Best Floatie For Kids

Just like cooking and driving, teaching our children how to swim can prove to be empowering and can help boost their confidence and self esteem.

If you have a toddler or young kid learning how to swim, I recommend Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jackets.

The Puddle Jumper is designed to give kids more confidence in the water by combining the security of floaties or “swimmie” arms with a flotation pad that goes across the chest that attaches to the flotation arms. One large strap is fastened in the back with a secure clasp (using a clasp similar to the ones found on regular life jackets).

Very funny Dylan, ha ha.

What I like about this life jacket/flotation device is that not only does it gives children the confidence in swimming, it also gives parents peace of mind that the kids won’t slip through the vest.

Cool design: The Puddle Jumper is designed to help lift kids’ chins out of the water, unlike a regular life jacket that tends to ride up and force kids to float more on their back.

Why it works: The Puddle Jumper lets kids lean forward more to encourage swimming. It also offers more stability than a regular life jacket – and definitely better than just “floatie” arms. The strap in the back is securely fastened and will not come off easily.

Dylan started using the Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jacket just last month and he wasn’t quite ready to swim at first, but just after a few trips to the swimming pool (around 3-4 times), last week, he finally learned how to swim! Woohoo! I really think it’s one of the best ways for young kids and toddlers to quickly learn how to swim.

My son swimming (without a floatie) like a champ!

So proud of my boy!

Even though Dylan already knows how to swim, I still make him wear the Puddle Jumper especially when the swimming pool is deep and his feet can’t touch the bottom. I cannot tell you how relieved Tom and I are for having this vest for Dylan as he can move and swim freely in pools and at the beach without the life jacket riding up around his neck or fearing that he might slip out of the vest.

Watch this short vid:

The fun lasts longer for kids in the water with a Stearns Puddle Jumper Deluxe Life Jacket. The premium construction is made from woven polyester, a softer fabric for less chafing. The comfortable design also allows children 30-50 lbs. (13.6-22.7) The life jacket features a fun character on the front for more fun in the water.

Epperson-approved:

• US Coast Guard-approved when worn on boats
• Quality graphics stay bright and colorful for years to come
• Woven polyester for softer fabric with less chafing
• Learn-to-swim aid for beginners in the water
• Comfortable design, more freedom to swim and play
• Fits kids 30 – 50 lbs. (13.6 kg – 22.7 kg)

Tip: Make sure to measure the circumference of you child’s chest before buying online as the life vest size runs small (minimum chest 19.5″, estimate maximum chest 23.5″). If your kid’s chest is bigger than 23.5 inches, it won’t fit. Sorry.

Where to buy:

I bought Dylan’s Deluxe (also available in Basic style, there is a slight difference in price and quality) Puddle Jumper in ‘Blue Camouflage’ from Amazon.com however, just last week I saw some in Toy Kingdom in Glorietta. I’m not sure if they still have stocks but you can check it out.

Enjoy summer with the kids and just keep on swimming!