acts like a pillow) to encourage face-up flotation. This is such an important safety feature!
There is also a rescue handle to allow you to move your kiddo easily from the water or the boat.
Another safety perk is the material of the life jacket is very bright and reflective. It will allow you to spot your child in a flash!
There are two adjustable chest straps and a hydroprene-material-covered crotch strap (which is super soft lightweight material) to ensure it fits snug for when your child is playing or swimming in the water.
Your kiddo can have a blast moving and shaking around in this life vest because it’s made up of durable polyester and nylon material.
Plus, it is the ULTIMATE jacket to withstand wear and tear.
What Reviewers are Sharing …
One of the top rated life jackets for kids, here are the postive common remarks shared about how the life vest works for their child:
- Fits well
- Affordable for the quality
- Very comfortable
- Highly recommended to others
- Gives you a peace of mind with the safety of the chest straps, crotch strap, and rescue handle
Stohlquist Toddler Life Jacket Coast Guard Approved Life Vest for Infants
Price: ==> Click here for the BEST current price <== | Ages: Infant (8 to 30 pounds) | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Color Option(s): Blue/Black, Red/Yellow, and Yellow/Blue
Available Size(s): One size, 8 to 30 pounds
When you have a baby, supporting their head is a MUST. Usually around 6 months is when this is no longer needed.
What I love about this life jacket and buoyancy aid for Infants is the comfy dual support collar which craddles their head.
There is a front zipper entry and adjustable crotch strap to secure the jacket in place so your little one isn’t wiggling around too much.
What’s great about the design of the jacket vest is the freedom of movement it allows your child to have to paddle or kick. A major bonus in my book is the convenient grab handle for you to hold onto on the back of the jacket to help your kiddo stay safe AND it’s US Coast Guard approved!
What Reviewers are Sharing …
The majority of reviewers were very happy and a common feature customers really love is the neck support and comfort it provides their child! On the flip side, some customers did share the vest can be a little bulky (depending on the weight and size of your kiddo).
Stearns Youth Boating Vest
Price: ==> Click here for the BEST current price <== | Ages: 6-16 years (50 to 90 pounds) | Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Color Option(s): Blue or Red
Available Size(s): 1 size, 50 to 90 pounds
Again, ‘Safety first’ are the two words that pop in my mind when I see the brand ‘Stearns’ life jackets. This one is also US Coast Guard approved.
Just a little history note on ‘Stearns’ products … since 2008, they have been the most recognized player in the life jacket industry. They definitely have been in this niche for a while now and provide a GREAT quality life jacket.
The ‘Youth Boating Vest’ has a comfy open-sided design and 3 adjustable buckles for a snug fit to allow your kiddo to move around more freely.
It’s great to wear during different water adventures such as boating, swimming, or tubing because of naturally fitted design!
What Reviewers are Sharing …
Overall, reviewers were extremely pleased with how the life jacket fits their child, it is quality made, easy on the pocket book, and adheres to proper safety guidelines for boating vests.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right size life vest is SUPER important.
A good rule of thumb is to always read the manufacture’s recommendations on sizing, which will usually be based 
upon the child’s weight.
The life jacket needs to fit snug (but NOT be overly tight), all fasteners should be able to close, and the jacket should be worn for the appropriate activity your kiddo needs the life vest for.
If there are other life vests you would recommend, questions you may have, or anything you’d like to add that I did not cover in this post, please share in the comments section below.
If you found value in this post, please click the sidebar link to share these top special needs life jacket recommendations with another parent. 🙂
I strive to make the content I create as helpful as possible for you … as a fellow parent looking out for their most precious gift.
THANK YOU for stopping by today!
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Karin Nauber
I really like the Stearns Heads-Up Child Vest. It looks like it would provide the comfort and security my 7 year old granddaughter needs. However, she is a bit larger than the 30-50 pound weight. She is closer to 100 pounds. The other vests are hot and uncomfortable and she gets bored easily if she is hot and uncomfortable. In your research, have you found a life best for a sensory disorder child who is heavier set? My granddaughter loves to play in the water. She would be in it all day if we would let her. But we need the safety of a vest that is comfortable and not too hot. Any suggestions? We are out of options locally.
Lindsey Kovach
Thanks for sharing and taking the time to learn about the different life jacket options for your granddaughter! Glad you found value in the post. I believe one of the top sensory life vests (which is more of a floating aid) but still assists with swimming, allows a child the freedom to move around, and it’s very comfortable bc it’s made out of 100% polyester is the Tyr Kids Progressive Swim Aid you may want to look into. It’s sensory friendly material that a lot of kiddos enjoy wearing. Hopefully that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. 🙂
Nathan
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Lindsey Kovach
Thank you for your kind words and for your sharing your thoughts about the information on our website. Cheers!
Sherry
As parents, putting the right precautions in advance for kids especially when it has to do with swimming can never be enough as this can be the deciding factor in some very dangerous circumstances for the kids. Seeing what you have shared here concerning life jacket and the various ones that you have reviewed is great. Actually I like the Kiefer Cushion Float Collar among all the ones you have reviewed here.
Lindsey Kovach
Thanks so much Sherry, I appreciate you letting me know your thoughts and glad you enjoyed the Kiefer Cushion Float Collar. 🙂
Gaurav Gaur
Hi, Lindsey.
thanks for doing the proper research and product reviews for kids life jacket and sharing the best with us. I like the second option – Kiefer Cushion Float Collar. it is so simple to use and a perfect design for the little kid. I was searching for a gift for my sister’s daughter and I happen to be on the website. What a perfect gift with safety and peace of mind on the pool.
Warm Regards,
Gaurav Gaur
Lindsey Kovach
Thank you for sharing Gaurav! Glad you found the post helpful and a life jacket that you like. 🙂
Richard Reichmann
Fantastic products. When I had my boats and had children onboard they were my number one priority. We would never leave the dock without have life vest on all the children prior to boarding and all adults prior to departure.
Every one of your products seems to meet all of the Coast Guard Safety Standards. Thank you for sharing and market these lifesaving devices. Please update us as you add new products to you line.
Lindsey Kovach
Hey Richard, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! I appreciate you taking the time to share your story. You’re right, life vest’s are so important. I will definitely keep you all in the loop when new products emerge that meet the highest standards of safety (as well as quality for our children).
Fran
This post was a difficult one for me to read, as many years ago my 6-year-old daughter drowned. We were staying at a cabin on a lake; she asked if she could go out and play in the water. We said yes, but to be sure she put on her life jacket.
Twenty minutes later, we went to check on her, and noticed with great concern that her life jacket was still hanging on the line. When we reached the lake, we discovered she had fallen off the little pier into about two feet of water. She apparently hit her head on something — she was on her back and no longer alive.
I hope that anyone reading this remark who has a small child will buy one of these life jackets if you are taking that child swimming, and then be diligent enough to make sure the child wears it. I’ve punished myself extensively for not making sure my daughter was wearing hers. Such equipment is essential both for the child’s safety and for your own peace of mind.
Lindsey Kovach
Fran, reading your story was deeply moving. I am so so sorry for your loss and can’t even imagine what you went through (and still are going through). Thank you so much for sharing your story to help other families reading this post. That was such a compassionate choice you made to be vulnerable and tell us about your daughter. I am grateful to have crossed paths with you through this post. Keep on inspiring those around you!