Life Jackets for Babies and Children: Sizes and When to Wear Them

Babies and children need a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket sized for their weight right now, with a collar to support the head and a strap between the legs for young children. Water Safety USA says infants and younger children should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket with both a collar for head support and a strap between the legs (opens in a new tab).

Children should wear one on every boat ride, and whenever they are in or near lakes, rivers or the ocean. This guide explains sizes, features, the rules and how to make it a habit.

Infant, child and youth sizes

Life jackets are sized by weight. The Coast Guard uses four broad categories:

Source: U.S. Coast Guard (opens in a new tab).

Always go by the exact range on your jacket's label, which also lists a chest size. The Coast Guard says to check the label for user weight and chest size (opens in a new tab). Water Safety USA notes that there are many manufacturers and styles so fit may differ (opens in a new tab), so try it on.

Buy for today, not next year. The Safe Boating Campaign says to never buy a life jacket for a child to grow into (opens in a new tab). Water Safety USA agrees: do not buy a life jacket for your child to "grow into." (opens in a new tab) A jacket that is too big can ride up around the face.

Adult jackets don't work. The Coast Guard says adult-sized lifejackets and buoyancy aids may not work for children (opens in a new tab). Its life jacket guide puts it even more simply: life jackets designed for adults will not work for children! (opens in a new tab)

Head support and crotch straps

For babies, toddlers and young children, look for:

• A collar for head support, as Water Safety USA advises for infants and younger children.
• A strap between the legs (sometimes called a crotch strap).
• A strap or handle for lifting. The Safe Boating Campaign notes many children's jackets include straps for pulling children from the water and head support (opens in a new tab).
• The Coast Guard approval printed on the label.
• Foam, not inflatable. The Coast Guard's guide says inflatable life jackets are not for children under 16 or non-swimmers (opens in a new tab).

Not every approved jacket floats a child the same way. Water Safety USA says some will rotate a person so they are face up if they become unconscious and some will not (opens in a new tab), so check the label and test it.

Then do the fit test: fasten everything, lift gently by the shoulders, and make sure the jacket doesn't ride up over the chin or ears. Step-by-step instructions are in the life jacket fit test.

When children should wear one

On any boat. The Coast Guard says federal law requires that when a vessel is underway, children under 13 years of age must wear a USCG Approved lifejacket or buoyancy aid (opens in a new tab). There are exceptions for children below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

State rules can be different. The Coast Guard says state laws may vary (opens in a new tab), and its federal requirements guide says that if a state has its own child life jacket rule, the State's requirement will be applicable (opens in a new tab) on that state's waters. To check your state, use NASBLA's state boating contacts (opens in a new tab) or its state law dashboards (opens in a new tab). Rules can change, so confirm with the state agency.

In and near natural water. CDC says life jackets should be used by children for all activities while in and around natural water (opens in a new tab). The AAP says children should always wear life jackets when in, on, or near natural bodies of water (opens in a new tab), such as lakes or rivers.

Around pools, for weak swimmers. The AAP says children and others who lack strong swim skills should also wear life jackets when at a pool or water park (opens in a new tab). Water Safety USA says preschool children who are not within an arm's reach of an adult should wear one.

Babies on boats

Babies can't help themselves in the water at all. If you take a baby boating:

• Use an infant-size, Coast Guard-approved jacket that fits their current weight, with a collar and a leg strap.
• Test it first in calm, shallow water, as the Coast Guard advises: try the life jacket in shallow water under safe and supervised conditions (opens in a new tab). Hold your baby the whole time.
• Stay within arm's reach at all times, and keep the baby in a safe, seated spot, away from the edges.
• Pick calm water and short trips, and check the weather before you go.
• Make sure every adult wears a jacket too. You can't help your baby if you are struggling in the water.

The Coast Guard's propeller safety advice also applies: children should be watched carefully at all times – it only takes a second to fall overboard (opens in a new tab).

Getting kids to keep it on

A jacket only works if it stays on. Ideas that help:

• Wear yours. The AAP says children and others riding on boats should wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets, with adults modeling use (opens in a new tab).
• Let them choose. Many children's jackets come in bright colors or with cartoon characters, as the Safe Boating Campaign notes.
• Practice in a pool so they know how it feels to float.
• Make it a rule, not a choice: "Jackets on before we step on the dock."
• Check comfort. A jacket that rubs or is too tight won't stay on. Adjust straps or try another style.

What you can do today

1. Weigh your child and check the weight range on their life jacket label.
2. Do the fit test with the Does Your Life Jacket Fit? as a guide.
3. Use the Life jacket finder if you need a new jacket.
4. Look up your state's child life jacket rule through NASBLA's state contacts (opens in a new tab).
5. Read our guide to water wings, floaties and swim vests before your next pool or beach day, and our water safety guide for toddlers.